Last year, nearly 8,000 large trucks and buses were involved in traffic accidents in Georgia. It’s an unfortunate reality that every truck driver must be prepared for something like this.
The most important thing a driver can do is to learn and follow safe driving techniques. But even the best drivers may still find themselves in a difficult situation. This is why it’s crucial to know what steps you need to take immediately following a truck accident.
Follow this advice from experienced Duluth truck accident lawyers to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
Initial Wellness Checks
No matter what happened in the accident, the first thing you should do is wellness checks.
Start by inspecting yourself for any major injuries, including possible bone breaks or any bleeding. Slowly move around to see how your body feels and if there’s anything to note.
If you’re okay, take a few minutes to check on the others involved in the incident as well. Ask if they can move or if they’re experiencing other issues, like stiffness or even a headache. This will help you determine whether you should call for an ambulance or not.
Call the Police
Even if there aren’t any major injuries that require the help of paramedics, it’s important to alert the authorities of the truck accident case. They play an important role in managing an accident scene.
When the police come, they’ll first help you and the other drivers move safely out of the road and then ensure traffic is flowing again. Then they’ll gather information from all sides and do official documentation. A Lawrenceville truck accident attorney will want those official police statements, so it’s important to make sure they’re on site.
Gather Drivers’ Information
In order to get the compensation you deserve to cover mechanical issues or treatment for a truck accident injury, you’ll need the other drivers’ information. This includes their name, contact information, car details, and insurance coverage. It’s important to gather all of this at the scene so you’re not stuck trying to find it all later with little to no resources.
Document the Accident
Being a part of any kind of crash is always a major life event. At the moment, we often think there’s no way we’ll forget even the smallest detail of the event. Unfortunately, this is rarely true. And it’s often much harder to remember exactly what happened once time has passed.
This is why documenting the scene of the accident is so important. You should take as many pictures as possible of the cars involved, the surrounding area, and any injuries you see. It’s also helpful to gather statements from witnesses on site.
The more you have, the better you’ll be able to recreate the accident and prove your case.
Secure Representation
When it comes to receiving compensation to cover the cost of damages, you’ll want to secure a Duluth truck accident attorney as quickly as possible. Working with a professional is the best way to ensure you get the funds you need to repair yourself and your vehicle.
Make sure you are particular when choosing a lawyer. You want someone who has experience working similar cases and who has a positive reputation. It’s already a difficult situation to be in, you need someone who will make it easier, not harder.
Contact Insurance Agents
Sometimes drivers are tempted to put off submitting a truck accident claim for a variety of reasons. If at all possible, take these steps as quickly as possible. This quick action allows you to avoid any unnecessary delays with your claim. Both you and the insurance company will find it much easier to get the information you need if there isn’t a major time lapse.
Check In With a Doctor
Occasionally, someone in a truck accident won’t have any obvious injuries immediately following the crash. But after the initial shock has worn off, they may start to notice issues.
This is especially true of injuries like whiplash or a concussion. It’s also why everyone involved in a traffic accident should seek medical attention afterward. The last thing you want is to leave an injury untreated and have it turn into a severe problem.
Take the Truck to the Mechanic
Along the same lines, it’s important for your truck to get a full inspection following an accident. A thorough check-up from a mechanic will help you feel confident getting back on the road. Their experienced eyes will also be able to catch minor damage that could lead to major breakdowns if not fixed as well.
Keep All Documents Organized
One of the most important things to remember when working with a Lawrenceville truck accident lawyer is to keep all of your documents organized.
There is so much information an attorney needs to argue your case, you don’t want to lose any of it. From the very beginning of your claim, designate a file where you’re going to keep everything. Whenever you add your evidence or documentation, it should all go in the same place for easy reference!
Stay Calm
Any kind of accident is difficult and can bring up a lot of strong emotions. The more you can stay calm throughout the claim process, the better your results will be. Do your best to focus on your healing and let the professionals handle the rest of the work!
Working with Duluth Truck Accident Lawyers
The moments following any kind of accident are often very chaotic. It’s common to feel overwhelmed and even slightly out-of-control, but it’s important to try to keep your wits as much as possible.
Having this checklist will help you feel confident that if you ever find yourself in an accident, you know exactly what to do!
If you ever get into a large vehicle crash, our team of Duluth truck accident lawyers is ready to help you! We have experience helping drivers get the compensation they deserve and get back on the road! If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation, contact us today!