When you get into a truck accident, a dozen things are likely running through your mind. Once you are able to think clearly, there are essential steps you can take to strengthen your claim against the negligent driver. After you’ve done your part, our attorneys will take on the rest of the work toward your settlement.
We can help you confidently navigate a truck crash’s legal process. Our Texas truck accident attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm explain the actions you should take at the scene of a truck crash. And if we have to take your case to court to get you the settlement you need, we’re ready.
Contact the Police to Report the Accident
Once you’ve pulled over to the side of the road where you are safe, you should call the police to report that you’ve been in an accident. Texas state law states that you must report a truck accident to the police if there is an injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1000. Failing to report an accident may be a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the accident’s severity.
When the police arrive, they will fill out an accident report that contains details about the truck accident. It’s important not to admit fault or give any indication of wrongdoing because it can decrease the strength of your case.
Even if the truck accident is minor, you should still report it to the police. If you don’t report it, you risk the truck driver and other drivers involved in the accident filing a claim against you months after the accident.
Get Medical Assistance
Due to the heavy weight of semi-trucks, you may sustain serious injuries or even life-threatening injuries. This is why you must get medical assistance as soon as you can. You can usually ask the police or someone else on the scene to call for medical help if you are not physically able to.
Even if you don’t have any visible injuries, it’s still a good idea to have a paramedic examine you at the scene. The paramedics can identify internal injuries such as internal bleeding or head injuries. Attending to internal injuries as soon as possible is important because they can cause significant damage in a short amount of time.
Going to your doctor for an additional check-up after completing all the necessary actions at the scene of the truck accident can also ensure that you’re in good physical health. If your doctor finds any injuries, you can have the medical records as evidence to build a stronger case.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
The next thing you should do at the scene of a truck crash is to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. You should obtain and share the following information with the other drivers:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate number
- Driver’s license number
- Make and model of all vehicles
When you’re in an accident with a commercial truck driver, it’s also important to get their employer’s full name and contact information. This is important because when you meet with a Texas truck accident attorney, they can contact the trucking company to request pieces of evidence like the trucker’s driving log.
Gather Valuable Evidence
Gathering evidence at the scene of the truck accident will strengthen your truck accident case. When you collect evidence shortly after the accident, you can be assured that the evidence is the most accurate, which will be helpful when you meet with a lawyer.
While there are many more forms of evidence, your lawyer will be able to obtain, taking pictures and videos of the scene is also valuable. You should take pictures of any damages such as physical injuries, vehicle damages, and the position of the truck in relation to your car. When you meet with a Texas truck accident lawyer, the photos can help recreate the scene of the crash to determine the truck driver’s negligent actions like speeding.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney at the Buzbee Law Firm
After you finish all the actions above at the scene of the truck accident, you should then contact a Texas truck accident lawyer that can help you start building your case. Our team of passionate attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm is ready to fight for the settlement that you deserve.
If you’re ready to build a strong case against the negligent parties, we’re ready to help. Give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website.
