Did you know that almost 1,300 car accidents happen every minute?
Accidents aren’t anything new, but a surprising amount of people don’t know what to do when they’ve been involved in one. There are certain steps you should take whether you’ve been involved in a car or truck accident, and we’re here to guide you through the process.
Read on to learn everything you need to know.
1. Get a Police Report
The first thing you’ll need to do is call 911 for help. If you’ve been injured, you’ll receive medical attention, but you’ll also be able to obtain a copy of your police report. If there aren’t any injuries that require immediate attention, then you’ll likely be questioned on the scene and given a copy of the report for your records.
It’s important to keep this, as it usually contains key information like witness and party statements, contact information for each driver involved, and the officer’s opinion about whose at fault.
It’ll also be helpful for your attorney to have for the settlement.
2. Take Photos
Of course, you need evidence to prove what happened at the scene. This usually looks like taking photos of both vehicles, any skid marks, license plates, and other relevant details.
3. Exchange Information
While the police report will have the other driver’s information, you’ll need to exchange your insurance and contact information with the other driver.
If the truck driver was driving a company vehicle, it’s important to make sure you get their name, insurance information, the name of the carrier, and the number of the truck. You’ll also need to verify that they actually work for that company so you’re fairly compensated.
4. Seek Medical Help
Due to the size of most commercial trucks involved in accidents, it’s important to seek a medical evaluation. Even if you think there’s nothing wrong, you could potentially suffer from things that don’t immediately show symptoms, like internal injuries or brain trauma.
Seeking an evaluation as soon as possible will help rule out any serious problems.
5. Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney
Finally, you’ll want to talk to a truck accident attorney. They’ll know exactly how to handle your situation, and they’ll be able to help you fill out any paperwork from the driver’s company or their insurance company.
If negotiations are still ongoing, or the entire situation is still being settled when the statute of limitations hits, your attorney can help you qualify for an exception so that settlement remains fair and unrushed. They’ll also know when certain paperwork is due, and they’ll be able to ensure you never miss an important deadline.
Don’t Neglect These Steps
The steps you take after your truck accident can have a major impact on the overall compensation you receive. Getting legal help in this situation could mean the difference between compensation and nothing at all — especially if you’ve been injured. That’s why talking to someone is so important.
Luckily, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation in Lafayette, LA today.