There are certain steps that you should take after a truck accident to protect your San Antonio truck accident claim, including calling the police and seeking medical attention. Here are some more details on which steps to take.
Get to Safety After the Accident
Pull your vehicle out of traffic as near to the accident scene as possible on the shoulder of the road, without compromising safety. Remain in your vehicle unless it is unsafe to do so. Try to avoid walking around the accident scene, as it could pose danger due to broken glass, metal, spilled cargo, or other hazards.
Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. Truck accidents often cause serious injuries due to the large size of the truck.
Turn on your hazard lights and activate any road flares that you have to alert other motorists of the accident and to avoid secondary accidents.
Call 911
Call 911 to report the accident to authorities and request emergency medical services. Even if injuries seem minor at first or don’t require immediate medical attention, they could be worse than you initially thought. Prompt medical attention after a truck crash can help prevent deaths or further harm.
Once law enforcement arrives, stick to the facts when giving your statement. Try to avoid speculating about fault and don’t admit responsibility for the accident. You don’t know which factors could have played a role in the crash, such as driver fatigue or impairment.
Ask the officer how to receive a copy of the report they are preparing. The accident report may contain important details about the accident, including drivers’ statements, witness statements, and an assessment of fault.
Document the Scene
While waiting for emergency responders, do your best to gather as much evidence related to the truck crash and document the accident scene. The scene will be cleared up quickly so that it does not pose a risk to other motorists, so taking this step can help preserve valuable evidence before that occurs.
Ask the other driver for their name, contact information, employer name and contact information, and insurance details. Write down everything about the truck, including any emblems, business names, U.S. DOT number, and license plate number.
Ask witnesses to write down their names and contact information for you.
Take pictures from various angles to capture the overall scene, vehicle damage, the truck’s position, the position and condition of your vehicle, road conditions, weather conditions, nearby traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
Seek Medical Attention
Follow up with any emergency care you received. Keep all of your doctors’ appointments and medical records. Describe all of your symptoms to your medical providers, and be sure to mention the truck crash so your records clearly demonstrate the connection between your injuries and the traffic accident.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking companies have powerful defense teams and insurance companies that will fight to defend them. Level the playing field by hiring a legal team of your own that has experience handling complex truck accident claims. Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your next steps.