Nearly three million semi-trucks are on the roads in America according to recent reports. Research shows that they only make up about one percent of the vehicles on the roadways, but they cover far more miles than passenger vehicles. They’re also involved in a comparatively high percentage of accidents based on their numbers. In fact, truck accidents make up at least eight percent of reported crashes. Accidents involving 18-wheelers also tend to result in more damage and more serious injuries than those involving passenger vehicles alone.
What You Should Do After Being in a Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a truck accident, it’s important to take the right steps after the fact. Doing so will foster your recovery while also preserving evidence and protecting your rights. With the right help after a truck accident, you’ll be able to move forward and get the compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries and losses.
Contact Emergency Services
After being in an accident, the first thing you should do is call 911 and get emergency services en route. You’ll need law enforcement officials there to secure the scene and keep you safe. They’ll also assess the scene; talk to you, others who were involved in the crash, and witnesses; and create a police report. Paramedics will evaluate you and everyone else involved for injuries and determine whether you need further medical care. Firefighters may also come to the scene to provide added protection and medical assistance.
Gather Evidence
Another important measure to take is gathering evidence. That may include pictures or videos of visible injuries you and your passengers sustained in the accident, damage to your vehicle and any property inside, damage to the truck, skid marks, road conditions, traffic lights and signs, and any other details that may be relevant to the accident. These days, all drivers should consider installing dashcams in their vehicles. Many newer models have built-in cameras and EDRs. Even if yours does, though, those devices may not capture everything.
Be sure to collect contact and insurance information from the truck driver. If any witnesses to the accident are still on scene, get their contact information also. Though law enforcement officials will take down that information for the police report, it’s a good idea to do so yourself as well if you’re able to.
Seek Medical Attention
It’s a good idea to seek medical attention after any type of accident. That’s the case even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt and paramedics don’t find any obvious signs of injuries during their preliminary evaluation. Some injuries aren’t immediately evident. If you’re suffering from hidden injuries, follow-up medical care will be the key to a successful recovery. Besides that, it’ll provide documentation to use later on if you need to pursue your case in court.
Don’t Share too Much Information
After being in a truck accident, it’s best to avoid sharing too much information about it. Don’t tell acquaintances all about what happened or post about it on social media. You’ll need to be honest with law enforcement, but be as reserved as possible with other people. Never readily say you’re at fault, either. That can definitely be used against you.
Be careful about talking to insurance companies too. Don’t volunteer unnecessary information. Insurance companies are notorious for using underhanded tactics when talking to accident victims, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible.
Getting Legal Assistance for Your Accident
In addition to those measures, consider contacting a truck accident attorney. There’s a good chance that the company the truck driver works for has attorneys on their side who will work to spin the case in their client’s favor. You need the same tools in your arsenal. An attorney will work hard to help prove your case, ensure the right people are held responsible for their actions, and get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
