Trucks are commonplace on most roads, and they get involved in accidents quite often. Truck accidents have serious ramifications because of their size, and there is no telling the kind of injuries you will sustain. While driving, you need to exercise caution when close to a truck.
If you are involved in a truck accident, you have the option of suing the truck company or the truck manufacturer, depending on the circumstances. If you were involved in an accident in Phoenix, you can hire a truck accident lawyer in Phoenix to help you recover damages. However, there are a few things you ought to do after getting involved in a truck accident.
Stop at the Scene
After being involved in an accident, you must remain at the scene until the authorities arrive or emergency medical assistants move you to the hospital. All you need to do is call for assistance, if possible. Before you leave the scene, you should also call the police and wait for them to arrive. The police will instruct you on what to do after they arrive.
Seek Medical Help
Your safety and health are essential, and if you have been injured, call for an ambulance or ask someone else to do it. Whether you need emergency medical services at the scene or not, ensure you seek medical attention.
A doctor needs to ascertain whether you have suffered visible or internal injuries as a result of the accident. Seeking medical help is also important in ensuring you get a maximum settlement. Without a medical report, the insurance company may claim that you were not severely injured.
Gather Evidence
If you are not injured, take some time to gather all the evidence from the scene that could help your case. You can take photos of the truck, and you might discover some evidence that may help you prove the truck driver was at fault.
You should also talk to witnesses on their scene and record their statements. Before you leave the scene, make sure you get the police report and the investigating officer’s contact information.
Exchange Information with the Other Party
It is important to get the other driver’s information, since your lawyer may need to contact them after the accident. If you let them leave without giving you their contacts, you could have difficulty tracking them down. The information you get should have the driver’s name, address, and phone number. You should also get the driver’s insurance company’s contact information and the driver’s employer’s contact information.
Check How You Speak
The insurance companies always advise drivers not to admit liability. When speaking to the truck driver, watch what you say. If you admit partial liability to them, they will use it against you during negotiations or trial. Something as simple as expressing that you’re sorry about the accident could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
If the truck driver’s insurance company contacts you and offers you a settlement, hire an attorney to help you negotiate. It does not mean that you do not cooperate with the insurance company. You just need to be careful with what you say.
Do Not Post About the Accident on Social Media
We live in an age where people document everything on social media. However newsworthy the accident is, do not post about it on social media. The insurance company is always watching, and they are waiting for you to slip up and reveal something you should not.
For example, posting that you have been involved in an accident but you are okay could have negative ramifications on your personal injury claim later.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
If you have suffered severe injuries after getting involved in a truck accident, you can claim compensation if the truck driver was negligent. Hire an attorney with experience handling truck accident cases to help you secure a reasonable settlement.