8 Crucial Steps to Better Deal with the Aftermath of a Truck Accident

Source: Freepik.com Whether it is the daily commute or a long-awaited road trip, encountering a truck accident can be a devastating thing to imagine. No one can even imagine themselves in a situation like this …

Generative AI has captured the accident scene

Source: Freepik.com

Whether it is the daily commute or a long-awaited road trip, encountering a truck accident can be a devastating thing to imagine. No one can even imagine themselves in a situation like this while driving the highway.

A truck accident is no ordinary fender bender in any state. When a 40-ton behemoth collides with a passenger vehicle, the aftermath can be quite shocking. Not only will you be dealing with an injury or colliding with a car, but also be complex in the insurance claims process. 

Unfortunately, no one tells you how to deal with it. However, being prepared for the aftermath can make a huge difference. Therefore, this blog is going to shed light on eight crucial steps after being involved in a truck accident. Read on to explore in detail:

  1. Ensure Safety and Call 911

A truck accident can leave you shocked at first. In the chaos of the accident, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure. However, if you find yourself conscious, the priority should be your safety first. Therefore, take a breath and try to move yourself. 

If possible, consider moving yourself or your car to a safe location off the road. This way, you can prevent further accidents or traffic. Moreover, turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers about accidents. 

Once you get yourself to a safe spot, it is your time to call 911. Provide your location accurately and answer questions about the injuries and the number of vehicles involved in the accident. 

  1. Inspect For Injuries

After calling 911, you now have to stay patient and wait for professional medical help. Meanwhile, you can assess your injuries. There is a high probability that adrenaline might mask your pain. You might be injured but can be unaware of the pain.

You need to be aware of some injuries as these show symptoms lately. For example, if any injury involves the neck, back, or head, these might not show any immediate symptoms. Therefore, take a clear look around your body and write down any injury or pain you are experiencing. 

  1. Document the Accident Scene

If you find yourself luckily physically able to move, it is better to utilize the time and start recording the accident scene. 

You can write down any detail that you have experienced or record the injuries. If you have a smartphone working well, consider capturing the scene well in it. Ensure you don’t miss out on any damage to all the vehicles involved in an accident. 

Moreover, gather information from the truck driver, witnesses, and responding police officers involved in the accident.

  1. Exchange Information with the Driver

If the police are taking more time to visit the scene, take this opportunity to exchange all the necessary information with truck drivers. You can get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and truck license plate number. 

In case the truck is for commercial use, consider gathering information on the truck driver’s employer’s name and contact information. All of this information is crucial to gather to deal with the aftermath of an accident. 

  1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Once you have gathered the information and captured the scene, call for immediate medical care. No matter how well you feel, it is important for you to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. 

This is vital for gathering insurance claims for legal proceedings. For example, if you delay medical care, the insurance company might argue that your injuries weren’t serious or not caused by the accident. 

Therefore, if you don’t want to be involved in any complications in the process, consider calling for medical attention after the accident. 

  1. Inform Your Insurance Company 

Moving forward to seeking medical attention, now it is time to contact your insurance company to notify you about the accident. If you’re wondering why this is crucial, here are a few reasons why you must consider this step:

  • There are a number of insurance policies that require you to report an accident immediately. If you fail to report the accident, this might jeopardize your coverage.
  •  You need to give all the basic information about the accident to the insurer. While sharing the details, avoid going into more information about faults or injuries at this stage. 
  •  Even if you’re not at any fault, you need to prevent sharing any information with your insurer and trucking company’s insurance provider. No matter how tempting offers you receive, sharing any information can make them use these against you and reduce your claim. 
  1. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer

Regardless of the offers you’re receiving, before you make any decision, it is crucial for you to consult a truck accident lawyer. For a number of reasons, a truck accident lawyer will guide you in making informed decisions and protecting your rights. 

A skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer will offer legal guidance for truck accident victims and properly evaluate your claim. Only an experienced truck accident knows how to utilize your evidence to favor your case.

Additionally, a skilled attorney will help you understand the actual value by calculating all the loss of wages and expenses that you will have to bear after the accident. An attorney will also handle all the settlements and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation. 

  1. Gather and Preserve Evidence 

It’s a known factor that getting access to all the information related to a case is a bit challenging without the help of an attorney. In addition to the police records, medical records, or witness statements, a truck accident lawyer will collect more evidence and preserve them. 

No doubt, a truck accident lawyer has access to a number of resources that will benefit your claim. For example, they will consult with accident recreation specialists to provide third-party and unbiased testimony. 

This will support your accounts of the events leading to the accident that caused your injuries. With this additional support in your back, you can uncover evidence that will strengthen your claim and increase your chance for fair compensation

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