It’s something that no one wants to happen to them, but the reality is that thousands of people die each day from fatal car crashes. While crashes with big rigs or semi-trucks are less common, they are usually more severe than the average car crash. If you ever find yourself in an accident with a big rig, it’s important to understand how to react, what to do at the scene of the accident and how to follow up. Here are some common suggestions on how to proceed after an accident and what it might mean for your future.
At the Scene
Accidents are trying times, with a seemingly small mistake causing a detrimental crash in a matter of moments. The aftermath drags on for much longer, however, and you should take the following steps to ensure you’re covering all your bases:
- Call the police– the police should be informed to make sure there are no serious injuries and take statements from everyone involved; theses statements could be used later to determine fault
- Exchange information- collect each driver’s license, contact and insurance information so that you can reach out to the right people and agencies if you need to file a claim later
- Take witness statements- talk to people who saw the accident happen and write down their recollection of the events
- Take photos- capturing the scene in images can provide substantial evidence for claims and court cases on the extent of the damage and exploring how the crash occurred
Shortly After the Crash
Call your insurance to let them know that the accident occurred and give them details of the events leading up to it. Even if you think the accident was your fault, do not admit guilt; simply relay the facts. It’s always smart to get checked by your doctor, no matter if you think you are injured or not. Medical problems may emerge down the road because of the accident, and you don’t want to be caught off-guard by them.
Contact a Lawyer
You may have been badly injured in the crash and know that the accident was not a result of your own negligence. If your injuries are substantial and you are suffering from lost wages, medical bills and other expenses, you may be entitled to compensation from the guilty party. Truck insurance can be worth a lot of money and their insurance may fight you over the final settlement. Having an experienced lawyer who can deal with them and the complicated laws surrounding trucks can be incredibly beneficial.
Don’t let an accident threaten your way of life. While it may seem impossible to overcome now, you can find ways to get back on your feet and down the road to full recovery.
Source: Truck Accident Lawyer Trenton, NJ, Davis & Brusca, LLC