What To Do If You’re In A Truck Accident: Post Accident Procedure
What To Do If You’re In A Truck Accident: Post Accident Procedure
If you or somebody you care about has been involved in an accident with a large commercial truck, you understandably have many questions about what happens next. Truck crashes can be incredibly scary, and the aftermath of these incidents is not going to be like the aftermath of a traditional car accident.
Unfortunately, victims are likely to encounter significant opposition from aggressive insurance carriers and trucking companies when trying to secure compensation. Here, we want to discuss steps that you can take after a truck accident to help ensure that you are cared for and that you secure the compensation you need.
1. Call the police
The police need to be called to the scene of any truck accident so they can conduct a preliminary investigation, handle any criminal or traffic violations, and complete an accident report. Even if a crash seems minor, the police need to be called.
2. Seek immediate medical care
Truck crash victims need to seek immediate medical care for any injuries as soon as possible. Even if an injury seems relatively minor, or if there is no pain at all, it is crucial to let a doctor conduct an evaluation. The signs and symptoms of many truck accident injuries do not show up until hours or even days after a crash occurs. Linking medical treatment with the truck crash is a crucial part of receiving a settlement.
3. Gather evidence
If it is safe to do so at the scene of a crash, and if your injuries are not serious, you can use your smartphone or another device to take photographs of the scene. This can include damages to vehicles, injuries, weather conditions, traffic conditions, and any other causes of the crash. Try to take photographs of everything at multiple angles and varying distances.
It is also important to get the name, driver’s license number, and insurance information of the truck driver involved in the case. Additionally, get the name and contact information of the truck driver’s employer and trucking company.
4. Get witness contact information
Get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash. Anybody who saw the incident occur could provide valuable information to insurance carriers or a jury if necessary.
5. Have your vehicle appraised
Even if it seems like your vehicle only has minor damage, you need to have your vehicle professionally appraised. This will be a requirement for any property damage claims, so make sure you do not have any repairs made until after every insurance company involved have had a chance to examine and appraise the vehicle.
6. Limit conversations with other parties
You should limit your conversations with all other parties involved, including the insurance carriers of the other parties. Under no circumstances should you admit any fault or liability for the incident. Let the investigation into the crash determine liability. Your job is to let your Orange County truck accident attorney handle all conversations with other parties for you.
7. Do not post on social media
It may seem like second nature to jump on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Tik Tok right after a crash, but you need to avoid doing this. Anything you say and do online after a crash can and will be used against you by opposing insurance carriers or legal teams. Even if you think your privacy settings are on “high,” all it takes is one friend or family member to share information on there for it to be visible.
8. Contact an attorney
As soon as the immediate medical emergency is over following a truck crash, you need to contact an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled Riverside truck accident lawyer will have the resources and legal expertise necessary to handle every aspect of your claim for you. They will be the ones responsible for negotiating settlements with aggressive insurance carriers. An attorney will be your advocate, guiding you through this entire process. If you need a truck accident attorney in San Bernardino, contact us today.