Any sort of collision can be a traumatic experience, but because of the size and stature of a truck, an accident with such a large vehicle can prove to be even more damaging and dangerous.
It
can be difficult to keep a clear head in the immediate aftermath of a truck
accident but the steps you take almost as soon as the collision has taken place
can have a critical bearing on your ability to get the justice and compensation
you may be entitled to.
Talking
to a truck accident lawyer is one of those important
first steps. They can assess the situation and guide you through every aspect
of the claims process. Here is a look at the most immediate steps you should
take shortly after being involved in a truck accident.
Check the status of everyone involved
and call for help
The
first thing to do after an accident is to check how everyone involved is.
Confirm that everyone is okay and perform a quick assessment of the seriousness of any
injuries so that you can inform the emergency services when you dial 911.
Getting
help from all of the appropriate services, such as firefighters and police,
will not only ensure that the situation is dealt with correctly and any
injuries are dealt with speedily, but it will also help create a document trail
that could be crucial when making a claim.
Try to gather your own supporting
evidence and information
As
long as it is safe to do so, it is a good idea to document the scene and take
some pictures to confirm your version of events.
As
well as taking photos you also need to get the name and address details of
anyone involved and any witnesses to the accident. Be sure to obtain the
insurance and license details of all the drivers involved in the collision.
If
the truck driver was driving a company vehicle, make a note of the business
name and contact details too.
Trucking laws in California say if the truck driver was driving a company vehicle, make a note of the business name and contact details too.
Get in touch with a lawyer
Your
top priority should be to leave the scene safely and get the medical treatment
you need without delay.
Once
you are safe and ready to start thinking about making a claim you should then
get in touch with a truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. It is best to
seek out a lawyer with specific knowledge of motor accident law as they will be
able to pinpoint how to make a successful claim for damages and compensation.
Get professional help negotiating a
settlement
It
is important to have a lawyer working on your behalf as you could make the
mistake of accepting an unfair settlement without their guidance.
Insurance
companies can often use tactics to persuade you to sign a settlement within a
matter of days of the accident. While it might be tempting to be offered a cash
sum at this point, it is almost certainly going to be a lesser amount than you
may get by using a lawyer to represent you.
A
lawyer will also know how to prove negligence and identify any circumstances of
the accident that could prove your entitlement to compensation.
If
you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a truck accident make sure you
follow these important steps to get your life back on track and receive the
settlement you may be entitled to.
