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Trucking Accidents

What to Do After a Truck Accident

When you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, your first actions are crucial. Your actions a few moments after the accident can affect your truck accident claim. It is also essential to know that trucking accidents need to be handled differently than other vehicle accidents. The trucking industry is heavily regulated, so it is very important to act quickly from the beginning.

Call for Assistance

​Of course, the most important thing to do after a truck accident is to make sure the injured get immediate medical attention, so you should dial 9-1-1 as quickly as possible. Never move the injured unless you are a trained first responder or you feel the person is in imminent danger if you do not.

Someone on Behalf of the Injured Needs to Document the Accident Scene

​Once medical help has been secured and everyone has been moved to safety, it is important that someone on behalf of the injured gather as much information as they can about the accident and contact the authorities if they are not already present.

  • Get contact and insurance information from every driver involved as well as driver’s license information.
  • Document information about the truck, including the type of truck, cab, and goods being carried.
  • Take pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident and the actual damage to the vehicles.
  • Also, take pictures of the accident area, other things that may have been damaged like guardrails, any skid marks, and the state of the truck tires.

Do Not Speak with Representatives from the Insurance or Trucking Companies

​These representatives are usually at the scene very quickly because it is their job to get the information first, and their goal is to avoid paying the full amount of any claims. The best option to safeguard your case is not to speak with any representatives from the insurance agency or trucking company. Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can assist with gathering information, dealing with insurance agencies, and provide the peace of mind you need with guidance through the claims process.

Get Examined by a Medical Professional

​Even if you think you are not injured in a trucking accident, you should make an appointment with a doctor for a thorough exam. Because of the force and weight of a truck, a truck accident can cause many types of injuries, some of which are obvious, while others may take a long time to surface. Getting yourself examined may help to identify some of them early.

The lawyers at Williams DeLoatche, P.C. are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and truck accidents as they have worked both for and against them. Their thorough knowledge and expertise are exactly what you will need to help win your case.

Call us if you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident for a free consultation at 757-547-5555.