Mia
You were driving down the road when you saw a truck coming straight for you. You swerved out of the way, but it was too late. The truck hit your car and sent you flying. When you come to, you realize that you’re injured and your car is totaled. You start questioning yourself – what do I do now?
Being hit by a truck is a jarring experience. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen as rarely as we’d like. In 2017, there were over 500,000 truck accidents in the United States alone. And that number has increased over the years. So if you happen to be in this situation and wonder what to do after a truck accident, we are here to help. Things that will be discussed later on are mandatory in any type of accident, but especially in a truck accident. This type of accident can cause serious damage – both to your vehicle and to your health. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these four steps:
1. Check if Everyone is Fine
The first thing you should do is to see if anyone is injured. You may be in shock, so give yourself some time to assess the situation. When you are aware of everything, start examining if you are fine. Then, look for other people who may have been hurt in the accident. If you can, help them get to a safe place. Make sure that you and anyone else involved in the accident is safe before doing anything else.
If it is possible and safe to do so, move your car out of the way of oncoming traffic. You don’t want to obstruct the road and cause another accident. Also, if your car is smoking or leaking any fluids, it’s best to move it away from the road. If you can’t, then turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
2. Call the Police and an Ambulance
Once you’ve made sure that everyone is okay, the next step is to call the police. They will document the accident and help sort out any legalities. The police will collect information from you, the other driver, and any witnesses. They will also take pictures of the place of the accident. You should also call an ambulance, even if you don’t think you’re injured.
Sometimes injuries aren’t immediately apparent, but they could become more serious later on. It is better to get checked out by a doctor. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. The paramedics will be able to assess your injuries and recommend the best course of action.
3. Document the Scene
While you’re waiting for the police and ambulance to arrive, it’s a good idea to start documenting the scene. You can take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you may have. Take a closer look at the truck that hit you and take pictures of any damage. It’s also a good idea to get the truck driver’s information. Get all the information needed, such as their name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number.
You should also write down the truck’s license plate number. The more information you have, the better. It’s also essential to get the contact information of any eyewitnesses. They may be able to help your case later on. Witnesses can provide a first-hand account of what happened, which can be very valuable.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
After you’ve been seen by a medical professional and the police have filed a report, the next step is to call your insurance company. They will need to know what happened and will start getting you compensated for your damages. They will start the claims process and help you get back on your feet.
It is vital to bear in mind that insurance companies are businesses. They will do everything in their power to minimize their payout. That’s the reason why it’s important to have an experienced truck accident attorney on your side. An attorney will fight for you and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Seeking legal assistance is the best way to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.
Being in a truck accident is a scary experience, but it’s important to stay calm and know what to do. Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in a truck accident. But if you do, following these steps will help you get through it. Stay calm and don’t panic. If you follow these steps, you can make sure that everyone is safe and that you’re taken care of financially.
