Few people want to consider the possibility that they will wind up in a truck accident. These often serious crashes are chaotic for everyone involved, but it’s important to maintain a level head. Learning what to expect in advance can make it easier to manage a difficult situation and ensure everyone gets the care they need. It’s best to expect the best but prepare for the worst and read on to find out what to do after getting into an accident involving a truck even if it seems unlikely that scenario will ever come up.
Dealing With the Immediate Issues
The immediate aftermath of truck crashes can be overwhelming, especially for anyone who has been injured. It’s important to stay at the scene after getting hit by a truck until a police officer has instructed people to leave or an EMT has suggested a trip to the ER in an ambulance. In cases where accident victims have sustained injuries or, worse, someone has been killed, it’s often a criminal offense to leave the scene without first filing a police report.
How an accident victim should deal with the immediate aftermath of a truck crash will vary depending on his or her injuries. Anyone who has been injured should wait in the vehicle if it is safe to do so until first responders arrive to avoid making the injuries any worse. Those who have not been severely injured should check on other drivers and passengers to make sure they are okay but should not move them unless there is an imminent threat, such as a vehicle fire.
Don’t assume that an onlooker will call 911. Any driver who has not been seriously injured should take action and call for police and medical assistance immediately even if it’s unclear whether anyone has been hurt.
Gathering Information
It’s fine for drivers who have not sustained serious injuries to check on other people who were involved in the crash but remember not to admit fault or reveal details about automotive insurance. Instead, offer the other drivers only basic information and expect them to provide the same. Write down:
- The names and contact information for everyone involved in the crash and any witnesses
Details about the truck’s owner and the driver’s employer
The exact physical location of the accident
All of the other drivers’ insurance company names and policy numbers
The police report number and the officer’s name and badge number
Documenting the Aftermath
Take pictures at the scene of the accident, and keep copies of all police reports and medical reports. Remember that it’s important to seek a medical evaluation even if there is nothing obviously wrong. Internal injuries and problems like whiplash that don’t appear immediately can otherwise go overlooked, which can reduce an accident victim’s chances of making a full and easy recovery. Only call to schedule a property damage valuation after being cleared by a medical professional.
Seeking Legal Help
Once the dust has settled, the next step to take is to schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Bring along all of the evidence collected at the scene and documentation of any medical issues or property damage, and be prepared to both ask and answer questions about the event and how to proceed. There’s a statute of limitations that applies to seeking damages following truck accidents, so don’t put off seeking legal help.
