Truck accidents do not occur as frequently as car accidents, but when they do they are often quite dangerous. Truck accidents do not only result in damages to your car, they also often result in serious, often life-threatening injuries. This is why it is difficult to follow up with the necessary procedures after a truck accident as victims are often more concerned with medical care and treatment.
However, if you are lucky enough to get out of a truck accident with a slight non-life-threatening injury, you must contact your personal injury lawyer immediately. If you are in Massachusetts, contact a truck accident lawyer in Massachusetts to assist you in getting the compensation you may be entitled to due to the damages or injuries caused by the accident.
Here are the steps to take after a truck accident:
Report the Crash Immediately
As soon as you can, report the crash to the necessary authorities and remain at the scene until you get feedbacks or directives on the next action to take. If you or anyone involved in the accident is injured, whether minor or severe injuries, call your state/country emergency line to get immediate medical care.
Turn on your hazard lights to enable other drivers to see your car. This will prevent further accidents and also draw attention to you and those involved. Fill out the necessary document and accident report given to you by the police, keep a copy for yourself. You will need it.
Identify Other Parties Involved in the Accident
Check the plate number of the other party or parties involved in the accident. Check the state of the vehicles and the company in the truck. Many times, a passenger is at fault for a truck accident and not the driver himself. Injuries and damages can be compensated for without much hassle if you have a clear understanding of what exactly happened. Remember that everyone in the truck is potentially liable for damages to your car and injuries you sustained.
Exchange Information with the Other Party
After identifying the other party/parties involved, the next step to take is to exchange contact information at the scene of the crash, because once they leave the scene it may be difficult to get any information about them. Contacting the company and getting compensation will be even more difficult.
When exchanging contact information, ask for the following:
- Name of the truck driver
- His house address and phone number
- His driver’s license, driver’s insurance company and policy information.
- The name of the company he works for and the contact information
Truck accidents are dangerous which is why truck drivers are trained to be extra careful to avoid serious damage to lives and cars of other drivers on the road. Know your rights when involved in a truck accident and seek compensation especially if you suffer from an injury and/or severe damage to your car as a result of the accident.