If you’ve been injured in an accident with a truck driver, it’s essential to know what steps to take next. Truck accidents can be severe, and getting the help you need after one occurs is critical. This article will outline the steps you should take if you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck driver.
What Qualifies As An Accident?
You first need to determine whether or not the incident you were involved in qualifies as an accident. This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people don’t realize that not all truck-related incidents are considered accidents. For example, if a truck driver hits your car while you’re stopped at a red light, this isn’t considered an accident. However, if a truck driver rear-ends her vehicle while driving, this is considered an accident.
Steps To Follow If You’ve Been In An Accident With A Truck Driver
Truck accidents can be complicated, so it’s important to have someone on your side who knows what they’re doing. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck driver, follow these steps to ensure you get the help you need.
Medical Attention
The first step you should take is to seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. It’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident. Truck driver accidents can often result in hidden injuries, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Contact A Lawyer
Once you’ve seen a medical professional, the next step is to contact a truck accident attorney (Los Angeles). A truck accident lawyer is different from a regular personal injury lawyer. They specialize in truck accidents, and they know the ins and outs of these types of cases. This is important because trucking companies are often large and have a team of lawyers. You need someone on your side who knows how to navigate these types of cases. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you navigate the complex legal process and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
File A Police Report
The final step is to file a police report. This is an important document that will be used in your case. Ensure all the incident details, including the truck driver’s name and contact information. Once you have this information, you can move forward with filing a claim.
Get The Truck Driver’s Information
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck driver, you first need to get the truck driver’s information. This includes the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. It would help if you also got the truck’s license plate and the trucking company’s name. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene and get a copy of the police report.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have all of the necessary information, you need to contact your insurance company. Your insurance company will then contact the truck driver’s insurance company and begin the claims process. Remember that you should never give a recorded statement to the truck driver’s insurance company without first consulting with your own insurance company.
What to Do If You Witness a Truck Accident
If you witness a truck accident, there are certain things you should do:
- Stop your vehicle in a safe location.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Do not try to move any of the injured people.
- Do not leave the accident scene until the police arrive.
- If you have a camera, take photos of the accident scene.
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Report any damage to your vehicle to the police.
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents are serious business. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck driver, taking the necessary steps to protect your rights is essential. Be sure to seek medical attention, contact a truck accident attorney (Los Angeles), and file a police report. And if you witness a truck accident, be sure to do your part by reporting it and staying at the scene until help arrives.