Next Steps After a Semi Truck Accident

Posted in Car Accidents,Semi-Truck Accidents on July 28, 2016

Half a million truck accidents happen in the U.S. each year, and one-in-eight fatal traffic accidents involve a semi truck. Unfortunately, semi truck accidents continue to happen every day. For those who have been involved in one, it is important to know the legal steps to take after the accident happens.

What to do after a semi truck accident

Report the accident – After the accident, call 9-1-1 to report the accident so they can send police officers and ambulances if needed right away. Also make sure to report the accident to your insurance company.

Seek medical attention – Your health is the most important thing following an accident. If you’re not obviously injured, check to make sure everyone else involved is okay too. If you are injured and get medical treatment make sure to keep record of all of your medical bills so you can use them as documentation for your insurance so you can be properly compensated. If you don’t have any dire accidents, it’s always important to see a doctor after an accident. This way is you do end up having complications from the accident later, you have documentation that you did not deny medical treatment.

Speak to the police – When police arrive on the scene they will ask you questions to get your side of the story for the police report. You will need this report to give to your insurance company and the report can have a major influence on how your case turns out. Make sure to answer all of the questions honestly but don’t say anything that could potentially point the blame towards you.

Document as much as possible – When pursuing an accident claim it is important to have as much documentation as possible. Take photos of the placement of the vehicles are the accident and of the damages to your car. These will be helpful if a judge has to determine whose fault it is. You should also get the license plate numbers and vehicle identifications numbers of the trucks or vehicles involved, and contact and insurance information of those involved.