If you’ve recently been hurt or sustained damages from a truck accident, one of the first things you’re likely wondering is how to pay for these damages or medical costs. These accidents can result in totalled vehicles, serious injuries, and even deaths. Because of this, the costs associated with truck wrecks can be astronomical.
From a legal point of view, the company hiring the truck driver is held responsible for covering the cost of any financial obligations connected to the accident, but there may be other parties who also share liability. It’s important to take action as soon as you can so your truck accident case is resolved quickly.
Here are five steps you should take immediately after a truck accident.
Report the Crash
Any time you’re in an automobile accident, you have to stay at the scene until the police arrive to create an accident report. Ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers by moving your vehicle off the road if you can. If you can’t move your car, turn your hazard lights on so other drivers can clearly see you.
If the accident was fatal or someone is injured, contact 911 right away. The police or highway patrol may come with the paramedics as well. Make sure you get a copy of the accident report so you can provide evidence for your case if you go to court or when you contact the insurance company.
Identify All Involved Parties
Look at your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident to see if there are any scratches or marks to indicate who was at fault. Even though the truck driver may be liable for the crash, the company the driver works for will likely be responsible for paying for damage to your automobile and medical bills for your injuries. This is why you need to know every driver who had anything to do with the accident.
Exchange Contact Information
Don’t leave the accident site without getting the contact information for every driver in the crash. Once a driver leaves the scene, it can be difficult to search for them. Even if you know the name of the trucking company, you can expedite your case much faster if you get the contact details of the driver. This will make it easier for your attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact details should include:
- The name, address, email address, and phone number of all drivers
- The insurance policy details for all drivers
- The driver’s license number of the truck driver
- The name, number, and email address of the trucking company
See If There Are Witnesses
Check the accident scene to see if there are people who witnessed the collision. You can get a statement from the witnesses on your own. Be sure to ask for their phone number or email address in case your lawyer needs to contact them later for additional details. Look at your accident report to see if the police spoke to any witnesses as well.
Get Medical Treatment
It is crucial to get any medical treatment you need after a truck accident, even if you’re not obviously or badly injured. In some cases, you may have too much adrenaline at the time of the accident to realize how physically hurt you are. If you don’t go straight to the hospital from the accident, go to the doctor as soon as you can. Allow a physician to examine you to determine which treatments you need. If you wait too long to receive medical assistance, this could affect the amount of your accident settlement.
After the collision, an insurance adjuster will contact you. Be careful about any details you share because the adjuster will try to use what you say to reduce your settlement offer. This is why it’s best to consult with a lawyer before talking to any insurance representatives. Your attorney will tell you what to say and which questions to avoid.
Remember that you have to cooperate with an insurer, but you do not have to give a written statement. If the insurance company requests this, inform the adjuster that you won’t provide anything in writing until you speak with your lawyer. Remembering these suggestions and adhering to them will help you win your truck accident faster and get the settlement you’re entitled to.
