Truck accidents are always terrifying, and anyone who has ever been involved in one knows how quickly the situation can easily snowball out of control. After that, there is so much to deal with—injuries, damages, shock—but knowing what steps to take in such cases can go a long way to minimize the situation. Whether it is the very first truck accident you've ever been in or you want to be prepared in case of one, let's look at ten crucial steps to take that will protect you and your rights.
Ensure Immediate Safety
First of all: safety. If at all possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of danger. Still in traffic? Turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know what's happening. If there are serious injuries, do not attempt to move anyone unless there is danger, such as fire. Your priority should be making sure no one else gets hurt.
Call Emergency Services
It may sound quite obvious, but in the chaos of that moment, it is easy to forget that one should call 911. Even in cases where it seemingly does not look like a big deal, calling emergency services is always worth a try. The police will contribute by recording the incident, while the medics will come in handy by having a look at the injuries that perhaps are not immediately noticeable. After all, some types of injuries do not exactly show up. Better be safe than sorry, right?
Document the Scene
This is crucial: Get your phone and start snapping pictures. Document everything from the vehicles, any damage, the condition of the roads, and your injuries—if they're visible. Take photos of things like skid marks, road signs, and any little aspect that will help to tell the story. These photos may be your best defense later on if things start to get sticky.
Hire a Truck Accident Attorney
Trucking accidents are an entirely different ball game compared to regular car accidents. With the consideration of trucking companies, their insurance providers, and, at times, multiple parties, it can get quite complicated. You will need a lawyer who handles trucking cases because such lawyers will be conversant with the laws and regulations in states like Georgia or Kentucky, for example, which may significantly impact your case. If you had an accident in one of these states, you want to look for an Atlanta truck accident lawyer or Kentucky semi-truck accident lawyers that can help you with your case. A lawyer familiar with a specific state's trucking laws will protect your rights and walk you through the process so you are not exploited. You will definitely need professional legal support when dealing with big trucking companies or a labyrinth of state-specific legal obstacles.
Do Not Accept Responsibility
This is tricky because instinctively, we feel Sorry
—especially when an accident happens—but don't give in! Accepting responsibility, even casually, can come back to haunt you. Leave fault assessment to the experts, whether it's the police or the insurance companies. You are not required to make that call at the scene.
See a Doctor
Even if you are not feeling any discomfort, it is always advisable to get checked out, nonetheless. Injuries such as whiplash or internal injuries may take some time to manifest symptoms. A medical record made shortly after the accident can be worth its weight in gold in dealing with insurance claims and/or legal matters, even much later on. But in any case, it is always one's well-being that must come first.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Now it's time to call your insurance company - when you are in a safe location and the dust has settled. Give them just the facts: who was involved, what happened, and any injuries or damage. Keep it simple. Let them take over from here. But remember at this stage it is very important that you do not speculate or give opinions on what happened.
Keep Detailed Records
That may sound like a lot of extra work, but it's worth your time. Document everything: medical bills, car repair estimates, lost time at work - the whole nine yards. It's all part of the big picture when it comes to recovering the value of what you have lost. And if you're in any kind of pain or emotional distress, that goes on the record, too. It all adds up.
Don't Be in Such a Hurry to Settle
After an accident, especially when overwhelmed, you may be tempted to take any initial settlement that comes your way. The thing is, the first offer is rarely the best. It's a fact that insurance companies are looking after their bottom line, not necessarily after your best interests. Hold off until you've had a chance to assess the full scope of your damages - both physical and financial.
Undeniably, involvement in a truck accident can be very overwhelming. Knowing what to do, however, can make one feel less at the mercy of such a chaotic situation. From ensuring everyone's safety to dealing with the legal aspects, each of these steps will go a long way in protecting your rights and helping you recover—physically, emotionally, and financially. So, the next time you find yourself in this tight spot—once again, hopefully, never-recount these steps and go one step at a time.
EDITORIAL POLICY
The Flash List is dedicated to providing trustworthy editorial content by maintaining strict ethical standards, journalistic integrity, and credible professionalism regardless of any remuneration as working media. The Flash List is not affiliated with third-party companies mentioned and makes no endorsement or guarantee expressed or implied. The preceding article, which contains affiliated link(s) for which compensation was received, is intended for informational reference only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Moreover, a qualified professional should be consulted regarding any lifestyle consideration, medical treatment, or monetary transaction, etc. Content is published in accordance with USFTC regulations and terms and conditions.
MORE ON THE FLASH LIST
