Being involved in an accident that includes a truck or large industrial vehicle usually results in much more serious consequences than an accident that involves two cars. Therefore, understanding the right steps to take if you have been in a truck accident can be essential for ensuring the safety of you and all other relevant parties, as well as safeguarding your legal rights.
What To Do At The Scene of the Accident?
Even if you are not seriously injured, being in a truck accident can leave you feeling very confused and disorientated, which is why knowing what to do is essential.
1. Assess The Injuries
Unfortunately, it is very likely that there will be some form of injury when a car accident involves a truck or large vehicle. Therefore, after getting in the accident, you should check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Once you have fully assessed your and your passenger’s physical state, you should move your car to a safe location before checking the other party’s injuries.
If anyone has been injured due to a truck accident, it is important that you do not try to move them from the vehicle unless they are in immediate danger. Instead, you should call the emergency services immediately and wait for their response. It is particularly important to avoid moving anyone who is experiencing any form of neck or back pain.
2. Exchange Information
Once you have ensured that everyone involved in the accident receives the medical support they require and that all drivers are in a safe location, you should exchange information. You should ask other parties for the following information:
- Names
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Home addresses
- Insurance details
When the truck driver is a different person from the owner of the truck, you should also ask for the information of the owner and the employing company.
3. Take Photographs
Once you have exchanged information, you will need to take photographs of the scene of the accident. First, of course, you will need to document the scene of the accident to show the road and weather conditions as well as the damages caused to other vehicles.
Soon After the Accident
Once you are in a safe location, you should take the following steps:
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
You should contact your insurance company as soon as you are safe to do so. Reporting the accident quickly puts the claims process in motion. It will also help you receive the benefits your policy entitles you to, whether a rental vehicle or metal support.
2. Contact a Lawyer
Not only are you recommended to talk to your insurance company but also a trained truck accident attorney. You will need to consult an accident attorney to ensure you are able to receive all the compensation you are entitled to.
3. Seek Medical Support
Even if you have not been seriously injured after an accident, it is important that you still consider seeking medical support. Even if you do not believe you are seriously injured, you might be harboring an injury that only becomes apparent months if not years later without the right medical check-up.
