Did you know that truck accidents are on the rise? In 2021, large trucks were part of 5,700 fatal crashes, adding up to a 49% increase over ten years.
As serious as these accidents are, though, they aren’t an automatic death sentence. Acting quickly can make all the difference. This goes for both dealing with the immediate aftermath and protecting your rights.
Want to know more about what to do after a truck accident? Here are five key steps you’ll always need to take in this situation!
Call the Police
The first thing to do after any accident is to call 911. The dispatcher will route your call to your local station and emergency responders. Tell them how many people were involved so they know how many ambulances to send.
Even if the accident was a minor fender-bender, call the police. When they arrive on the scene, they’ll create an accident report. This report will contain documentation you may need to preserve your legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention
If you or anyone else has suffered life-threatening injuries, let 911 know about it. Even if you think you got off lightly, have a doctor confirm it. Many injuries are more serious than you realize at first or can get worse in time.
The more you wait to get medical attention, the weaker your case will get. Seeing a doctor will also give you access to an official medical record. This can give you an idea of what your future treatment costs may look like.
Gather Evidence
If you’ve avoided getting hurt, take some time to document the accident. Take pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident and any road conditions that led to it. If someone suffered a personal injury, take a photo of it as well.
Talk to any witnesses you’ve seen before they leave the scene. Much like in a car accident, witness statements can be crucial to determine fault. Take their contact information, but let the police take their statements.
Talk to Other Drivers
While you’re gathering evidence, talk to the other driver(s). Exchange key information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. This is also a good time to gather insurance information and policy numbers.
Even if you think you’re at fault for the accident, don’t admit it. Anything you say may undermine your case with your insurance company. If you think the other driver was at fault, keep a cool head and stay professional.
Hire an Attorney
No matter what your accident involves, you should get professional legal help. A law firm specializing in traffic accidents will have the knowledge and tools that may prove invaluable for your case.
Hiring a truck accident attorney in Phoenix will also lighten your load a lot. Due to trucking laws, any accidents involving them can get complicated. Hiring a lawyer will make this process feel far less overwhelming.
This Is What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you find yourself in a truck accident, it can be hard to think straight. That said, navigating the accident scene is essential for protecting your rights. The above guide will help you make the right decisions along the way.
Want to know more about the importance of hiring accident attorneys? Keep checking out our Life section!