Did you know that the most popular mode of transporting goods across the United States is by road transportation? As a result, it is no surprise that a study in 2017 showed that there was a 52% increase in casualties involving large truck accidents.
It can be a stressful and life-changing experience being involved in an accident with a truck.
Here are a few essential steps to take if you were involved in a truck accident yesterday.
Were You Involved in a Truck Accident Yesterday? Here’s What You Need To Do
You are at the scene of the accident surrounded by chaos and mayhem. What to do?
Remain at the Scene of the Accident
Never leave the scene of an accident as this could be construed as a hit and run.
Wait for the appropriate authorities and for medical help to arrive.
Get Medical Attention
Always seek medical attention after an accident. Your adrenaline levels increase during the aftermath of an accident. This could prevent you from noticing any injuries or pain.
Not seeking medical treatment could limit your ability to seek compensation at a later stage.
Exchange Details With Other Parties Involved
If you are able, try to gather as much information on other vehicles and drivers involved. All in all, these are the particulars you will need to seek:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Driver’s License Number
- License Plate Number
- Insurance Carrier & Name of Agent
- Insurance Policy Number
Take Photos and Videos for Evidence
The strongest evidence comes from photographs and videos. These can prove or disprove negligence or guilty on either driver. It cannot be stressed enough to take as many as you can. Some ideas of what to photos and videos take are:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Intersections
- landmarks
- even tire marks
All these photos and videos will go a long way to set the scene of the accident and help you with your truck accident lawsuit.
Check for Witnesses
Look for any witnesses and request their contact information. This will help your commercial truck accident lawyer get a full statement from them at a later stage.
If, for any reason you do not manage to get details, check the accident report. More often than not, these witness statements will be included in the official report.
Don’t Make Any Statements About the Accident
Never ever imply that it was your fault; however, innocent this may seem. It could be held against you at a later stage.
Give yourself time to calm down! Do not make any rash statements. Speak to an attorney who can take your statement and help you with what should be said and how to say it.
If You Had A Truck Accident Yesterday
Being involved in a truck accident can be a hair-raising experience. It can leave you baffled on what to do next.
These accidents can be complex matters to deal with. This is why it is important to seek professional legal advice. They will ensure the protection of your rights and guide you through the whole process. Learn more here.
