If you have been in a truck accident, there are certain steps you should take in order to ensure the trucking company and insurance claim cannot deny your claim. But being involved in a crash can leave a victim pretty shaken up, never mind dealing with physical injuries that can have an impact on their daily life. The following information can help. For more detailed assistance for your specific circumstances, meet with a truck accident attorney and find out how they can help.
Move to a Safe Place
Never leave the scene of an accident. If you are physically able to, however, you should move your vehicle to a safer location if it is in the middle of the road blocking traffic. The driver of the truck should have flares or reflectors to warn other vehicles that there is an accident scene.
Injuries
Many truck accidents result in serious to severe injuries. This is why a call to 911 should be made. Even if you think no one may be injured, you should still contact emergency responders. If you are physically able, check on anyone who was involved in the crash to see if they have been injured, however, do not move any victim who may be injured. The accident should still be called in to police even if there are no injured victims. The officer who arrives on scene will investigate the crash and then prepare a police report which a truck accident attorney can use this report in proving who was at fault for the crash.
In most states, it is the law that all people involved in crashes report the accident if there has been anyone injured, victims or property damage.
Collecting Information
You will need to get information from the truck driver, including their name, contact information and trucking company that owns the truck. You should also get the truck driver’s license number, the license plate number of the truck, and the insurance company that provides liability insurance to the truck.
Witnesses
If there were any witnesses to the crash, you will want to get their names and contact information.
Photos
If you are physically able, take photos of the accident scene. Include photos of injuries, vehicle damage, any skid marks, vehicle pieces, or property damage. Make sure to get photos of any road or weather conditions that may have played a role in the crash.
Document
As soon as you can, preferably at the scene of the crash if you are able, write down everything you remember about the moments leading up to the crash, including the direction you were traveling, the speed you were traveling at, weather conditions, anything you recall about the truck, and anything you can remember about the accident.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
After being examined and treated after the accident, contact a trucking accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN to find out what legal options you have for financial compensation for your injuries.
Thanks to Ward & Ward Law Firm for their insight into personal injury claims and steps to take after a truck accident.
