Being in an accident on the road is one of most drivers’ fears. Sharing the already dangerous roads with a semi-truck can heighten nervousness in drivers. Even at a distance, commercial trucks are intimidating and large. Truck drivers are generally responsible on the road, but poor judgment, and human error, paired with potential mechanical problems, can lead to devastating truck accidents. But what do you do after?
Are Truck Accidents Common?
Unfortunately, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 475,000 car accidents occur each year that involve large commercial trucks. Commercial truck accident fatalities are even more common in rural areas, with almost 60 percent of fatalities happening in that kind of environment.
No one wants to be involved in an accident, but everyone must prepare themselves for what they can do after a collision. Take the following steps if you have been in a truck accident.
Call the Police
Please resist the temptation of calling your family or friends to inform them you have been part of an accident. First, call the police. Calling 911 will get police and an ambulance to the accident scene as soon as possible. Calling for an ambulance will help any potential victims that aren’t able to do so. Law enforcement can determine the cause of the accident and who can be liable for your damages.
Insurance Information
When the police and paramedics are on the way, it is crucial to get the truck driver’s insurance information. Also, inquire about the trucking company as well. Your attorney will be able to determine whether the trucking company or the truck driver are liable for the wreck.
Document any Evidence
Write down anything you can think of. Photographic evidence of the accident and any injuries sustained can increase the value of your claim. Even if you do not have a present injury, take daily photos on sore areas for signs of bruising from the collision.
Medical Assistance
At the time of the crash, you may believe that you are not seriously injured. This could be from shock. It’s imperative to your health that you receive medical care as soon as possible after any car accident. The shock sends adrenaline coursing through the victim’s veins that could mask any pain from injuries. Claims with medical treatment starting from the day of the accident tend to have a higher value than those with medical records beginning days or even weeks after.
Call an Experienced Utah Personal Injury Attorney
After you have been helped by law enforcement and medical professionals, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney that can help you fight to recover compensation for any damages you have sustained. Here at Utah Personal Injury Attorneys, we have a significant amount of experience with large commercial semi-truck accidents. We know how devastating they can be, and we are here to fight for you. Call our offices today to receive a free consultation.
