Every day that you get in your car and on the road, you’re likely to see some commercial trucks. Large semi-trucks, dump trucks, and heavy haulers aren’t just larger in length and height. They also weigh far more than any passenger vehicle.
This means they have the potential to cause serious destruction in an accident. You should be vigilant when on the road with these massive vehicles. But sometimes, nothing you do will prevent an accident with a truck.
If you get into a truck accident, knowing what to do can help you get the compensation you need to recover in the aftermath. Hopefully, you will never have to use these tips for what you should do after a truck accident.
Call the Police
For a truck accident, you will need to call 911 to get both police and emergency medical services on the scene. The police will create a police report that details the accident, which is a critical piece of evidence when filing a personal injury claim.
Emergency medical services will get to the scene to treat you, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the crash. It is imperative that you receive immediate medical care. Few people ever walk away from a truck accident without some sort of injury. Not all injuries are external, which means skipping treatment could cost you your life.
Capture Evidence at the Scene
Obviously, it will be hard to get evidence if you’re taken away in an ambulance. But if you are able to, take photos and videos of the accident scene before the vehicles are moved. Speak with any witnesses, get their contact information, and check to see if any traffic or surveillance cameras are near you. These things can all be used to show what happened in your accident.
Exchange Contact Information
You will need to exchange contact and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the crash. This includes the truck driver as well as any other cars that were impacted.
Start Your Claim
After a truck accident, you have to submit your claim before the statute of limitations ends. In Tennessee, you only have one year from the accident. This is why many injury victims in truck accidents seek representation from a truck accident lawyer in Nashville.
With an attorney, you will have someone that not only gathers all the evidence for you but also files the paperwork in plenty of time. This allows you to focus on healing instead.
Another benefit of enlisting legal representation in truck accidents is that a lawyer will know how to calculate the full extent of your damages. You’re likely to have huge medical bills, require ongoing medical care, and be unable to work while you recover from your injuries.
Additionally, the trucker may not be the only one at-fault. Your attorney will be able to investigate and find all liable parties to pursue compensation. In fact, after getting medical treatment, contacting a lawyer is the best step you can take when you’re involved in a truck accident.