There were over 4,000 fatal accidents involving trucks in 2019. Even a non-fatal truck accident can be devastating for anyone involved. The truck accident recovery process can be long and arduous.
You can however make it much less overwhelming by taking care of a few key things in the immediate aftermath of your accident.
Photos and videos as well as statements from witnesses obtained at the scene of an accident can make substantiating a truck accident injury in court much easier. Here are the things you need to do right after your accident.
Remain Calm and Take Stock
Truck accident damages can be devastating and can include lives as well as property. The first thing you should do is remove yourself from any hazardous situations and take stock of your injuries.
Activate Emergency Services
The sooner emergency services arrive on the scene, the more survivable a truck accident will be. If you are the party that activates them this will look good on your behalf in the courtroom as well as it shows you are not negligent.
Check on Others
Once you have taken stock of your situation and have activated emergency services you can start checking on anyone else involved in the accident.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have medical training, you could be liable if you hurt or injure anyone further. That said, there are some good samaritan laws in place if you feel forced (and are qualified) to save a life at the scene.
Trade Insurance Information
If the other party is conscious and willing to communicate, you should exchange insurance information. If not, you can let the police handle this. Do not pursue a vehicle that has hit you and left the scene, this can be dangerous.
Let the police conduct a thorough investigation and handle any hit-and-run situations. To do so yourself can be reckless and endanger all parties.
Obtain Evidence at the Scene
If you have the wherewith-all, are not at fault, and are uninjured, you should attempt to obtain evidence to substantiate your innocence. This can come in the form of photos and videos.
Getting statements from witnesses at the scene of the accident is best left to the police, but you can request their names if you think they can be useful in the courtroom.
Talk to a Lawyer
The less information you give to authorities at the time of the accident the safer you will be in the courtroom. Even if you think you are not at fault, a statement made in the heat of the moment can incriminate you.
Always talk to a lawyer before making any official comments on the record. Truck accident lawyers are experts in dealing with your situation and any official statements should be made in their presence.
Focus on Truck Accident Recovery
Your accident can leave you with permanent physical, mental or emotional injuries. Document these so that you can get just compensation if you were not at fault for the accident.
Only by documenting your symptoms can you get the money you deserve to aid your recovery process. No matter how tough it seems, keep a positive attitude and your road to recovery will one day end.
Keep on Trucking
If you were a victim of an accident involving a truck, your truck accident recovery process can be a long road. Don’t navigate it alone, get the help and support you need so you can move on with your life.
Use the information in this guide to help you navigate the immediate aftermath of a truck accident. That way if one ever happens to you, you will be ready to handle it the right way. Check back with our blog for other relevant info!
