Truck accidents are often traumatic and devastating to the victims. While your worry may only be getting medical help immediately after a truck accident, taking these steps with appropriate knowledge is ideal for helping you navigate the aftermath quickly.
If you or your loved one is involved in a truck accident, you can liaise with an attorney to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. A truck accident attorney is conversant with the processes and will represent you before the insurance and jury to ensure a fair settlement for your damages.
Read on to learn more about the next steps after a truck accident and how a truck accident lawyer will help your situation.
Table of Contents
Stay Calm And Withdraw To Safety
Your safety is a priority following a truck accident. Start by removing your car from the road to avoid secondary accidents. Turning off your engine at this point is also advisable to minimize the chances of a fire breaking out. You can remain in your vehicle if you successfully pull it off the road, there is no fire risk, and your injuries are too severe to allow movement. Otherwise, get out to a safer space.
File A Police Report
Calling 911 after your accident provides access to an ambulance and police services. The ambulance will respond to your medical emergencies and that of your passengers, while the police will document the evidence at the accident scene.
Seek Medical Help
You should seek medical attention if you have visible injuries after a truck accident. Due to your high adrenaline levels, some injuries may go unnoticed, and symptoms may appear a few days or weeks later. This is especially for internal bleeding and head injuries.
Upon your visit to the ER, the medical professional will establish your cause of injuries and document to prove that they are the result of the crash. This information is essential when seeking compensation through your truck accident lawyer.
Talk To Witnesses
Witness statements are useful evidence for your lawyer when pursuing compensation as they confirm your narrative. Therefore, if in a position, move around your accident scene and gather witness statements from those who saw what happened. You should also take the contact information of the witnesses willing to help or point them to the police officers to support your case.
Document Evidence At The Accident Scene
Gathering evidence of your truck accident is important, as your truck accident lawyer will use this information to represent you. You can take photos of your car’s damages, visible injuries, and video footage of the accident.
Contact Your Insurance
Talking to your insurance company as soon as possible is advisable to start the claims process. However, be keen on the information you give, as most insurance companies are notorious for giving unfair compensation in a bid to make a profit. To avoid falling victim, laisse with your truck accident lawyer for guidance.
Contact Your Truck Accident Lawyer
Hiring a truck accident lawyer will help you in the following ways:
- Determination of liability
- Building your case
- Ensuring you get the medical care you need
- Ensuring you get fair compensation
The Bottom Line
Truck accidents are life-changing, especially where there are serious injuries and casualties. Taking the proper steps and working with an attorney will increase your chances of fair compensation.