Truck accidents are, unfortunately, one of the major causes of deaths around the world. Many times, they are caused by mechanical problems associated with the truck or by careless driving on the road. Either way, when accidents occur, they demand that you take steps to ensure your safety and that of people involved in the incident. Besides, accidents can get you into legal situations where you will need to follow the guidelines of the law. Let’s look at what you should do in the event of a truck accident.
What to do after a Truck Accident
Help the injured
The first thing you should endeavor to do is to assess the situation and seek safety. If you have not sustained a life-threatening injury and you can walk, dust yourself and check on the safety of any other passengers or motorists. It is necessary to carry out first aid if the injuries are not severe, like by bandaging wounds, for example. If the injuries are grave, you should make a point of calling for help to save lives.
Put the accident scene under control
You will need to take time to gather and exchange relevant information with the other parties involved in the accident. Before doing so, it is important to move the truck to the emergency lane if it is still drivable. This will help avoid causing traffic snarl-up or inconveniencing other motorists. Proceed to turn on your hazard lights and set out the reflective triangle to notify other motorists to drive past the scene of the accident with caution. More importantly, ensure not to leave the scene of the accident until the emergency services arrive.
Seek medical help & call the police
Again, it is important to call for an ambulance to assist you and other affected people get medical help. Don’t underestimate the injuries sustained in the accident. Make sure you see a doctor immediately after, even if you are feeling Okay. The traffic law also requires that you notify the police upon the accident. It is essential to do so regardless of what the other parties may suggest, as the police will assess the scene of the accident objectively and compile a report in a file. The police report might be needed for reference in the future, in case a compensation claim is filed.
Document the scene
If you are not injured, then take the time to gather and exchange essential information with the parties involved in the accident. If there are witnesses who may be willing to testify in case a legal process ensues, it is advisable to collect their information as well. The essential information that you should make a point to collect include:
- Names of the other parties
- Email or postal addresses
- Vehicle information, e.g., model and year of manufacture
- License plate numbers
- The photos of the location, the people involved, and the damaged vehicles.
You will need some of this information if there is a legal process as a ripple effect of the truck accident.
Hire a truck accident lawyer
Talking of legal matters, you also need legal assistance. You need only the best truck accident lawyers to help protect your rights. Yes, after an accident, it is common for either party to make a claim. This may be the beginning of a legal process. It may also be the first step into launching a compensation claim with your insurer or your employer who is required to protect you. That is why it is critical to enlist legal assistance from the lawyers who can help you get what you deserve.
There are many benefits of hiring a skilled auto accident attorney, top being that they know the auto accident law well, and they have a track record in similar cases. Just make sure you find the right lawyer who can prove their experience and show that they care about your case. You may also contact experts like Shuman Legal in Chicago that has earned a reputation as the top car accident lawyer in Chicago Illinois since 1996, with a staff dedicated to this type of injury.
Final Thoughts:
In a nutshell, truck accidents may occur when least expected. That is why it is necessary to know the steps you should take in case you are involved in a truck accident. Ensure you keep an eye on safety and health first, then protect your rights in the aftermath of the incident.
