What To Do After a Truck Accident: 7 Essential Steps
If you are involved in a truck accident, knowing what to do immediately afterward can make a significant difference to your safety and any future legal claim you may need to file. Following these seven steps after a truck accident will help protect your rights and ensure you have the documentation needed to pursue compensation for damages.
1. Contact the Police After a Truck Accident
One of the first steps to take after a truck accident is to contact the police. Regardless of whether anyone appears injured, it is essential to have the accident formally documented. The police will create an official accident report, which will serve as crucial evidence when dealing with insurance companies or legal claims.
When you call 911, inform the operator about the truck accident and request police presence. If emergency medical personnel are needed, the dispatcher will send help as well. Remember, even if the trucking company suggests handling things without involving the police, you have the right to insist on an investigation.
2. Ensure Your Safety
After a truck accident, your safety is the priority. If it is possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle to a safe area, such as the shoulder of the road. Turn on your emergency lights to alert other drivers and remain in your vehicle until help arrives, especially if you are on a busy highway.
If you cannot move your vehicle due to damage or it is unsafe, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and wait for emergency responders. After a truck accident, it is important to avoid putting yourself or others at further risk by exiting your vehicle prematurely.
3. Check on Others Involved
Once you are safe, check on the condition of others involved in the truck accident. Ensure that all drivers, passengers, and bystanders are unharmed. If someone is injured, do not attempt to move them unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire or leaking fuel. Instead, wait for professional medical personnel to arrive.
After a truck accident, it’s essential to make sure everyone is safe and call for medical assistance if needed. The faster medical professionals arrive, the better the chances of preventing further harm. Additionally, having medical documentation will be helpful for any future legal claims.
4. Take Photos and Document the Scene
Documenting the accident scene is critical for building a strong case after a truck accident. If you are physically able, take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, the truck's license plate, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Also, take pictures of any visible injuries, debris, or skid marks on the road.
After a truck accident, photographs can serve as valuable evidence. Be sure to capture images from multiple angles and include wide shots of the accident scene, along with close-up images of the damage. This documentation will help insurance adjusters and attorneys understand the extent of the accident.
5. Seek Medical Attention After a Truck Accident
Even if you feel fine immediately after a truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding may not present symptoms right away. Visiting a medical professional ensures that any injuries are documented, which is essential for future insurance or legal claims.
Many injuries from a truck accident can worsen over time. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible will help you catch these issues early and establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, making it easier to pursue compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.
6. Contact an Attorney After a Truck Accident
After a truck accident, it is highly advisable to contact an experienced truck accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies. Trucking companies and their insurers often try to minimize their liability, and you may be offered a low settlement. An attorney will protect your rights, handle negotiations, and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Having an attorney on your side after a truck accident ensures that all evidence is properly gathered, deadlines are met, and your case is presented effectively. Many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case, so there is little financial risk to you.
7. Visit a Qualified Medical Provider
After a truck accident, it is important to follow up with a qualified medical provider, even if you don’t believe you were seriously injured. Some injuries, especially those affecting the spine or brain, can take time to appear. Seeing a doctor ensures that all injuries are treated and documented, which will be crucial for any personal injury claim.
In many cases, primary care physicians may be hesitant to treat accident-related injuries. In such instances, you may need to visit a specialist who is experienced in treating injuries sustained after a truck accident. The Francis Firm can help connect you with a qualified provider who will evaluate your injuries and offer appropriate treatment.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, contact The Francis Firm today to ensure you receive the legal and medical attention you need. Call us at (817) 329-9001 or contact us online.