Sharing the road with semi-trucks can be a bit frightening. They’re so much larger than cars, and because they drive long distances, the drivers may be tired or distracted on the road.
If you’re ever in an accident with a semi, you need to know what to do. There are steps to take right away while you’re still on the scene and other important things to do after you get home.
Here’s what you need to know!
Call the Police and Get a Report
Any accident, no matter how minor, needs a police report. It’s the only way to have an official version of events so that no one can change their story after the fact. Call for the police to come as soon as an accident happens.
You should also get witnesses to the crash to wait for the police. The authorities can interview the witnesses to get a clearer picture of what happened.
You’ll also want to watch what you say. It’s nice to be polite, but in this case, being nice can work against you. Make sure you don’t say things like, “Oh, it’s OK.” or admit fault. Those things may be used against you later.
When you’re filing an insurance claim or considering a lawsuit, the police report is key evidence.
Always Seek Medical Help
Even if you don’t think you’re badly injured, allow an ambulance to check you out and bring you to the hospital if they feel it’s necessary. Many vehicle accident injuries are not immediately obvious.
Soft tissue damage and other soreness can happen several days after a crash. By getting medical help right away, you’re linking that pain to the accident and creating a record of your injuries. This is important when it comes to getting proper compensation later.
Work With a Truck Accident Attorney
You might think you can simply file with the truck insurance company and move on, but how do you know if they’re offering you a fair settlement? Because you don’t have experience with these types of accidents, you’re easy to take advantage of.
A truck accident attorney knows what’s fair for your injuries, damage to your car, and other less-obvious costs. For instance, if you miss time from work or have emotional difficulty after the accident, you deserve to be compensated for that.
The right attorney will help you get a fair deal.
Truck Accidents Are Complex
Having an accident with a semi-truck is complicated. It’s more than just you and the driver. There’s the driver’s employer, insurance companies, and the shipper or manufacturer of the goods in the truck.
To ensure that you get the compensation you deserve, don’t go through the post-accident process alone. You can’t rely on the insurance company to look out for you — in fact, they are specifically paid to watch out for the insurance company!
Having a professional on your side matters. The right truck accident lawyer will fight for you and protect your rights. If you need help with a semi-truck accident, contact us today!