More than 4,100 people died as a result of accidents involving large trucks in the United States in 2019. Many thousands more sustained serious or even life-changing injuries.
The sheer size and weight of trucks make related accidents so dangerous. Trucks with loaded trailers typically take 20% to 40% farther than cars to stop, a discrepancy that is increased on poorly-maintained or wet roads. Another common cause of truck accidents is driver fatigue.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to know the steps you should take. In this blog post, we will highlight 5 steps you should immediately take after a truck accident. Let’s get started.
1. Check for Injuries
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The first thing you should do following a truck accident is to get yourself to safety. Take some time to assess any injuries you may have sustained (due to shock, even if you feel fine, you may still have sustained injuries). Check on the well-being of others involved in the accident and contact emergencies services as necessary.
2. Contact the Police
Another important step to take is calling the police. It is essential that a police report is filed as this will help to determine who is the at-fault party later on. You may be asked to provide some basic personal information and insurance details at the scene. Remember to never accept or assign blame for the accident at the scene.
3. Gather Potential Evidence
If you are in a position to do so, gather potential evidence from the scene of the accident. This includes photographs of the scene, damage to your vehicle, and injuries that you have sustained.
Speak to any witnesses of the accident and gather as much information as possible about the causes of the crash.
4. Keep Careful Records
Keep a careful record of all medical-related expenses following the accident (this includes transport costs). Take note of any time you missed working as a result of the accident. You may also choose to keep a diary that notes the extent of the physical and emotional trauma sustained in the accident.
5. Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer
In order to have the best chance of securing the justice and compensation you deserve following a truck accident, it is essential that you partner with an experienced attorney. When you file a lawsuit following an accident, your attorney will help in a number of ways, including:
- Obtain the evidence necessary to prove liability
- Obtain evidence of damage
- Negotiate with defendants and/or insurers
- Organize medical records
- Negotiate a satisfactory settlement
Check out shapirolawaz.com if you have been injured in a truck accident.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
The aftermath of a truck accident can be a confusing and difficult time. The above steps will help you to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Like this blog post on steps to take after a truck accident? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
