It’s not fun to be involved in a traffic accident, especially when the other driver was in a semi-truck. While trucking accidents do occur often, you may have never experienced one first-hand. Be sure you understand the details surrounding commercial trucking accidents. Here’s what you can expect to do immediately following the accident, as well.
What Makes a Trucking Accident Different Than a Car-to-Car Accident?
You may be wondering what makes a trucking accident different than a collision with another passenger car. When it comes to lawsuits, quite a bit, actually. In a normal accident, the only two parties that can typically be liable are you and the other driver. When a commercial truck is involved, you may be able to file a claim with the trucking company, the manufacturer, the vehicle’s maintenance crew, or the cargo loader with the help of Groth Law Firm, S.C., or a lawyer in your area.
Equipment failure, poor loading, improper maintenance, or driver error could all be to blame when you get hit by a truck. Now that you understand the parties involved, here’s what you should do if you ever get hit by a truck.
Steps to Take Immediately Following a Trucking Accident
- Stay Put – Even if the results of the crash seem fairly minor, never leave the scene of an accident. There may be injuries (like internal bleeding or whiplash) that take a while to notice. Not to mention, you don’t want to be charged with a hit-and-run if you were partially at fault.
- Call the Police – Next, call the police. Tell them a semi-truck was involved. This puts more urgency in the matter because more people could be hurt if an explosion or tipping occurs. You can use the official police report to record specific details of the accident. It also gives you leverage with the insurance company when filing a claim. If you end up having to sue, the police report is also useful as evidence.
- Get Information – You should record all pertinent information about the other driver, just like at any other accident. However, be sure to also record the name of the trucking company and the truck’s DOT number.
- Take Pictures – This is especially important when you collide with a truck. Your car may be stuck between the truck’s wheels or even underneath it if it overturned. With such a large vehicle, exact collision placement is key in insurance claims and lawsuits.
- Record Medical Treatment and Symptoms – If you are injured enough to warrant immediate medical treatment, record every symptom, doctor’s appointment, medication, over-the-counter fix and the duration of your pain.
Follow these steps and you’ll have an easier time hiring a lawyer if the damages incurred prove severe enough.
Author info: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.
