A semi truck accident is a serious matter that could result in life-long injuries. The key to protecting your rights after such an incident is knowing what to do following the crash.
For instance, you need to document evidence of property damage and the state of the motor vehicle. You want to provide testimony, which can help propel the case. Furthermore, you should contact a lawyer to pursue compensation for the injuries.
Find out more about what you need to do after a semi truck accident by reading the list below.
Ensure Safety
Check to see if you or anyone else who was in the accident is hurt. Call for emergency medical help right away if there are major injuries. If you can and it won’t make things worse, move your car to the side of the road or somewhere safe to avoid blocking traffic and causing more crashes.
Call the Police
In many places, it is against the law to not tell the police about a car accident that hurts or kills people or causes a lot of damage to property. If you don’t, you could be breaking the law. Even if there don’t seem to be any injuries, it’s still a good idea to call the police. This can make it easier to record the accident and file an insurance claim.
Police officers are taught how to deal with accidents and write official police reports. When they get there, they will look at the situation, talk to witnesses, collect proof, and write down important information about what happened.
Exchange Information
Exchanging information with the other people involved in the truck accident is a very important step that helps speed up the insurance claims process and makes sure that all the information needed for any possible legal action is available. This can include details about your driver’s license, your insurance, and your car.
Stay relaxed and work with the other people involved while you share information. Don’t argue or talk about who was at fault. Insurance companies and officials are the best people to decide who is at fault.
Document the Scene
Taking the time to write down what happened at the accident scene can help you prove what happened, which could help your insurance claim or court case. Use your phone or any other camera you have to take photos and videos of the crash scene that are clear and full.
Write down or take a picture of what the weather and light were like when the accident happened. Conditions like rain, fog, or snow, as well as the sun’s position, can be important when trying to figure out what caused the accident.
Gather Witness Statements
Once you’ve found a possible witness, ask them nicely if they saw what happened and if they’d be able to give a statement. Ask for their help, but if they don’t want to help, respect their choice.
If the witness is ready to say what they saw right away, write down what they said. Take specific notes about what happened before the accident, where the vehicles were, and any other important information they can remember.
If you can and the witness agrees, use your phone to make an audio or video recording of what they say. This can help make sure their words are correct and keep them from being misunderstood in the future.
Contact an Attorney
Personal injury lawyers are experts at helping people who have been hurt in accidents, including semi truck crashes. They know how to deal with the complicated legal system and the insurance claims process and talk with the person who caused the accident or their insurance company.
The main job of an attorney is to look out for your legal rights and best interests. They can tell you what to say and do to keep your case from falling into traps that could hurt it.
You can go to court with a lawyer if you need to. If you can’t reach a fair deal through negotiations, they can file a lawsuit on your behalf and present your case to a court and jury. Click here for more information on how your attorney can help you.
Don’t Admit Fault
After a semi truck accident, it might not be clear right away who was really at fault. Accidents are often complicated and caused by a number of different things. If someone admits blame at the scene, it might not be based on all the facts and might not show what really happened.
When you say you were at fault, you help the other person’s insurance company. They can use what you say against you to limit or reject your claim, which means you’ll get less money for your injuries or damage to your property.
There may be civil consequences if you say you were wrong. If the other person decides to sue you for personal injury, your admission of fault could be used as proof against you.
Seek Medical Attention
A car accident injury may not always exhibit immediate symptoms. Adrenaline and shock after an accident can mask pain and other signs of injury, leading you to believe you are unharmed when, in fact, you may need medical attention.
Prompt medical evaluation ensures that any injuries are identified and treated early. Early intervention can prevent complications and promote faster recovery.
Notify Your Insurance Company
The contract between you and the insurance company is your car insurance policy. Most policies require you to report any accidents or events that could lead to a claim within a certain amount of time (usually as soon as possible or within a few days).
By telling your insurance company, you start the process of making a claim. The sooner you let them know about the accident, the sooner they can put an adjuster on your case and start looking into it.
Follow These Steps After a Semi Truck Accident
A semi truck accident can be frightening and difficult to process. It’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure safety and get the proper legal help. Making sure to get medical attention, exchanging insurance information, and taking photos is key.
It’s essential to find a truck accident lawyer who can get you the compensation and medical care you deserve. Take action now to secure the best possible outcome.
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