Steps to Take Immediately After a Truck Accident
Experiencing a collision with a semi truck can be life threatening and traumatic. Their sheer size and brute force they exert upon impact can turn a regular commute into a nightmare. If you’re involved in a truck accident, there are a few key steps to take in the aftermath. Granted, this is a scary situation, so having the knowledge to manage this is critical to building your potential truck accident case. If you or someone you know has been involved in a New York City truck accident, contact an experienced Brooklyn Truck Accident Attorney immediately.
Report the crash.
The first and most vital step is to report the accident. After safely moving your vehicle to the side of the road and ensuring everyone is okay, contact 911. Local authorities can help facilitate any medical care and file an accident report. Request a copy to keep for your records and to help move your potential case along more smoothly.
Exchange information.
Before leaving the scene of the crash, it’s critical that you exchange information with the trucker and any other people involved. Be sure to collect the driver’s name, company name, insurance information and policy number, and driver’s license number. These details will be crucial should you choose to seek compensation from them.
Gather information from witnesses, if applicable. Having them testify in court can be a significant benefit to you if you choose to bring a case against the trucking company.
Get medical attention.
Even if you don’t feel any obvious signs of pain or injury, it’s still wise to seek medical care. Adrenaline can prevent you from recognizing your symptoms, so it’s important to get checked out by your doctor even if you don’t go straight to the hospital from the accident scene. Keeping a record of your injuries, treatment and costs can help you recover these funds later on.
If your injuries require a treatment plan, document them through your treating physician(s) and a personal journal. This will come in handy to prove the time and money you’ve spent on recovery.
Take photographic evidence.
It’s difficult to argue when there’s photographs of the scene, including damage to your vehicle and yourself. If you’re able, take photos of the site to include in your accident report.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
After a truck accident, it’s common for their insurance agent to reach out to you. However, it’s advised that you contact an attorney beforehand to help you navigate these calls on what to say. If not, you could potentially say the wrong thing out of stress or anxiety, which could be used against you. These types of cases are complex, and you shouldn’t go it alone.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a trucking accident in NYC, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer who can fight for you. We know how complex the process is and how to navigate trucking companies, insurance companies, and the legalities of federal and state trucking laws. Contact the Law Firm of Nicholas Tzaneteas for a free consultation today.