You never thought you would be the victim of a trucking accident. But here you are, sitting on the side of the highway after the driver of an 18-wheeler changed lanes without bothering to see if anyone was there. Thankfully, you and the other passengers are OK—minus a stiff neck and a possible concussion. But your vehicle is totaled, and the riot of emotions you are experiencing as police reach the scene and start asking a ton of questions is overwhelming, to say the least.
If you are unsure what to do next, please know you are not alone. As common as large trucking accidents are on today’s roadways, that does not make them any less traumatic, confusing, and complex for victims and their families. That said, the steps you take immediately after such a horrific accident are critical for your physical and emotional recovery, as well as for protecting your legal rights.
In times like these, it is best to take things slow and work your way down this essential to-do list.
A Step-by-Step Guide on What To Do After a Trucking Accident
Step 1: Seek medical attention
Your health and safety are the priority immediately after a trucking accident. If possible, move to a safe location away from the accident and existing traffic and either call 911 or have someone report the accident on your behalf. Even if you are not in pain or feel as though your injuries are minor, it is better to relax and allow medical personnel and law enforcement to be the judge of that. Injuries such as whiplash or internal trauma may not be evident at first and could cause additional complications if left untreated. Plus, a medical evaluation is critical for linking your injuries to the accident.
Step 2: Cooperate with police and gather evidence
While you are undoubtedly scared and overwhelmed, you must cooperate with the police and answer any questions they may have. Doing so allows them to accurately document what happened and how (to the best of your knowledge). If you are physically able, you or a loved one should also gather as much evidence as possible. This can include cell phone photos and videos of vehicle damage, injuries, license plate numbers, the truck’s company name, road conditions, location markers, weather conditions, etc. Evidence such as this can go a long way in providing proof and giving you more control over what happens next.
Step 3: Gather eyewitness contact information
If possible, ask eyewitnesses for their contact information so the police or your attorney can contact them later. The police will likely gather this information and record statements, but pointing them in the right direction never hurts.
Step 4: Contact your insurance provider
Once you have been treated for your injuries and spoken to the police, contact your insurance carrier and file a formal claim. This is a crucial step immediately following a trucking accident.
Step 5: Call a trucking accident attorney
Unlike traditional car accidents, trucking accidents can involve legal and regulatory issues, multiple liable parties beyond the truck driver, and aggressive insurance companies looking to protect their best interests. Navigating this requires more than general knowledge. You deserve specialized legal expertise to determine how this happened, who is responsible, and what should happen next.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a large truck accident, you need a personal injury attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. We will work tirelessly to investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and hold them accountable for your injuries and losses. We will also work with accident reconstruction specialists and other experts to build a strong case that supports your compensation claim. The bottom line is that you deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal advice, and we are here to help.
Call Keys Law Offices Today!!
Large truck accidents can occur for various reasons, including fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, inadequate training, and drug and alcohol use. Sometimes, the truck company can be liable for the accident if it fails to maintain or inspect the truck properly or violates federal or state regulations. At Keys Law Offices, we are dedicated to representing victims of truck accidents and their families, including those involving semi-trucks.
We understand the complex legal and regulatory issues involved in truck accident cases, and we know how to investigate and litigate these cases to ensure that our clients get the compensation they deserve. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.
Our staff is always available. Call us today!