It is important to know what to do if you are ever involved in a truck accident. These are the steps you should take after a crash.
Did you know that large trucks make up 9% of all fatal car crashes? A large truck is any vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds, and they make up around 4% of all registered vehicles.
Getting in an accident with a large truck can cause stress, serious injury, and death. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents are distracted driving, bad weather conditions, and poor vehicle maintenance.
Are you wondering what you should do after a truck accident? If so, keep reading to learn more about handling your truck accident case.
1. Call the Police
If you are in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is call the police. If it’s possible to move all the vehicles to the shoulder, do so and then contact the local police department.
If you can’t move the vehicles, there are injuries, or you’re not sure who to call, you should call 911. The dispatcher will send police so that they can file a police report.
2. Visit the Doctor
As soon as emergency services arrive on the scene, you should let them check you out. It’s possible to have severe injuries you aren’t aware of because of the adrenaline rush.
Even if you only have minor injuries, you should still see a doctor. Your injuries may get worse over time, but if you wait to see a doctor, it could be difficult to prove that the injuries came from the vehicle crash.
3. Gather Information
Once the police arrive on the scene and everyone gets checked out, the next step is to gather information. While gathering information is important, don’t put your life at risk to do so.
If you can, try to take pictures of the scene, get the other driver’s contact information, and asks witnesses for statements. Take note of the weather and traffic conditions during the accident.
4. Have Your Vehicle Appraised
Because truck accidents are different than car accidents, the damages could be more expensive to repair. After the accident, you should get your vehicle appraised to find out how much it will cost to repair it.
Before you take your vehicle to your local mechanic, check with your car insurance company to see what they need. They may ask you to take pictures or bring your car to an approved mechanic for the insurance claim.
5. Hire a Lawyer
If you are in a big truck accident, you should consider hiring a lawyer to get you the money you deserve. A truck accident attorney is familiar with road laws, insurance policies, and medical bills.
They can determine how much money you should get, represent you in court, and represent you when talking to the truck driver’s insurance.
Now You Know What to Do After a Truck Accident
While getting in a car accident with a large truck can be scary, there are steps you should take to protect yourself. After a truck accident, make sure you call the police, visit the hospital, and gather information.
Are you looking for a truck accident lawyer in Richmond, Virginia? If so, contact us today to start your truck accident lawsuit.
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