About six million car accidents occur in the US every year. Even so, many people don’t know what to do after an accident. The steps you follow after a truck accident can impact your ability to fight for compensation.
Here are the five steps you need to follow after a crash. Reading this guide can help you feel prepared in advance.
Then, you can fight for compensation to recover your losses. Read on to learn more!
1. Move to Safety
Immediately after a car accident, it’s normal to feel panicked or uncertain. Try to remain calm. Take a deep breath and focus on your safety.
If your car is safe to move, direct it toward the side of the road. Make sure you remain near the scene of the truck accident. Remain out of the way of incoming traffic.
If you’re unsure if your vehicle is safe to drive, wait for the police to arrive. Don’t move your car if it’s leaking fluids or making strange sounds.
2. Call the Police
In some states, you’re obligated to call the police after an accident. If you’re unsure about the laws in your state, call anyway.
When the police arrive, stick to the facts. Don’t embellish or assign blame for the accident.
Get the name and badge number of the officer who arrives at the scene. Ask them for a copy of the police report. If you forget, ask your lawyer to request a copy.
Your car accident lawyer will use the official police report when building your case.
3. Gather Evidence
Gather evidence before leaving the scene of the car accident.
First, get the truck driver’s:
- Name
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance information
- Phone number
- Address
Avoid small talk. Don’t apologize, which is seen as an admission of guilt.
Then, take photos of the scene. Capture images of all vehicles involved in the crash. Take pictures of your injuries, too.
4. Visit a Doctor
About 4.4 million people are injured severely enough to require medical attention after an accident. Make sure to visit a doctor to get a professional assessment. Follow-up with the doctor later.
Their assessment can help build your personal injury lawsuit.
5. Call a Lawyer
Make sure to call a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Look for a personal injury attorney who specializes in truck accidents. Make sure they have years of hands-on case experience, too.
Your lawyer can help you file a lawsuit. They can also ensure you calculate your losses to fight for the full amount of compensation you’re due.
With an experienced truck accident lawyer at your side, you can avoid leaving money on the table.
Make Your Case: Follow These Steps After a Truck Accident
Don’t rush to leave the scene after an accident. Instead, follow these steps the next time you’re in a truck accident. Following these steps will help you gather the evidence you need.
Then, you can fight for compensation with an experienced lawyer at your side.
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