Being involved in a truck accident can cause serious injuries while making the process of filing claims slightly different from car accident claims. Therefore, knowing what to do after a truck accident will help you take quick action while preserving your rights and legal options following a crash.
Ensure you are safe and away from the road. Check on other passengers involved in the crash and call 911 if they are seriously injured. Turn on your hazard lights to help other drivers see your truck. Also, report the incident to the police or state highway patrol to have it documented immediately.
The police will assess the situation and make accurate records of all the involved vehicles. Don’t forget to ask for a copy of the report, as you may need it to file a claim or submit it to the court as evidence.
Even if you sustain minor injuries, get a thorough medical evaluation to diagnose internal injuries that usually don’t show immediate symptoms. If you require a medical checkup report later to file a compensation claim on bodily injuries, it can be difficult to prove that you are injured because of a truck accident. Hence, request a full medical evaluation as soon as possible, even though you have been examined by the emergency doctor at the scene.
Take photos of the scene, gather information about everyone involved in the crash (name, address, phone number, license number, employer information, etc.), and document weather/road conditions and other factors that affected the accident. These details will help you when filing claims.
Check for witnesses in and around the accident scene and collect their contact details. You can either give these details to the police officer during an accident investigation or your lawyer to gather proof.
Though your truck seems good, it may have sustained internal damages that are not visible. Therefore, taking it to the mechanic shop is crucial. However, don’t go to the nearby shop to get it repaired. As you are going to file a claim for repairing your truck, take it to the shop approved by your provider or at least document the damages for proof.
Hiring a truck accident lawyer will help you with the legal proceedings of the incident and gather proper evidence.
Contact your insurance company once you have gathered sufficient information for filing claims. They will help you get compensated for your medical treatment and lost wages.
Whether you are an independent trucker or running a trucking company, you need commercial truck insurance to cover legal, medical, and damage expenses resulting from an at-fault truck accident. Truck insurance will also cover your liability when you operate your truck for personal reasons.
Learn: Important facts about getting commercial trucking insurance
At GrayStone Insurance Group, we provide all-inclusive truck insurance with customized coverages to help you stay covered on and off the road. Contact our experts today if you have any questions concerning your truck insurance.
