5 Things To Remember If You Are In A Commercial Truck Accident
Wednesday, October 4th, 2017
Being involved in an accident with a large commercial truck or other industrial vehicle can be an awful experience for all involved. The victims that are inside a passenger vehicle that is struck by a truck are often terrified and possibly severely injured from the wreck. It can be very confusing to know what to do after a commercial truck accident. The following are five things to keep in mind in the event that you are in a commercial truck accident.
At the scene of a commercial truck accident
The scene of a collision with a semi-truck can be very chaotic and overwhelming, especially for the victims. It is important that all of the individuals involved in the accident do not leave the scene before speaking with the authorities.
The police may request a statement about the accident before anyone leaves the scene. In collisions of this nature, one or more people may have sustained an injury or even died as a result of the accident. Also, it is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident without reporting or speaking to the local authorities.
If you or your passenger are injured, do not move from the vehicle. If someone is experiencing neck/back pain or has fallen unconscious, it is important not to move them at all. The only reason to move would be for an immediate threat. It is better to wait for the first responders to arrive, as they can access the injuries sustained. This will help to eliminate any threat of further injury. If you were not injured, move your car to a safe location before assisting others with injuries. Remember, it is best to call 911 for police and medical assistance.
What information should be exchanged?
First, never offer details about your insurance policy, such as the dollar limit amount. Also, never admit fault to the accident to anyone other than a representative from your insurance provider. It is also important to gather the following information.
The name, address, and email address of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses of the accident should be obtained first.It is important to obtain the name of the commercial truck driver’s employer as well. Write down the address or location of the accident and get the name of all insurance companies, driver’s policy numbers, and provider’s office phone numbers.
Take photos of the scene of the accident and all vehicles that were involved in the collision. If first responders arrive at the accident site, be sure to document the police report number, the officer’s name, and badge number as well.
Take the right pictures at the scene of the accident
Use your cell phone to take pictures of the damage done to your vehicle immediately after the truck accident has occurred. If possible, try to take photos of the condition of the other vehicles involved in the collision also.
All of the visual information will help to validate your insurance claim and gain some compensation for the damage done to your car. Plus, the pictures can be used as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit. Visual evidence will offer a distinct contrast to the opposing side’s claim and depict the true extent of the damages sustained in the accident.
Interview witnesses
You need to identify each person who witnessed the commercial truck accident. It is important to gather their names, addresses, phone numbers, and any other pertinent information. Their account of the accident is critical in supporting your version of the wreck. Potential witnesses could include other drivers on the road, passengers inside the vehicle, pedestrians, and nearby residents or local business owners.
Document your medical treatments
If you need medical attention for any injuries sustained in a commercial truck accident, document the names, dates, and specialties of all physicians you see. This also pertains to seeing a chiropractor for any length of time. Keep copies of all medical records and bills, as this will become valuable evidence if you file a personal injury lawsuit.
Medical expenses should be relatively easy to record, but the pain and suffering is more of a challenge to depict in a court of law. Keep a journal of your injuries and their impact on your everyday life. This includes documentation of missed time at work and a list of physical activities that you can no longer perform due to the commercial truck accident.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer
If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, contact attorney Dean Boyd for more information on how we can help you with your claim. Call us at (806) 242-3333 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our Services. You can also visit our offices at 4423 SW 45th Ave in Amarillo, Texas or 10623 Quaker Ave #102 in Lubbock, Texas.