Getting into an accident is never an amazing experience but a traumatizing one, especially when it has to do with a truck. A truck weighs way more than an average car. Being in a truck accident leaves you with many physical and mental negative impacts.
In case this unfortunate incident occurs, they are steps that you should follow to ensure your case is protected and preserved. Some of the steps include:
Stop and Report the Accident
In case you are involved in a vehicle accident, it is always important to remain at the scene of the accident. If possible, it is good to remove your car on the road and turn your hazard lights on so as to be easily identified by other drivers. It is advisable to put cones around your vehicle and light road flares to prevent another accident.
In case of casualties and severe injuries, it is advisable calling the police to assess the situation, fill out an accident report, and instruct you on further actions. Requesting your own copy of the accident report to keep for your records is good. If you need to go to Court, you might use the report as evidence.
Seek Medical Treatment
Seeking medical attention after the accident is vital. It is important to prioritize your health and safety immediately after the accident, whether you are injured or not. You may experience an adrenaline rush that could prevent you from feeling pain or noticing any injury, and some injuries may not appear immediately till later on. A medical checkup will help you realize the extent of your injury and any other underlying injury you did not notice, for instance, internal bleeding. Medical attention would also help you seek compensation for the injuries acquired from the accident.
Identify Other Parties Involved and Check for Witnesses
The truck driver may be in the wrong, but it is also important to check signs on the truck and other vehicles involved. This information helps ensure that the liable parties are held responsible for participating in the accident.
Exchange Information with the Other Party
The law requires drivers involved in an accident to exchange their contacts and insurance information at the scene. Exchanging each other’s information makes it easier for the drivers to track each other in case compensation is required.
In every scene of the accident, a witness always saw it all happen. You should request the witness to give their statement to the police and ask them for their names and contacts so that your lawyer may contact them. A witness’s testimony is very important since it is unbiased and provides eyewitness reports of what transpired.
Document the Accident
You can collect evidence from the scene by taking photos of the accident and the injuries with your phone camera. These photos help to prove who caused the accident, the severity of your injuries, and the amount of damage to your vehicle, thus helping to determine the compensation required.