Medium to large trucks weighs approximately 10,000 pounds, almost double the weight of an average motor vehicle, while tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo. Therefore being involved in a truck accident can be a life-changing event, and having in mind the massive size and weight of a large truck, it is more than clear incredible amounts of property damage and catastrophic injuries it can cause. When these kinds of accidents occur, those in passenger vehicles often do not merely walk away from the scene.
Many different types of truck accidents can lead to severe injury or, unfortunately, even death. The circumstances of every case are always different but there are some general steps that you should follow after the unfortunate accident since your actions afterward can greatly affect the chances of obtaining the maximum compensation.
Call the Police
The first thing that you should and legally have to do following a truck accident is contact state or local law enforcement officers as quickly as you can. Not only is this required by the state law, but it could be used as a potentially very important piece of evidence later on. Even if you think there is little or no damage, it is essential to file an accident report as it ensures that there is an investigation into exactly what happened that caused the accident and that there is an official accident report filed.
Get Medical Attention
Since we are dealing with massive vehicles colliding it is clear that almost every person who was injured in a commercial truck accident needs professional medical attention. If there is a severe medical emergency, that is undoubtedly the most crucial issue, as the ambulance should transport the victim to the nearest medical center right away. As for those who have sustained light or moderate injuries they are still advised to medical attention as quickly as possible. Even if you are feeling fine at the moment or do not know how extensive your injuries are, it is still imperative that you consult with a doctor and get a medical evaluation. Besides protecting your safety, you will not be able to bring a truck accident injury claim unless you provide complete medical documentation.
Contact Truck Accident Attorney
Nobody wants or even can go up against the big trucking company and its insurers by himself. That’s why one of the most important things you can do after getting involved in a truck accident is to contact an experienced attorney. There are sometimes specialized rules and regulations with some types of accidents where injury claims aim to be notoriously complex. Since the case can get too complicated when you are involved in a truck accident getting an experienced lawyer is strongly advised, regardless if you are sure the other person has caused the accident. Truck accident attorneys will take the necessary steps to conduct an investigation, protect the evidence, and communicate with the other parties involved in the case.
Document the Crash
It is highly recommended that you try to secure evidence and document the details of the accident. That means If you are physically able to, take photos at the scene. Take them many times from multiple angles and include shots of your vehicle, the truck, and if there are any, your injuries. The same goes for the police at the time of arriving at the scene. When talking about evidence, that surely includes witness statements and medical documents and records you have to keep during the process. The more evidence you possess, the better off you will be when the time comes to make a truck accident injury claim.
Be Careful with Your Words
In the emotional moments after the collision caring about the way you are saying things isn’t exactly the first thing on your mind. However, keep in mind that It’s very important to understand that there are some statements you should be careful about after a crash since they can have a huge effect on your settlement and the chances of obtaining full compensation. Phrases like, ‘I’m sorry’, ‘it’s my fault’, ‘i didn’t see you coming’, ‘he came out of nowhere’ can even directly indicate that at least you think you were at fault. By avoiding the phrases mentioned above and focusing on exchanging only contact information and providing details police need, you are making sure that none of it is used against you.
Accidents involving trucks are significantly more complex compared to a car crash. The best thing you can do in the aftermath of a crash of this kind is to try and stay as calm as you can and find the best legal attorneys to handle your case.