Marcus RichardsThe first step is to call the police. This helps establish an official accident record and ensures that all parties involved are cited appropriately. Document the scene with photos or write down a detailed account while it is fresh in your memory. This will help reinforce your claims later on.
Call the Police
Unless you are uninjured, you should always call the police after an accident. The police will check on everyone involved in the crash, ensure they are safe and can provide emergency medical services as needed.
Along with conducting an investigation, the police will record their findings in a formal report. In addition to interviewing you and gathering witness statements, they will also take notes on details like the location, time of day, and damage to the vehicle. The truck driver may attempt to dissuade you from contacting the police or your insurance company. This terrible idea will negatively affect your ability to get damages compensated.
Collect Witness Information
After the safety of everyone at the accident scene is ensured, talk to anyone nearby who might have witnessed your truck collision. Ask for their name and contact information. Witness statements can be vital to helping your truck accident Weatherford attorney build a strong case in determining fault for the crash.
Witness statements should include what they saw leading up to, during and immediately following the crash. They should also provide a description of traffic, weather and road conditions.
Additionally, inquire whether or not local businesses have security cameras near the location of your accident. If they do, request to view the footage. This can be useful evidence that drivers were distracted and should not be compensated for their negligent actions. It can also help your attorney determine if the trucking company’s negligence played a role in the crash.
Call an Attorney
The police officer who creates the official accident report will ask you and the witnesses for statements. It would help if you also asked the truck driver for their name, insurance information, and the company they work for. Capturing photos of the accident scene on your smartphone can help demonstrate the conditions that day and identify the extent of damage caused by the crash.
It is important to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine during the crash. This will ensure your health and safety and provide an objective record of your injuries, which is vital for pursuing compensation for damages. After a collision, you will likely hear from aggressive lawyers for the trucking company and its insurance provider. It is crucial to keep these calls to a minimum so that you can focus on recovery.
Gather Evidence
Often, truck accidents involve extensive damage and serious injuries, making it difficult to preserve evidence. However, there are ways to gather and document important information to help you file a claim for damages later.
Take photographs of the crash scene, your vehicle’s damage, tread marks, road and weather conditions, and any other relevant aspects of the accident. It would help if you also tried to locate eyewitnesses and obtain their statements.
Document your medical treatment and keep receipts for any other expenses you may be able to recover as part of your settlement. This proof can show how serious your injuries are and how they’ve affected your quality of life. It will also help establish the truck driver’s or trucking company’s negligence. In addition, this evidence can be used to prove the full value of your damages.
Seek Medical Attention
Any acute pain, stiffness, or other injury symptoms may be hidden by the shock and adrenaline rush after an accident. That is why seeing a medical professional as soon as possible is important, even if you feel fine at the scene. A prompt diagnosis can minimize the risk of complications and create a medical record that connects your injuries to the truck crash.
Due to the massive size difference between a commercial truck and passenger vehicles, many accidents result in serious or even life-threatening injuries. A prompt medical evaluation can help you determine the extent of your injuries and prevent them from worsening or contributing to future health problems. Always follow your doctor’s orders regarding treatment and attend any necessary follow-up appointments.
