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Most people wonder what they need to do if they are in a truck accident. This will help you be proactive and learn how to protect yourself in the event of a truck accident. It also provides helpful tips for what to do if you have already been in an accident.
The following is an in-depth discussion of what to do after an accident. Below that is a bullet-point checklist to help you build a strong case against the at-fault driver.
Many times truck accidents trigger additional car accidents. You will want to remain in place, with your seatbelt fastened, in case there is another crash. Make sure your passengers remain where they are. We’ve represented accident victims where they prematurely raced to get out of their vehicle and were hit by another vehicle.
Once you are sure it is safe, thoroughly check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is in pain and something doesn’t feel right, especially in the head, neck, or back, do not risk it. Call an ambulance and seek immediate medical attention. Remain in place and wait for police or paramedics to arrive. They are trained on how to move injured people without causing additional injury.
Once it is clear you are not going to be hit again, check your surroundings. Do you see smoke or fire? If so, you probably need to evacuate yourself and your passengers, regardless of injuries. The key is to keep everyone safe.
After checking on traffic and confirming it is safe to exit your car, you should check on pedestrians who were involved in the crash as well as occupants of the other vehicles.
If you are involved in a minor crash on the highway, without severe injuries, you should probably move your car to the right shoulder to get out of the flow of traffic. If there are severe injuries, leave your car where it is to avoid aggravating any injuries and to allow police to perform a proper accident investigation.
If you are involved in a minor crash on residential or city streets, you may want to move your car if it is blocking traffic. Otherwise, again, you might want to leave the car where it is for the accident investigation.
No matter what, never leave the scene of the accident without exchanging insurance information with the other drivers. However, if you feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 immediately and get yourself to a safe location. Explain to the 911 operator why your safety was at risk, forcing you to leave.
To avoid questions about who was at fault, even if it seems obvious, call 911 and ask them to send a police officer. Police officers typically file a crash report, or accident report, that documents what happened. Police can also issue a citation to the driver who is at fault. The crash report goes a long way to prove to the insurance companies and courts what happened.
Do not rely on the other driver saying it was their fault and telling you the police are not necessary. They are not your friend. They are not going to look out for your interests, especially if they are looking at a huge rate increase in their insurance premium or personal liability for your damages.
Take several pictures of every car involved in the crash, showing all the damage. Photos of vehicle damage visualize the extent of the collision and your injuries. They can also refute allegations by the other driver that the accident was your fault or that this was a minor crash.
If the other drivers provide you with documents, proof of insurance, or other information, take photographs of those as well. You do not want to lose this information.
You should also photograph your injuries.
The law requires drivers to have auto insurance and share this information with others involved in a crash. You will want to obtain the truck driver’s insurance provider and policy numbers, and the make, model, color, and license plate of any other vehicles involved. If possible, get a copy of the other drivers’ license information. Most of this will be in the officer’s crash report or covered by the photographs you take.
Even if you do not think you are injured, you should visit an urgent-care, hospital emergency room, or your doctor. If you require additional care, follow your doctor’s advice and do not delay treatment.
For reasons that your truck accident lawyer can explain later, it is preferable that you see in-network providers through your health insurance. If you do not have health insurance or are limited by the potential providers in your area, there are doctors who specialize in injury care and do not require an upfront payment. Again, you should speak with your lawyer about this.
Promptly notify your automobile insurance company of the crash. Failing to do so could potentially leave you personally responsible for injuries and damages caused by the crash. Also, depending on the type of coverage you have, you might want your insurance company to handle the repair of your vehicle. Getting your car repaired is important to your future safety when using the car.
Also, talk to your automobile insurance provider about coverage that protects you when the other driver does not have enough insurance or any insurance. There is coverage that will pay your medical bills regardless of who is at fault for the crash. You should also look into GAP coverage in case your car is totaled because you will only be paid the fair market value of the car and not the amount left on your loan.
Make sure you have uninsured and underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage. Getting hit by someone who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your damages can be catastrophic. We frequently see problems like this, often leaving those with injuries without any compensation. You should protect yourself by having this coverage.
Being involved in a truck accident is stressful, complicated, and time-intensive. Hiring the right attorney can make all the difference in the world. An experienced truck accident lawyer will help you gather evidence, assist with your insurance claim, and make the whole process easier. Contact Gage Mathers Law Group for a free consultation to discuss your accident and how best to protect your legal rights.
Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers in Arizona
Speak to one of our personal injury attorneys and learn more about the legal options for your accident claim.
If you have been in a truck accident or are being proactive, these bullet points will help you build a strong case against the at-fault driver:
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