These 6 Steps Should Be Done Immediately After A Truck Accident in the USA
Truck accidents are more common than you think. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 3,700 people killed in truck accidents in 2013. That's a lot of people.
The main reason for this is that trucks are so much bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles. When they collide with a smaller car, the results can be disastrous. This is why it's important to know what to do if you're involved in a truck accident. Here are steps that should be taken immediately after a truck accident.
Remain Calm
The first and most important thing to remember after a truck accident is to remain calm. There are many things going on during this time and panicking will only make matters worse. This is especially important if you or a loved one are injured. The first step is to assess the situation and take stock of what has happened. It is also important to stay on the scene until help arrives. The sooner help arrives, the better.
Calming yourself and those around you will help keep the situation from getting worse. Although, this can be easier said than done, especially if you or a loved one are injured.
Contact An Accident Lawyer
If you are involved in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is contact an accident lawyer. They will be able to advise you of your legal rights and help ensure that you receive the compensation to which you are entitled. A local truck accident lawyer will also understand the specific regulations and laws in your area that could impact your case, especially any state-specific trucking and insurance laws. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can begin investigating your accident and gathering evidence. When you find yourself in this case, you contact a Cumming truck accident lawyer to get a free consultation. You will be attended to by lawyers who have years of experience dealing with these types of accidents and will be able to help you get the best possible outcome.
Contact Police and Emergency Services
Once you have assessed the situation, it is time to contact the police and emergency services. If there are any injuries, it is important to have them treated as soon as possible. Do not move any injured person unless they are in immediate danger. The police will need to investigate the accident and will want to speak to everyone involved.
This includes the drivers of both vehicles, witnesses, and any other people who may have been involved. In cases, where there is significant damage to the vehicles or injuries, the police may need to close down the road.
Gather Evidence
If you are able to, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This includes taking pictures of the damages to both vehicles, getting contact information from any witnesses, and writing down what happened as soon as possible. This will help your case should you need to file a claim. The sooner you gather this information, the better. This is especially important if the other driver is at fault. However, be careful not to put yourself in danger. This is why it’s always important to have a lawyer with you who can help protect your interests and keep you safe.
Seek Medical Treatment
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. This is not only for your health and well-being but also for any potential legal case that may arise from the accident. This will also help to document the extent of your injuries and any ongoing treatment you may need. It is important to seek medical attention even if you do not think you are injured.
Many injuries from truck accidents may not be immediately noticeable. However, they can still have a long-term impact on your health. The sooner you can get medical treatment, the better.
File An Insurance Claim
When you are in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is file an insurance claim. This will help to cover any damages that have been done to your vehicle. The sooner you file the claim, the sooner you will be able to get the money you need to fix your car. This is also the best way to ensure that you are not held liable for any damages that have been done. Although, it is important to note that insurance claims can take a while to process, so you may not get the money right away. However, it is still important to file the claim as soon as possible.
If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others. By following the six steps outlined in this article, you can reduce the risk of further injury and ensure that the appropriate authorities are notified. Additionally, if you are injured in a truck accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.