By Mitch Rice
A collision with a large truck can change your life in an instant, mostly because of the serious injuries and damage incurred, along with the disaster that follows it. Physically and emotionally, the aftermath is highly stressful and compounded with legal intricacies that include commercial vehicles, trucking companies, and federal regulations. The following guide responds to what steps need to be taken to protect their well-being, their rights, and the probable claim after a truck accident.
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
A few seconds after the accident, the very first priority should be to ensure safety for each and every individual involved. If you are in a position to relocate your vehicle from any potential traffic so as to avert further collisions. Proceed to activate your stop lights to notify other drivers. Commence your own self-help by checking for injuries and burns. If severe, immediate medical assistance shall be requested by dialing 911. It’s worthwhile to check every injury, no matter how minor the appeal. Some injuries like whiplash or concussions that do not unravel themselves at once, receive immediate medical attention.
Notify the Police
No matter how unimportant the accident may appear, it is always best to report it to the police. The police report is a very important document that can prove the accident took place. Among other things, the report will detail who was at fault, the parties involved, and any citations issued. Also, the police would direct traffic, collect witness statements, and tend to the scene as needed. A Philadelphia truck accident lawyer will help to get a copy of a police report that will serve as evidence in the claim process.
Gather Contacts
Gather contact details from the truck driver and other people who were part of the accident. Make sure to obtain names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, insurance details, and any other relevant information. Any witnesses to the crash ought to be interrogated. Their statements might help determine liability.
Record the Incident
Make sure you take photographs of the accident scene, including the vehicle’s position, damages sustained by the truck and other vehicles, and road conditions. If other witnesses have pictures, ensure to get their contact details. All of these pieces of evidence are essential for your case.
Avoid Acknowledging Mistakes
When conversing with the truck driver or other witnesses at the scene, do not acknowledge blame for the accident. Regardless of your internal self-assessment of blame, leave the question of fault to be assigned by an investigation. As is the custom, the trucking business, insurance companies, and other relevant parties will analyze the facts and determine who is to blame.
Receive Medical Attention
It is imperative you take note of medical assistance regardless of how injured you think you are at the moment of medical attention. Internal bleeding, head trauma, or whiplash are injuries that might take time to show symptoms. A qualified medical person can assess your situation, treat you if required, and document any injuries, which are an important part of the claim process.
Hire a Truck Accident Attorney
It is common in the case of truck accidents that there are many causes that are interwoven and include the truck driver, the trucking business, and the insurance agencies. With the help of a competent truck accident attorney, you will deal with issues of unjust compensation for medical expenses, income loss, and other damages. Do not trouble yourself with the insurer’s representatives, because your attorney should deal with them. Your lawyer should assist you in collecting the necessary information and pay attention to your interests in discussions and the court if that becomes essential.
Notify Your Insurance Company
The next step is contacting your insurance provider. Make sure to do it promptly in order to win time to gather the information that is set to be provided to them within time. Remember, too much detail can pit you against them later on. Your employer will assist you in the next phase of the claims process.
Need Legal Help? Contact a lawyer
In essence, a truck accident can lead to many problems, but when a person stays composed, reinforces their safety, and remembers the key steps, they can safeguard their claim as these incidents need claim rewards. A skilled truck accident lawyer makes handling the intricacies of these situations seamless and ensures that people receive the necessary remuneration for the distress and damage experienced.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.