Being involved in a truck accident can be a devastating moment on the whole. It may result in the occurrence of catastrophic damage on the whole; a point from which there might be no return.
In case you are ever involved in a devastating truck accident, you should be aware of a few things to alleviate the situation in the best possible manner. Let’s take a peek at all of these without further ado.
1. DO NOT drive away
Do not ever drive away from the scene of the accident even if you feel it’s a minor one unworthy of any further attention.
Stay on the scene at all possible costs. It can benefit you a lot in the nearly foreseeable future.
2. Protect the scene of the accident (in case you aren’t struck by an injury)
You can prevent the occurrence of further accidents by setting something up in the form of an indicator.
You can use a flare or a flashlight for this purpose of yours (in case they are available nearby). In the case of unavailability, you can even use your vehicle’s headlight in the form of an indicator (like switching it off and on repeatedly at periodic intervals of time).
Using a flare to signify danger
3. Call the authorities
Even if you think that no serious injuries have occurred as a result of the accident, it’s a good idea to inform the authorities without further ado.
In case you go for an accident claim in the future, you might be required to showcase a police report to file up the claim with the insurance company. So why even take the chance? Call the police ASAP.
4. Give accurate statements
As soon as the police come over to the spot, ensure you tell the officers EXACTLY what has happened to the best of your knowledge.
Do not guess, misstate, speculate or alter any facts. Tell them as it is. Any suppression or misstatement can get the law against you. So be absolutely straightforward in your statements. It can benefit you in the future in case you go for a claim.
For example,
If the police officer asks you whether you have suffered an injury as a result of the accident or not (and you are not so sure about it), tell them the very same thing. Say you are not so sure instead of saying a direct “no.”
5. Take relevant pictures of the accident scene
If you have a camera close by (your mobile camera would also do but make sure it’s in a well-working condition before you use it), take pictures of the accident scene, especially of those vehicles portraying visible damage (including yours as well).
If you have any visible injuries, photograph them as well. Such evidence can come in handy in courts for claim purposes (if any).
6. Seek medical attention
Your personal health and safety are most important when it comes to involvement in a truck accident. Even if you feel you don’t have any grave injuries at that particular moment in time, it’s still advisable to go for a thorough medical checkup for your own good.
Some injuries may not appear until later on. And then there might be some underlying injuries, such as a hairline fracture or internal bleeding that you may not even be aware of. SO do not take any chances. Seek medical help as soon as possible.
Note: In case you refuse medical attention, it could be used against you in courts during the settlement of your claim. So do not take any chances.
7. Contact your insurance company
Notify your insurance company of the fact that you were involved in a truck accident.
Certain policies dictate immediate reporting for insurance coverage. Hence, it’s advisable to contact the insurance company as soon as possible.
8. Get in touch with an accident lawyer who specializes in truck accidents
A truck accident lawyer can certainly help you with your claim addresses in the best possible manner. So consider hiring one ASAP. It can definitely benefit you a lot in the long run.
So that’s it then. It’s time to bring this to a close for now. Hope you had a good and useful read.
Greg Baumgartner handles truck accident lawsuits for victims of truck accidents in Texas. He is an expert Texas Truck Accident Lawyer with an exemplary track record.
