Anything that you can imagine, but being involved in a truck accident is one of the most devastating, traumatic, and challenging events to deal with. There is no ease in managing the aftermath of a truck accident as it contains severe damages, injuries, and complications.
According to Forbes, there are more than 5 million significant truck accidents that are reported in the United States alone. Unfortunately, the number is only multiplying. Therefore, knowing the aftermath and steps to navigate this situation becomes crucial.
Whether you or a loved one has been in a truck accident and is wondering how to handle it well, here is a step-by-step guide that you can consider in this blog.
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Remain Calm at First
To begin the process of handling the aftermath of a truck accident, the first step to consider is not to panic. A truck accident is a devastating experience, and it is human nature to panic in such a shocking situation.
However, the calmer you are, the safer your response to the crash will be. Therefore, you need to prioritize yourself at that time. Try not to jeopardize your safety or the people around you.
By staying calm, you will have a clear head, which will help you think clearly for the next step. You can better assess the surroundings around you and call the emergency services.
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Call 911 immediately
The next step you need to take after assessing your accident is to call 911. You should ensure that both police and ambulance are well aware of the crash and make it on time. By calling these two services on time, you will be able to seek medical assistance on time.
Additionally, it will be easier for police to collect all the evidence of the crash as well. If the accident involved a commercial vehicle, the accident procedure might leave little to speculation. Therefore, all the authorities should know as much as possible about the accident.
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Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
In rare cases, it can be true not to get injured in a truck accident. However, still, it is essential for you to seek immediate medical attention after the accident. You might not notice or experience any pain because of adrenaline. But as time goes by, you might experience pain or other symptoms after the accident.
Therefore, the experts advise people on seeking medical attention as soon as possible. By seeing a health specialist, you will get the document of your injury and have proof to seek compensation accordingly.
Moreover, the health specialist will recommend a treatment plan and diagnose you for the fastest recovery.
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Try To Find Witnesses
If you’re able to move after the accident, don’t miss the opportunity to collect information from witnesses. To build a strong case for compensation, you might need a witness statement. Therefore, try to scope out the area around you and collect information from witnesses who have seen the accident.
While collecting the witness statement, ensure you get their name and contact information as well. You should also point out the witnesses to officers when they arrive. If an officer visits by the time a witness leaves the scene, you can share the details with them to proceed with the case.
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Document the Evidence
Documentation of evidence is one of the essential steps that will help you to build a case. When you have all the information relevant to your case, it is important for you to keep it secure. According to accident law in some states, more than two parties can be blamed for a truck accident.
Therefore, it is essential for you to collect as much evidence as you can. If you’re confident that you haven’t been at fault, ensure everything is captured in your device as proof.
Moreover, you should consider contacting the best Trucking Injury Law Group to review your case and fight for your claim. Once you have hired the truck accident lawyer, you can submit all your evidence to proceed with the next steps.
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Know What to Say at the Scene
When the authorities arrive at the scene, you will be questioned about the situation. Whatever statement you will give, will matter and impact the outcome of the accident. Therefore, it is advised to keep your cool during this time.
No wonder a truck accident can be an infuriating experience. You will be already juggling with emotions and fear of loss. But try to stay calm. Avoid apologizing for anything as it can put you at liability. Even if you don’t know who was at fault, try to prevent giving any statement.
The best thing you can do at that time is to let the evidence speak for the accident. You should be aware of all the processes and prepare yourself for each step.
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Avoid Sharing On Social Media
A number of people make the mistake of sharing the details of any accident on social media. They might share with the intent to prevent this situation from happening again. However, this could lead to negative outcomes in your case.
Posting anything on social media, whether a picture or statement could be used against your claim. This can influence the value of your compensation, which you will never want to happen.
Therefore, be aware of the sensitivity of the situation and avoid social media till the time your case is resolved.
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File an Accident Report
Last but not least, filing the report of the accident is a major step that you should always take. Regardless of the state you’re living in, filing a report will make the claim process easier.
A preliminary report will help you to compile the information about the accident. However, you need to keep all the information recorded and readily available for submission. When reporting your accident, ensure you speak to your lawyer and understand what to share and what not to.
This way, you can prevent yourself from giving any information on record that can be used against you to reduce your compensation later on.
