The number of truck accidents is increasing since 2018. While fatal truck accident injuries are decreasing, these accidents are far more dangerous than passenger vehicle accidents due to the size and weight differences.
If you were involved in a truck accident, take a look at this helpful guide that describes what you should do during and after a truck accident.
What To Do Immediately After a Truck Accident
Getting into a truck accident is scary and disorienting, so take some time to collect yourself first and take a deep breath. Once you’ve collected yourself, be sure to take these next steps.
Make Sure Everyone Is Okay
Checking the health status of everyone involved in the accident is vital because it ensures those who need medical attention get it immediately. Before you step out of your vehicle, check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
If you or your passengers have sustained major injuries, call 911 right away. If you or your passengers haven’t sustained any major injuries, step out of your vehicle and check everyone else involved in the truck crash. Call 911 on behalf of seriously injured people.
Call the Police
Regardless of injuries, you must call the police immediately after the crash. Police are responsible for filing a report for the crash, which is essential for insurance and compensation.
When the police arrive, be sure to give them accurate and detailed information about the crash. This information includes who was at fault and the conditions that led to the accident.
Collect Evidence
Take some time to take photos or videos of the scene of the crash. This evidence is helpful for your insurance company, as well as your potential court case. Make sure you collect information on the other drivers involved, including license plate and insurance information.
Gather Witnesses
If you notice any witnesses of the crash, see if they are willing to talk to the police and give their personal account of what happened. Witnesses help confirm your own story of the crash and improve your chances of getting properly compensated for the crash.
What To Do Post-Accident
Once everyone has left the scene of the accident, it’s time to focus on getting compensation for your accident. Proper compensation is especially important if you were injured during the crash, so take these next steps and make sure you get the money you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
Hiring a truck accident attorney is vital when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve. A licensed lawyer with experience will understand what you need to do to make a settlement claim the right way. If you need representation, check out this truck accident attorney in Houston for expert settlement advice.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you were injured in a truck accident, seek medical treatment immediately, and keep the paperwork for all of your visits. Your settlement and insurance claim should include the money you spent on medical care.
Handling the Aftermath
Enduring a truck accident is understandably traumatic and stressful for everyone involved. Taking the time to complete every tip described in this guide will help you cope with the event and see the compensation you deserve.
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