What to do after a truck accident?
Taking the right action after a truck accident can make a tremendous difference for the victims involved. Few people, outside of truck drivers, have any experience with truck wrecks when they experience their own. That lack of experience can lead to costly mistakes. Here are a few tips on what to do if you are involved in a crash with a semi-truck.
Call the police
Whether you have been involved in a truck accident, or witnessed it, the first thing to do is call 911 to get help for any injured victims. Collisions involving semi-trucks can lead to serious injuries, even at low speeds. The top priority is to safeguard the health of all parties involved.
Gather evidence
If you are able to do so, you should try to get the name of the truck driver and the company operating the truck. It can be helpful to get photographic evidence of any vehicles, including your vehicle, involved in the crash. Take pictures of anything you believe is related to the accident, from wreckage and skid marks to highway markers and construction signs. Try to collect the names, phone numbers and addresses of witnesses to the accident.
Even if you believe the evidence is clear, avoid speculation about the cause of the accident. Tell the truth about what happened.
Call a lawyer
Trucking companies are quick to respond to accidents. Some have dedicated teams of investigators who immediately respond to wreck scenes. Make no mistake about it, insurance companies, yours and the trucking company’s, are more concerned about limiting liability than they are about your wellbeing. You need an attorney who understands truck accident cases and who has the resources to quickly respond to the scene, document the evidence, and speak to the witnesses while the wreck is fresh in their minds. At Butler Prather LLP, we have built an impressive record of success helping people who have been injured in trucking cases. We can handle all communications with the insurance companies and take the necessary steps to protect your right to compensation. Serious cases call for serious lawyers with a track record of success. Call Butler Prather LLP and don’t settle for less.