Any road accident can be life-changing, but those involving commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers are often particularly devastating.
The moments following a crash are overwhelming and critical. After a truck accident in La Porte, remember to remain calm, call 911, seek medical attention, and contact a truck accident lawyer in La Porte for assistance.
Here is a more detailed guide to help you through this harrowing moment in your life:
Stop and Remain Calm
After a commercial vehicle accident, the first thing to do is to stop and remain calm. This can be tough, especially with the shock and confusion that follows a crash. However, it’s one of the most crucial steps that could significantly determine how everything flows.
Get out of your vehicle and stay within the scene. Don’t leave too soon unless it’s for medical reasons. Texas Transportation Code 550 requires everyone involved in a traffic accident causing injury, property damage, or death to stop and remain at the scene until the police arrive.
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Call 911
Call the local police or highway patrol immediately. You want to ensure they are aware of the crash so they can coordinate emergency response and evacuation for those injured. Involving the police is a legal obligation, but it will also ensure that the crash is documented as an actual occurrence and critical evidence is secured.
The official police report forms a key part of post-accident claims as it contains details relating to liability and damages. It is admissible as evidence in a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit.
Seek Medical Attention
Escaping a tragic collision involving an 18-wheeler is a miracle. So even if you think you are not injured, it’s good to be sure. Seek medical evaluation, especially for unusual signs and symptoms such as pain, headaches, loss of cognitive functions, and whiplash.
You may not realize the full extent of harm suffered due to adrenaline. So, it is important to seek immediate medical evaluation at the scene from EMTs and follow up with treatment afterward. Doing so is also vital for documenting your injuries for claim purposes.
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Exchange Information
Another step you should remember to take after a truck accident in La Porte is exchanging information with the parties involved. Note down the other driver’s license and insurance details. Get their contacts, including names, addresses, and mobile numbers. Exchanging information before leaving the scene is essential for post-accident claims.
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Document the Scene
Texas’s comparative negligence rule means multiple parties could be responsible for an accident. Therefore, you want to document as much evidence as possible to distance yourself from liability and support your claim, especially when confident that someone else caused the crash.
Take photographs of the scene and capture the damage to vehicles, injuries, and surroundings. Check whether someone recorded the accident through dash cam footage and obtain a copy.
Speak to Witnesses
Speaking to eyewitnesses is one of the most important things to do after a truck accident in La Porte. Collect their statements regarding the events leading to the crash. This will help corroborate other pieces of evidence previously recorded. Eyewitnesses may be called upon to testify in court.
Notify Your Insurer
Remember to report the accident to your insurance company as early as possible. You want to give them enough time to investigate the accident before starting the claim process. However, be mindful of what you say and the documents you sign. Admitting fault, particularly when you partially contributed to the accident, is a bad idea.
Wait until you retain a truck accident attorney before agreeing to sign any documents. Insurance companies will use anything you say to deny or reduce your claim. Stick to facts only and let a qualified La Porte personal injury lawyer handle the rest.
Contact a La Porte Truck Accident Lawyer
Before accepting an offer or filing a case in court, seeking counsel from an experienced La Porte personal injury lawyer is essential. They have the resources to handle the next steps. A lawyer will explain your rights and explore trucking regulations and personal injury laws to fight for your rights.
With their assistance, you can focus on treatment without halting the claim process.
Learn How to Move Forward After a Truck Accident in La Porte From Lone Star Injury Attorneys
After a truck accident in La Porte, your primary focus should be on treatment and recovery. The last thing you want is to worry about the next steps and wonder whether you are doing the right thing. You don’t have to be alone. Contact the seasoned team at Lone Star Injury Attorneys today to speak with our caring truck accident lawyers.
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