There are several things to do after you get into a truck accident, and it can be difficult to know what to do first. But there’s no need to worry because we’re here to help. We’ll go over the steps you need to take and how they can help your case when you meet with a lawyer.
It’s essential to have a passionate truck accident attorney in the aftermath of an accident. Our truck accident attorneys at the Buzbee Law Firm explain the steps to take after you get into a truck accident. A truck accident attorney can help you through the legal process of your truck accident.
Contact the Police to Report the Accident
The first action you should take when you get into a truck crash with a commercial truck is to call the police and report the accident. Having the police on the scene can help you determine the degree of medical assistance you need and even help you call for help and others on the scene.
Also, the police officer will fill out an accident report that will describe how the accident happened and include their independent observations. These observations can include whether the truck driver was fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A police report is an important piece of evidence when you pursue a case against a negligent driver. You may be able to request a copy of the report to use as evidence in your case while talking to the officer, or your lawyer can obtain it later.
Get Medical Assistance for Yourself and Others at the Scene
The next thing you should do is call for medical assistance or ask the police officer to call for medical help if you are physically unable to do so. Getting the medical care you need is essential after being in an accident, especially when it’s a truck crash. The size and weight of commercial trucks can cause severe and life-threatening injuries that can require extensive medical care.
You should also make sure that the other driver or drivers are okay and call for medical assistance for them as well. After your injuries are treated, it’s important to visit your primary care doctor periodically as your injuries heal. Your doctor can track your recovery and let you know if you need any further treatment.
When the doctor treats you, they will put your injuries on your medical record. You will be able to use this as evidence for your injuries in your truck accident case.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
After you receive medical care, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver who was involved in the accident. You should both exchange the following information:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate number
- Driver’s license number
- Make and model of all vehicles
By exchanging the above information, both you and the other driver will be able to reach each other if you or your lawyers have any follow-up questions. It’s also helpful to have the name of the trucking company so that you and your lawyer can contact the company to investigate any other parties that may be negligent for the accident.
Take Photos and Videos for Evidence in Your Truck Accident Case
Evidence is the most important aspect of a truck accident case, so it’s important that you gather what you can while you’re on the scene. If you are injured, do not try to take photos of the crash if it will cause you further pain. If you can move without pain, you can take photos of the position of your car and the truck, your injuries, and any other things that you think may be relevant.
Another piece of evidence that could benefit your case is a video of you documenting what you remember about the accident. By doing this shortly after your accident, the accident is fresh in your mind and can help you remember facts later on. Later, when you are building your case with your Texas truck accident attorney, you can use the photos and videos you took to prove the level of negligence of the truck driver.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney at the Buzbee Law Firm
The last step you need to take after a truck accident is to get in touch with a truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. Our truck accident lawyers at the Buzbee Law Firm can help you start building your case and answer any questions you may have along the way.
If you were in a truck accident and you’re ready to start building your case, we’re ready to help. Give us a call or fill out the form on our contact page on our website.
