Being involved in a tragic truck accident is always a scary experience. Large 18-wheeler accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and damages and knowing how to react in such a scenario is important to safeguard your legal rights. After being involved in a tractor-trailer wreck, you may not know what the best course of action is. What you do after the crash may work for or against you in case you need to file a personal injury case against the negligent driver.
The immediate actions you take can make or break your case. For this reason, it’s important that you know the critical steps to take after a truck accident in Pearland to protect yourself from harm and lay the foundation for a possible compensatory claim. Given that 18-wheeler crashes are often complex and may involve multiple parties, you should seek legal advice from a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Following the steps mentioned below is a sure way of protecting your compensatory interests and increasing the chances of having a successful claim.
It’s a legal requirement that anyone who is involved in any type of accident must remain at the scene of the crash. But while doing so, you must guarantee your own safety by moving off the road to avoid being hit by other cars. You should also warn other motorists of your state by turning on your vehicle’s hazard light at a minimum. This prevents drivers who are unaware of the crash from driving through an accident scene.
If you feel injured, you should call the police right away and ask for medical attention at the scene. A local officer will be sent to your location to help any injured parties in receiving medical attention, assess the truck crash, clear the scene, and file an accident report, and advise you on the next steps you should take.
Seeking medical treatment after a truck accident is important if you feel that something doesn’t feel right. The sudden rush of adrenaline caused by the crash may affect your ability to feel pain or notice an injury. If you are unable to get immediate medical attention at the scene, visit a hospital or urgent care as soon as you can to have a qualified doctor evaluate your physical state. Failing to seek medical care, or not following up with your treatment plan, could interfere with your pursuit of compensation.
If you can, take note of all parties and drivers involved in the crash. Find and collect as much information as you can from the truck driver and the trucking company as well. You can identify the trucking company, the truck’s insurance company, the driver’s employer, as well as the vehicle manufacturer or owner. Collecting this information is an essential step because it may be helpful later when determining fault, since multiple parties may be liable for the tractor-trailer accident. Much of this information may also be available on the police report.
As you wait for the police to arrive, it’s equally important for you to collect and exchange information with all the parties involved in the accident. If any of them leaves the scene, it may be difficult to trace them. Even if you write down the trucking company they work for, it could be difficult to track down the driver. To avoid this, we recommend that you collect maximum contact information including:
This is one of the most important steps to take after an 18-wheeler collision. Without the other party’s contact information, you may have trouble pursuing a claim against him or her.
After an accident with a large commercial vehicle, always check for eyewitnesses and collect their information and accounts of what transpired. You may also collect contact information just in case you need something else in the future. Your attorney may call upon them to testify during the trial, adding weight to your claims.
It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional photographer or not. Your smartphone can do magic for your case. Always take photos of the scene, as well as your visible injuries (cuts, bruises, etc.). This is a helpful step, as such photos can be used during the trial to show the damage and injuries caused by the truck accident. If you can, record your treatment plan and daily pain in a journal.
Retaining a personal injury attorney may be your best opportunity to have a successful claim. In fact, you should speak with a lawyer immediately after the accident occurs.
If you believe that your accident was avoidable and that someone else was responsible, you should talk to our trusted lawyers today. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping truck accident victims get the justice they rightfully deserve. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation and discuss the steps to take after a truck accident in Pearland.
