5 Steps To Take Immediately After a Truck Accident

Tips To Safely Navigate the Aftermath of  an Accident

This article may contain affiliate links.

When a car accident involves a large commercial truck, it becomes even scarier. This is simply because these vehicles’ sheer size and weight, when combined with excess speed, can result in a catastrophic accident.

If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a truck accident, you need to reach out to a team of knowledgeable and aggressive Jacksonville truck accident attorneys. They have the knowledge of the law and the negotiating skills you need to ensure you get the compensation you deserve to take care of your injuries.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, this is what you need to do:

1.  Get Medical Attention

Your injuries in a truck accident can be life-threatening, and there is no time to waste. Get yourself to the nearest emergency room as soon as you can. If there is no one who can take you, call an ambulance.

Caring for your health is always important, but when an accident is involved, you need to make sure to get medical attention. The insurance company will have a hard time believing your injuries are severe if you don’t take the time to address them.

2.  Contact the Police

You should call law enforcement to the scene right away. They will review the situation and file an official report explaining the details they believe lead up to the crash. It is important to get a copy of the report for your insurance and if you end up filing a claim against the truck driver or the trucking company. The report can help substantiate your claim.

Even if you do not seem to have sustained injuries, it is important to have the police report since some injuries may not be immediately obvious, and you may not realize they are there until days later. You may have whiplash, internal bleeding, or damage to internal organs without noticing at first.

3.  Document the Scene

Take pictures of both vehicles, showing their position on the road and the damage they suffered. Take pictures of your injuries and anything you consider important to back up your case, such as traffic signs or the condition of the road.

If possible, note the location, date and time of the crash, along with any details that you may not want to forget later on. Write down as many facts as possible while they are still fresh in your mind. If there are any witnesses, get their testimonies and contact information should you need to reach out to them in the future.

4.  Exchange Information

Do not leave the scene of the accident without getting the contact information of the truck driver. Get their name and number and driver’s license information, the name of their employer, insurance details and write down the truck’s license plate number. If there are any other vehicles involved in the crash, get their information as well. Get everyone’s insurance information.

5.  Get Legal Help

If you were in an accident with a truck, you might find yourself dealing with an army of lawyers defending the trucking company and their employee. They may argue that it was your fault, or their insurance may offer you an amount that will be insufficient to cover your medical expenses and other damages. You may also feel pressured to sign a document agreeing to this amount. Remember that once you have signed, the case will be considered closed, and there will not be anything further for you to do.

By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you will have someone by your side who will defend your rights and negotiate the best possible settlement offer on your behalf. Your lawyer will be familiar with the law and with the regulations that govern the trucking industry. They will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and build a strong case for your defense.

One of the most powerful reasons to get legal representation after a truck accident is so that you can focus your time and energy on seeing to your injuries and recovering your health. Let the experts deal with the legal side of things while you concentrate on keeping your medical appointments, following all treatments and therapies, and taking all prescribed medications. In the end, your health is the most important thing.