By some accounts, more than 500,000 accidents involving tractor-trailers occur each year in United States. Since 18-wheelers are so much larger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, those accidents often result in far more serious injuries and more extensive property damage than those involving cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs alone. Research shows that the rate of fatalities for these accidents is approximately four times higher as well.
In the moments following a collision with an 18-wheeler, fear can easily take over and cloud your judgement. If you or your passengers have sustained serious injuries, that’s sure to affect your reactions as well. Knowing what to do ahead of time can improve your chances of getting appropriate help after a truck accident. With that being the case, be sure you keep the following steps in mind.
Call for Help
Without a doubt, the first step you should take after a truck accident is to call for help. Dial 911 to get ambulances, law enforcement, and firefighters en route. Each of these first responders will play a crucial role in mitigating the situation. Law enforcement officials assess the scene, gather evidence and statements, create police reports, and control traffic around the accident. Firefighters handle hazards, extract accident victims from vehicles if necessary, and may provide initial medical care among other services. Paramedics provide further medical care for those involved in accidents and transport them to the hospital if needed.
Get Medical Attention
You, and others who were involved in the accident, should get medical attention immediately after an accident as well. That’s the case even if you think you’re not seriously injured. Far too many people forgo medical care after an accident only to realize later on that they’re in far worse shape than they thought. When adrenaline kicks in after an accident, it may make you stronger, more alert, and impervious to pain. Once it wears off, though, the full effects of the accident will become obvious. Other injuries could become more evident days and even weeks after the fact as well.
It’s best to receive medical care immediately. That’ll get you on the road to recovery as soon as possible. It’ll also give you vital evidence to use if you decide to pursue your case later on.
Gather Evidence
Although law enforcement officials will gather evidence at the scene of the accident, collecting evidence on your own if you’re able to do so is recommended. In a perfect world, all vehicles would be equipped with dashcams to capture footage of accidents as they happen. This isn’t a perfect world, though, so you may have to rely on pictures and video gathered afterward. Take as many pictures as you can of the scene as proof of conditions that may have contributed to the accident and to help prove who was at fault. Get statements and contact information from any witnesses to the accident as well.
Contact Your Insurance Company and an Attorney
After taking the previous steps, be sure to contact your insurance company. Experts generally recommend waiting no longer than 72 hours to get in touch with your insurance provider. Consider contacting an attorney as well. An attorney can help you forge through the aftermath of an accident and ensure your rights are upheld.
Taking Action After a Truck Accident
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can make a world of difference in your overall outcome. Call for help, accept medical attention, gather evidence, and contact your insurance company. From there, consider contacting an attorney to protect your best interests. Through it all, try to remain calm and take care of yourself above all else.
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