Most people think about cars or pickup trucks when the term “car accident” is used. However, commercial trucks or “semi-trucks” are often involved in these types of vehicle collisions. The moments following a truck accident are important, but an accident can also leave you with many questions.
Hit by a Truck? Here’s What You Need to Do
If you recently experienced a collision involving a semi-truck, it is easy to be confused. Here are some simple tips to take that can make all the difference.
Tip 1: Contact Law Enforcement
The first thing you should do, if you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck, is to contact local law enforcement. When police arrive at the scene of the accident, they can investigate and file a police report. As part of the investigation, the officers will take the following items:
- Both driver statements
- Passenger statement(s)
- Witness statement(s)
The officers may also take photographs of the scene.
If one of the drivers is at fault, then the officer may also issue a citation. Remember to avoid confrontation with the other parties involved in the accident.
Even if the accident seems minor, or you feel alright, it is still best to contact the police. There are certain injuries that are not immediately noticeable, such as
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Soft tissue injuries
For example, you might have experienced a whiplash type of injury, but you might not feel the effects until the next day.
A police report can help document the mechanism of your injuries later on and add clarity about the liability, damages, and necessary medical treatment related to the accident. When the police report is completed, you should obtain or request a copy.
If you hire an attorney, they will request a copy from the police department on your behalf.
Tip 2: Seek Medical Treatment
Sometimes, injuries require transportation to an emergency facility via ambulance immediately after the accident while others do not. It is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, even if no one seems hurt and you feel fine.
Having a medical professional assess you after an accident can help link later treatment to the accident. There can also be serious injuries that are not apparent to you without the aid of a doctor or medical imaging.
Even if you were examined by emergency medical technicians at the scene of the accident, a full medical evaluation should be obtained as soon as possible after the accident.
Tip 3: Report the Truck Accident to Your Insurance Company
When you report the crash to your insurance company, it is best to simply give the information that is in the police report. The insurance company for the other driver may also try to contact you for a statement. It is very important to not sign anything or give a written statement regarding the collision without first obtaining legal advice.
Tip 4: Stay Off of Social Media
A truck accident is usually more serious than an accident between passenger vehicles. Occasionally, the truck accident could even be reported in the news. It is important to stay off of social media. The danger with posting on social media is that it is so easy for any posts to be used against you.
Photos and videos related to the accident, or even unrelated to the accident, can be used against you.
Tip 5: Document the Truck Accident
If it is safe, document the scene of the accident while you are still at the scene of the collision. You should also take pictures of all of the vehicles that were involved in the accident and the damage sustained. If there are skid marks or traffic signs, those are also important to document if the scene is safe to do so.
Additionally, remember to take any pictures of injuries. Things like cuts and bruises can change quickly, so it is important to document the healing process. If you transported to the emergency room, ask the hospital staff to take picture of your injuries.
Details can become blurry after the accident and as time passes. It is a good idea to write down the details of the accident before you forget.
Tip 6: Call a Lawyer
Before you move forward with the case or accept an offer, you should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney. Attorneys at Doar, Drill & Skow have the skills and experience to guide you through this process.
Contact Doar, Drill & Skow for a free consultation for personal injuries matters.