When you get involved in a truck accident, you may feel confused due to the chaotic scene. Depending on the depth of the accident, you will likely be in shock and pain. Knowing what to do can help your personal injury claim and protect your rights.
If you’re the victim of an accident, you can file for compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, lost employment, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, and many more. Here are questions to guide you on the crucial steps after a truck accident.
Stopping After a Truck Accident?
It is best to stop immediately after a truck accident happens. If possible, move your car away from traffic but close to the accident scene. Put on your hazard lights, and get out of the vehicle carefully. But remember to remain as calm as possible, no matter how terrifying it may be.
Involving the Police
Police play a crucial role in handling a truck accident. While you may take evidence from the scene, it is imperative to involve the police because they have adequate skills to deal with the accidents and record a well-outlined statement. If there are serious injuries, it is best to call the police or the local law enforcement agency immediately.
When talking to the police on the phone, give out your name and accident location to enable the police to locate the scene easily. Once police or the law enforcement agency arrives at the scene, illustrate how the accident occurred and give as many details as possible.
What If I Can’t Call the Police Because of Severe Injuries?
In some cases, you may not be able to reach out to the police because of the pain incurred from the accident. It is best to make an effort to reach out to the police when you start feeling better. However, ensure you collect as much evidence as possible to hold a strong case if you plan to file for compensation.
Collecting Evidence at the Scene
If you report the case to an insurance company or court, you must prove that the accident happened due to another person’s negligence. In this case, you will need concrete evidence to prove your claim. If not, you may not be able to recover what you lost in the accident.
The insurance company will do all it takes to defend itself against paying the plaintiff if there is no proof of fault. A truck accident lawyer such as Pacific West Injury Law could guide you if you failed to collect evidence.
Calling for Medical Help
It is imperative to seek medical help from a qualified physician as soon as possible to determine whether you got injured in the accident or not. Even if you do not feel any pain or see physical injuries, it is best to seek treatment immediately because you might have suffered internal injuries.
Information to Collect at the Scene
There is so much information you can collect from a truck accident. This includes the other driver’s:
- Name
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance company
- Policy number
- Driver’s license number
- Phone number
- Vehicle make and model
- Exact location, date, and time of the accident
You can speak to an experienced lawyer such as Pacific West Injury Law to guide you on the type of evidence to collect.
Is It My Responsibility to Help Others at the Accident Scene?
While truck accidents can cause severe injuries, you can help others if you feel strong enough. If you’re not severely injured and you can move, but another person is badly hurt and in pain, you can help them. You can call an ambulance or a doctor immediately. This could save a life.
What If the Other Driver Refuses to Give Me Information About Their Insurance?
If the other driver isn’t willing to furnish you with information about their insurance, call the police or a law enforcement agency to help you obtain insurance information. The law allows the enforcement agencies or police to ask for information.
Taking Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene
If you can take photographs and videos of the accident scene, go ahead and do it. Your lawyer and the insurance company may need the photos as evidence during the compensation process. Ensure you take clear photos of the vehicles and trucks involved, showing every area that got damaged.
What If I Was the Victim, But the Truck Driver did Not Stop or Report the Accident?
Report the accident immediately if you notice the other driver did not stop or report the accident. Whether you feel injured or not, it is imperative to report the accident within 24 hours. Delay in reporting can compromise your evidence and frustrate your efforts to receive compensation.
Report your injuries immediately to the police or law enforcement agency once they arrive at the accident scene. Describe the injuries and how they occurred during the accident. If other people stop at the scene before the authorities arrive, ask them to call 911 or the rescue squad for a faster response and aid.
What to Do If the Truck Was Unattended
It would be best to try as much as possible to find the name and personal details of the property owner to inform them about the accident. If not, leave a note behind showing your name, contact, license number, and vehicle registration number to enable the other driver to reach out to you. You should also report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
Consulting a Personal Injury Lawyer While at the Accident Scene
If you get involved in a truck accident, and the other driver blames you for causing the accident or playing a part in it, it is best to reach out to an experienced lawyer such as Pacific West Injury Law. The lawyer will analyze the accident and provide concrete evidence to the insurance company or court showing that the other driver was at fault.
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Whether you think you’re at fault or not after a truck accident, it is imperative to seek legal advice for a smooth process. A truck accident lawyer can advise and guide you through the processes and help you handle each step with ease. Have you been involved in a truck accident? Contact us today, and let us walk the journey with you.
