What Should I Do at the Scene of a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can be terrifying. If you are ever unfortunate enough to be involved in a truck accident, you could be facing a long road to recovery due to injuries and sudden financial burdens. The following steps, though, can help ensure that everyone on the scene receives needed assistance while helping to build your case so you can receive needed compensation.
If you are the victim of a truck accident, call Judd Shaw Injury Law as soon as possible. We care about your recovery and are ready to fight on your behalf. When we take your case, we will patiently guide you and help you understand your options. Call us today at 1-866-909-6894 or complete the online contact form for a free consultation.
Make Sure Yourself and Others Are Safe
Once you are out of harm’s way, assess the situation. You should check the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved. If the damage appears to be minor, you may want to try and move your vehicle out of the way of traffic; this can help to prevent secondary accidents and injuries.
However, if the damage appears to be significant or if there are fluids leaking from your vehicle, it is vital that you do not try to move your vehicle. Instead, you should call for assistance and wait for law enforcement or a tow truck to arrive. Trained emergency personnel are best suited to properly deal with the situation.
Once you have taken care of yourself and your passengers, check on any other injured drivers or pedestrians. Of course, if you are in any doubt whatsoever about what to do, do not hesitate to call 911 for help.
Remember, you must not leave the scene of the accident. In many states, you are required to remain on the scene and give assistance to injured parties. In New Jersey, for example, drivers who fail to do so may face fines and/or imprisonment.
Check for Injuries
Look for any injuries that may have occurred as a result of the accident. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there do not appear to be any injuries, it is always wise to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention just to be sure.
Truck accidents can often cause serious injuries, even if there do not appear to be any at the scene. Some injuries may go unnoticed by a victim due to intense shock. In addition, getting prompt medical treatment will also ensure a solid record of your injuries. This can be important later if you decide to file a personal injury claim against the truck driver or truck company.
Once you have taken care of any immediate medical concerns, take a look around at the damage that has been done. If it appears that the accident was minor and both vehicles are still drivable, exchange insurance information with the other driver and file a police report.
However, if there is significant damage or if anyone is injured, do not move your vehicle. Wait for the police to investigate and file a report.
You should not approach the truck. This can be a dangerous situation as the truck may have suffered significant damage and could be unstable. It could even be leaking hazardous materials. If possible, you should wait for authorities to arrive on the scene before approaching the truck.
Contact the Police
When you contact the police, you should be sure to give the dispatcher your location and any details about the accident, such as how many vehicles were involved or if there were any injuries. Once emergency services have arrived, cooperate with the police officers and investigators who are working on the case.
Give the responding officers and medical professionals your account of what happened, but avoid speculating about what caused the accident. Finally, contact Judd Shaw Injury Law to contact a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Taking photos and gathering evidence at the scene of a truck accident can be critical to building a strong case.
Here are some tips for what to photograph:
- Take photos of the entire accident scene, including all vehicles involved and any visible damage to property
- Photograph any contributing causes such as road damage or hazards
- If there are any skid marks or other debris at the scene, take photos of those as well
- If possible, take photos of injuries of yourself and any involved parties
- Do not post any photos related to the accident on social media until you have discussed your case with your lawyer
If you are able, get the truck driver’s information. This should include that person’s name, contact details, and insurance information. If the driver is unwilling to provide you with this information, call the police. The truck driver could be cited for a hit-and-run, which is a serious offense.
It is also important to get the contact information of any other witnesses. This will help your lawyer when investigating the accident.
What Should You Say to the Police After a Trucking Accident?
When the police arrive, you will be asked to give your side of the story. You must be honest with the police and give them a clear and concise account of what happened. Do not hold back any details or exaggerate the facts out of fear you could be held liable. Also, you should not speculate or try to guess what happened.
If you are unsure about something, it is better to say that you do not know rather than guess. Once the police have taken your statement, you may be asked for your insurance information. You should cooperate with the police and provide them with any information requested.
The Benefits of Consulting With a Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Having a lawyer on your side can help ensure that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will also be able to handle all the paperwork and negotiations with the insurance company so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, our team of legal professionals has extensive experience handling all types of truck accident cases. We understand the unique challenges that these cases can present, and we know how to get our clients the compensation they deserve.
When you contact us for a free case evaluation, we can review the details of your accident and help you understand your legal options. We welcome any questions you may have about the claims process and what you can expect going forward. You can have peace of mind knowing that you have a dedicated lawyer handling your case and fighting for your rights
Don’t wait to get started on your claim – call us today at 1-866-909-6894 or complete the online contact form for a free consultation.