An accident with a semi or a big truck is traumatic for everyone involved, especially if there's a serious injury or death. It's easy to get flustered and do or say the wrong thing in the moment.
It's important to know your rights and what to do in case you are involved in an accident with a big truck. Here are five important things to do if you are in a crash with a tractor trailer:
Call the Police
Even if no one appears to be seriously hurt at the time or no major damage is done to the vehicles, call the police. Injuries and damage are not always immediately apparent, and you need an official account of the wreck and who is potentially at fault.
Get Treated for Your Injuries
Accident victims often put off treatment because they are either waiting for a settlement or convinced their injuries "aren't so bad."
We urge you to seek treatment right away. A doctor can help your case by accurately evaluating your injuries. Your attorney, along with your doctor, can determine a monetary amount that it will take to treat those injuries over time.
Take Pictures & Get Information
Take pictures of all damaged vehicles at the scene, including your own, as well as bodily injuries. Get all the information you can from the truck driver and/or the shipping company.
It's important you do NOT post any of these pictures to social media or even mention the wreck at all online. This will prevent insurance companies from possibly using the posts against you later.
If you are able to get the officer's name who answered the call and the insurance companies of the individuals involved, do so. Gather all the relevant information and document the wreck as much as you can.
Don't Sign Anything
The trucking company OR the trucking company's insurance provider may contact you directly and downplay the accident.
Don't sign anything without talking to a lawyer first and don't provide any recorded statements.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Have your case evaluated immediately by an experienced truck accident injury attorney. We are here to protect you and your family every step of the way, from the claims process to representing you in court if necessary.
Navigating the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident requires local expertise and a dedicated legal team. By choosing a seasoned 18-wheeler accident attorney, you ensure that your case is handled with the knowledge, experience, and commitment necessary to achieve a favorable outcome.
You never know when an accident will happen. Make sure you know what to do if you are involved in an accident with a big truck. We're here to answer your questions 24/7, and the consultation is always FREE!
