Being involved in a truck accident can be a scary, overwhelming, and awful experience. Particularly, if the accident involves injuries, casualties, or vehicle damage when compared to a standard car accident. However, staying calm and following the proper steps is extremely important to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and handle the situation effectively.
Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do in the event of a truck accident.
First, you must generally understand that truck accidents tend to be more complex and have higher stakes than regular car accidents. Not only are trucks much larger vehicles, but they also carry heavier loads and often involve multiple parties such as the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and insurance providers. So, it’s necessary to take extra caution in the moments following a truck accident.
Your Health and Well-Being Must Prioritized
Your life is the most precious thing, so it’s imperative to prioritize your health and well-being. If you or anyone else is involved in the accident, you must seek medical help immediately. Usually, the emergency services will arrive at the truck accident scene, but if they do not, contact them immediately. This is very critical because some injuries may not present immediate symptoms, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. After a proper medical evaluation, the medical professional would assess any injuries sustained during the accident and determine the level of damage and the necessary care.
Even if you believe that you are okay and have no visible injuries, it’s still important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be apparent right away and can worsen over time if not properly treated. So, don't hesitate to seek medical attention.
Additionally, it’s important to keep track of any medical expenses and documents for future reference, as they can potentially be used as evidence in a legal case. This is equally necessary to ensure your health and well-being, as some injuries may require ongoing medical treatment.
Document the Accident - Evidence, Reports, and Records
After ensuring that everyone is safe and receiving proper medical attention, gathering evidence at the entire accident scene is vital. You can begin this process by taking picture evidence or videos of the overall scene, damages to vehicles or property, skid marks on the road, and any visible injuries. It’s also important to exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident, as well as obtain contact details from any witnesses at the accident scene.
Not only is it beneficial to be aware of any surveillance cameras that may have footage of the accident, but taking note of their locations can also be helpful. You can use this as valuable evidence in a legal case, so it’s necessary to identify and preserve any potential video footage.
Report the Accident
Next, it’s pertinent to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, given the insurance policy. Usually, the type of coverage and the process of reporting the accident would differ for truck accidents compared to regular car accidents. So, being familiar with your insurance policy and any special provisions for reporting a truck accident is a must.
What this does is that it notifies them of the incident and begins the claims process for any damages or severe injuries sustained during the accident. Please, don't make the mistake of waiting too long to report the accident, as it may affect your ability to receive maximum compensation.
It’s also necessary to report the truck accident to the authorities or law enforcement officials, such as by calling 911 at the accident scene or filing a police report, i.e., getting a police officer involved. This documents the accident for legal and insurance purposes and can also help determine any contributing factors to the accident—for example, poor weather conditions, road conditions, road flares, etc.
Keep Records
In addition to collecting information and evidence at the scene of the accident, it’s important to keep track of any expenses or losses related to the accident. This includes medical records, medical bills, accident reports, cost of repairs, lost wages from missed work, and other related expenses. The official report from the authorities (i.e., a report with accident details including the exact accident location, time of day it occurred, the commercial vehicle involved, vehicle registration details, etc.,) can be potentially valuable in the course of event.
Safely keep all documents and records related to the accident, as they may be crucial in the claims or legal process. Even if you are unsure if a particular expense or document is relevant, it’s better to be safe and have all the information on hand. These documents will provide an official account of the accident and can help in the truck accident claims process or potential legal action.
Witnesses and Other Persons Involved
Many times, when truck accidents happen, multiple parties may be involved. As a result, it’s crucial to identify and contact witnesses to the accident and other persons involved. Witnesses can provide valuable information and perspective on what occurred during the accident.
Similarly, it’s important to determine the liable party, including the truck driver, trucking company, or another party. This can assist in the claims and legal process and identify any potential negligence or wrongdoing.
If you were not driving the truck during the accident, it’s also essential to gather information from the driver. This may include obtaining statements and any relevant documents, such as their driving record or employment information.
You Shouldn't Wait to Begin Your Case After a Truck Accident
It is a common mistake to wait to begin the claims or legal process after a truck accident. However, it’s necessary to start as soon as possible to preserve evidence and ensure all the required steps are taken.
If you choose to pursue legal action, there may be a statute of limitations on filing a claim (perhaps, an insurance claim or a personal injury claim). A statute of limitation is a specific time when legal action must be taken.
These vary by state and the particular circumstances of the accident, so it’s essential to get a legal consultation with an experienced Denver truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. As a truck accident victim, you can't risk losing out on the ability to receive the maximum compensation for any damages or severe injuries sustained during the accident.
Quickly Seek Legal Representation
It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed or stressed during a truck accident. However, staying calm and following protocol is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties involved. But importantly, you must know that navigating the claims and legal process after a truck accident can be complicated and overwhelming.
Consequently, you know your legal options to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive adequate compensation for any damages or injuries sustained during the accident. An experienced Denver personal injury lawyer can assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in potential legal action. They can also provide valuable guidance and legal advice throughout the process, helping ensure your case is handled effectively.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, contact us at Denver Car Accident Lawyer for a free case review at (720) 770-5454. We have extensive knowledge and experience in handling truck accident cases and can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.