Being involved in a truck accident is a traumatic experience that can cause devastating injuries. You might not know exactly what to do after the accident. However, there are steps to take after a truck accident that can help you ensure a better future. By following these steps, you can have a better recovery from your injuries and a higher chance of recovering compensation.
The steps to take after a truck accident include calling first responders, identifying witnesses, getting contact information for everyone involved, collecting evidence, seeking medical treatment, contacting your insurance company, and talking with an attorney. Following these steps can significantly impact the outcome of your truck accident claim.
7 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Following these steps can help you if you choose to file a truck accident claim in the future—especially if there are any discrepancies in how the accident occurred or who caused it. You could also have a better chance of recovering from your injuries if you seek medical attention quickly.
For a free legal consultation, call: (614) 545-3930
Call Now »Call 911
Immediately after the truck accident occurs, call 911. Alert the authorities about the accident, including the location and if there are any injuries. Wait on the scene for first responders to arrive.
Get a physical exam from the Emergency Medical Team (EMT). Sometimes, when people get into accidents, they don’t notice their injuries immediately because of adrenaline and other factors. The EMT can begin immediately treating your injuries if you have them. They can also provide documentation of your injuries to help prove you sustained them during the accident.
Identify Witnesses
Look for people who witnessed the truck accident unfold. Often, people who saw the accident will pull over. Ask if they can provide a witness statement to the police. Also, get their contact information in case their statement is useful in the future. A witness can help corroborate your version of events during settlement negotiations or at trial.
Obtain Contact Information for Everyone Involved
Getting contact information for everyone involved in the accident is an important step. If insurance or legal issues arise later, having everyone else’s contact information will likely be helpful. When you obtain their contact information, be sure to ask for the following:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance provider and ID or policy number
Also, write down the type of car and license plate number of all other vehicles involved.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
Collect Evidence From the Scene
If you can, collect as much evidence as possible from the scene, such as:
- Photos of property damage
- Photos of injuries
- Photos of anything relevant to the cause of the accident
- Video surveillance footage of the accident
You should collect anything you believe could help a future claim or lawsuit as evidence after the truck accident. This evidence could help prove your version of events that happened during the accident.
Seek Medical Treatment
Visit an urgent care physician or your primary care provider to seek medical treatment. Even if the EMT provided treatment at the accident scene, you must follow up—this can help show that you treated your injuries to the best of your ability. The medical professional you see can also provide further documentation that you sustained the injuries from the truck accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know that the accident occurred, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. They could help by following up with the liable party’s insurance company to ensure they are paying out the accident claim.
Talk With a Truck Accident Attorney
A truck accident attorney can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries by:
- Communicating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Investigating the accident to prove who the liable party was
- Building a solid case for financial compensation
- Calculating the damages you incurred
- Negotiating with the opposing party to reach a fair settlement
- Representing you in a lawsuit if necessary
A truck accident attorney can also ensure that you don’t miss the statute of limitations for your state or any other legal deadlines. For instance, in Ohio, injured people generally have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit against the liable party.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has safety regulations in place to help avoid truck accidents. Unfortunately, these accidents still happen every day across the United States. When one happens to you, an attorney can guide you through the steps to take after a truck accident.
Contact the attorneys at The Fitch Law Firm LLC Today. We offer free consultations to potential clients who need advice after a truck accident. Our legal team can guide you through the legal process, answer any questions you have, and help you fight for justice.