Post Truck Accident Procedures: 5 Steps to Take
Trucks are a lot heavier than regular cars, so they create a much bigger impact when an accident happens. This could lead to catastrophic and life-altering injuries. That’s why it’s important to know that there may be ways to seek legal help to recoup financial damages. The sooner you take action after an accident, the easier it is to prove and protect your rights. So, if you’re in a truck crash and walk away with a minor injury, there are some steps you need to take afterward that will help your recovery. Consider seeking medical attention and documenting your injuries and the extent of your losses. This way you’ll be able to protect your rights and provide evidence to your personal injury lawyer so they can make a claim for you. In this article, we’ll explore the steps you need to take if you’re in an accident and sustain any injuries that may or may not be your fault.
Call 911
You should call 911 immediately. The police and ambulance services should be informed of the crash if it is serious enough to warrant it. The police will be able to document any evidence from the crash scene as it’s still fresh and you’re able to describe it in more detail. This is a key part of the procedure as it leaves little to speculation and ensures the authorities know as much as possible. Even if it doesn’t seem like there will be any serious consequences, always have the officer fill out a police report. The report is critical in establishing liability and negligence, and in some countries, such as Colorado, it is required by law. Keep in mind that getting compensation for truck accidents in Colorado, for instance, may be easier if you contact an experienced truck accident attorney to guide you through the process and help you file a claim.
Seek medical attention
Even if you don’t think you were injured, it’s always a good idea to get checked out after an accident. You may find that your body is going through pain in places you can’t see or understand. If you want to get better, you need to see the doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will help you determine what caused the injuries, and you’ll be able to show that they happened as a direct result of the crash. This is essential for seeking damages when you recruit a personal injury lawyer.
Document the evidence at the scene of the accident
You need to make sure that you have documented as much information as possible, especially if you are confident that your actions did not cause the crash. You’ll need to present a log to the police, including all relevant information about the crash, such as information on drivers, witnesses, hazards present in and around the area, and any other important details. A lot of important data and evidence can be lost if it’s not documented correctly, so it’s important to get to detail things that happened the moment they did. That means taking pictures of the vehicle and getting statements from witnesses. You should also get a copy of any photos taken of the crash by other people and look for anybody capturing footage from dashcam devices.
Contact an experienced truck accident attorney
If you’ve been in an accident with a truck, make sure you contact a skilled truck accident attorney. You will want to discuss your legal options with an attorney who can address the specifics of your situation, and offer you advice on how to protect your rights. Keep in mind that truck accidents are some of the most complex cases in the legal field. That’s why you’ll need someone who knows truck law to be by your side protecting you. Make sure you seek legal advice from a local attorney that is familiar with cases in this area of law, so they can help you file a claim.
Avoid posting to social media
You might think about posting on social media after an accident, but things might not go well for you, because this can hurt your case. Anything you post online, or do for up to 72 hours after the accident, might be used as evidence in court and affect your case. Assumptions about how the accident happened can also affect your case in court. So, stay offline and focus on getting better.
Final thoughts
Getting in an accident with a truck can be very upsetting and the aftermath can be difficult to manage. However, following a few important steps can help you manage the situation and get appropriate compensation. That’s why you need to collect evidence and contact an experienced truck accident attorney to handle your case.
