Truck accidents are sadly a common sight on U.S roads. While it takes an experienced and careful driver to make our highways safer, the mistake of one party in the transportation chain can turn tragic. Knowing what you ought to do after a crash is important for your health and rights in equal measure.
Knowing what to do after a truck accident in Bellaire, such as remaining at the scene and seeking assistance from a Bellaire truck accident lawyer, is crucial because it prepares you for when the worst happens. Below are some actions you can take after an auto wreck involving a collision with an 18-wheeler:
Remain at the Scene
It’s very tempting to leave a truck accident scene when you don’t want anything to do with it. Because of the adrenaline and shock that run through the body, you activate your fight-or-flight response, which may cause you to want to be as far away as possible.
On top of that, the injuries suffered may have been minor, or you may also feel you were to blame. Regardless, you should remain at the scene. Leaving too soon is a breach of Texas laws. Fleeing may be misinterpreted as guilt, and that’s the last thing you want when looking to file a compensatory claim.
For a free legal consultation, call (832) 449-8230
Report the Accident
Whether your truck accident occurred in an urban area or rural setting, reporting your crash is not a request, but a demand by Texas laws. All crashes must be reported to the local police department as a formality.
A team will visit the scene and collect vital facts and information to identify the fault and generally make your case a public record. Don’t forget to request a copy of their findings as contained in the final police report.
See a Doctor
Truck crashes often result in serious injuries. Common truck accident injuries include broken bones, internal organ injuries, head injuries, brain damage, burns, amputation, and more. These are easily identifiable at the scene and usually necessitate medical evacuation.
However, you may walk away unaware of hidden injuries. With everything going on around you, the last thing you may think of is seeking evaluation for the pain or swelling you believe is normal. Unfortunately, some of these minor symptoms may be proof of serious underlying conditions, such as internal bleeding or a broken rib.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Exchange Vital Information
You must have all the facts and information concerning the accident at your fingertips. With enough proof, you must be able to demonstrate how the crash occurred as well as identify who to blame. You need to know which insurance company you ought to contact, the name and address of the other driver, as well as the contact information of eyewitnesses.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Gather Evidence
Almost all cell phones today are equipped with advanced features that allow you to record and store information on the go. If you can, take many photos of the scene and clearly capture your injuries, the parties involved, the license plates of all vehicles, any marks on the road, such as skid marks, as well as the general surroundings.
Notify the Insurance Company
Because all vehicles on Texas roads must be insured, you must also notify your insurance company about the accident. You may want to claim compensation in the future. And if you fail to report the accident in the first place, you are likely to be ineligible for a settlement.
Whether you wish to sue or not, contacting your insurance company immediately after a truck accident in Bellaire is the right thing to do.
Contact an Attorney
Lawsuits or claims involving a truck accident are not ordinary cases. Because the trucking industry is regulated at the federal and state levels, understanding what laws and regulations to follow and apply when building your case is challenging.
This can be more difficult when you are not experienced in handling such cases. Therefore, after a Bellaire truck accident, it’s likely in your best interests to hire an attorney to handle every aspect of your legal claim.
How Lone Star Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Truck Accident in Bellaire
A qualified, seasoned, and caring attorney can guide you on what to do after a truck accident in Bellaire. Lone Star Injury Attorneys helps our clients restart their lives following devastating auto wrecks, including truck collisions.
Contact our offices to learn more and get guidance on everything you need to do to be on the right side of federal and state laws as applicable in your case.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
