Steps to Take if Involved in a Semi Truck Accident

There are over 2 million car accidents that occur every year in the US. And, these days, most of them either involve a big rig or a big rig getting side-swiped by another car.

What should you do if you find yourself in the middle of this dangerous situation? What steps should you take following a semi truck accident?

To help you, we’ve written this article to guide you. Keep reading for all the tips you need about what to do during truck accidents with a big rig.

Contact Law Enforcement

First, dial 911. Give clear and concise information such as time, location, and the situation. Next, make sure to stay close by in case more information is needed.

Remember law enforcement, first responders, or medical personnel instructions. Additionally, taking pictures of the scene, the truck, and any damage it incurred is important. This can help provide evidence for your insurance company in case of a claim.

If talking to the truck driver at the scene, do not get into a debate or bring up who is at fault. Instead, take basic contact information, notify the police, and follow their instructions. Lastly, if a police report was taken, make sure to obtain a copy for your records to keep for future reference.

Ensure Safety

Make sure to stay clear of the semi-truck if it is still moving, as it can cause more harm to you or other travelers. Call the police and make sure there are no injuries. Do not move anyone involved in the accident; wait for emergency services and law enforcement to arrive.

Take pictures of the accident scene, and provide personal and insurance information to the officer responding to the accident. Make sure to remain at the scene of the accident until the police make a report. Having a clear understanding of the semi-truck accident can ensure safety.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you are not in severe pain, symptoms may appear hours or days after an accident. Always visit the emergency room or your doctor to ensure you receive a full evaluation and the proper treatment.

Before heading to the hospital, exchange information with the truck driver, take photos of the accident scene and vehicles, and try to get the contact information of any witnesses. It’s also important to note the name and policy numbers of the truck drivers’ insurance.

At the hospital, make sure to tell the doctor about every pain or symptom you’re feeling, no matter how minor it may be. Keeping a detailed record of everything will bolster your case in the event of a dispute.

Document the Scene

This means gathering as much information as possible. As soon as it is safe, you should take pictures of the scene, including the road, any signage or lane markers, skid marks, and the position and damage to any vehicles involved. Take pictures of any injuries you sustain as well.

You should also collect contact information from witnesses, which may be valuable. Make sure to document the license plate number of the truck as well as the name of the trucking company. Finally, getting a written statement from the truck driver and obtaining a copy of the driver’s license is important.

Exchange Information

It is best to record the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, and license plate number. You should also get the contact information for any witnesses present at the scene. If you have access to it, you should also bring along a copy of your driver’s license and insurance information to the accident scene.

Gather Witness Information

Speak to any bystanders, witnesses, or occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident that can provide information about what happened or the events leading up to it. Ensure to get every witness present’s full name, address, and contact information.

If possible, jot down the details of their accounts, such as any description or statements they may have made. Try to get the contact information of anyone in the area who may have seen or heard anything that may be important.

However, be sure not to rely on one witness’ account as the only source of information. Gather witness information from as many people as possible.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Depending on the terms of your policy, you may need to complete a claim report. Once you have notified your insurance company, you may be asked to provide specific information, such as contact information for any witnesses and a written description of the accident.

It is helpful to have photos of the accident scene, skid marks on the road, or any other details that may help show how the collision happened. Having this documentation ready to provide to your insurance company if requested can save you time and stress.

After notifying your insurance company, you may be asked to obtain an estimate for any body panel damage to your vehicle. Obtaining truck accident lawyers here is also advisable if you have been injured in the accident.

Consult an Attorney

This type of accident can be confusing and traumatic, so having an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side can be invaluable. Before contacting an attorney, ensure you have the necessary information to build a strong case.

If possible, take photographs of the accident scene, get any witnesses’ contact information, and obtain a copy of the police report. Your attorney may need to review the evidence to calculate the financial compensation you may be entitled to, so getting as much of the pertinent information as possible is important.

Your attorney will also work to protect your rights by negotiating with truck insurance providers and protecting you from any liability.

Things to Do When in a Semi Truck Accident

If you are involved in a semi truck accident, remember to stay calm and take proper legal action. Gather evidence to document the situation, contact the necessary authorities, inform your insurance company, and seek medical attention. Taking these steps will help ensure a fair resolution to your case. Contact a legal professional today to learn more about your options.

If you enjoyed this article on how to conduct yourself after a semi-accident, take a look at some of our other blog posts.