Semi Truck Accident Attorneys: Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys: When you drive a semi-truck, it’s not just your own life and safety that’s at stake. If you get into a semi truck accident, the potential impact is much more widespread than in any other type of crash. A smaller car crashing into a semi won’t cause as much damage or put as many people in danger as if a semi hits another vehicle. If you are ever unfortunate enough to be involved in a semi truck accident, it is crucial that you know what to do and who to contact for help.
Semi Truck Accident
The process after an accident can be scary and overwhelming for anyone, but knowing what to expect can ease some of the stress. This article will explain the details of a semi truck accident so that you are prepared should something like this happen to you or someone you love.
What To Do After a Semi Truck Accident
The first thing you should do after a semi truck accident is to get yourself and any other victims to a safe place. You might feel the urge to stay and talk to the authorities about what happened, but it’s important to get yourself and other victims out of harm’s way as quickly as possible. If any of the victims of your accident need to go to the hospital, you should accompany them there and stay with them until they are released.
Even if you’re not hurt, you’ll need to fill out paperwork about the crash. After you’ve taken care of your own medical needs and those of any other victims, the next step is to notify your insurance company and the insurance company of the truck driver responsible for the accident. If you don’t have insurance, or you aren’t sure who to call, the police can help you figure it out. Your insurance company will want to know exactly what happened as soon as possible. It’s a good idea to write out a detailed account of the accident as soon as you have the chance. You may be too upset to remember everything accurately right after the crash. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the accident scene and any damage to your car or the truck that hit you.
Notifying the Police and Road Assistance
One of the first things you should do after an accident is call for road assistance if anyone is hurt. Road assistance providers are specially trained to assist with all types of vehicle accidents, including semi truck accidents. Any semi truck accident where someone has been hurt will likely result in an investigation by the police department. You can call the police department yourself or wait for the assistance providers to call them for you. The police will want to know basic information, like the names and addresses of everyone involved in the crash and who was driving each vehicle. They’ll also want more specific information, like the exact make, model, and color of each vehicle and the license plate numbers. They may ask you to fill out a written statement about what happened. Be sure to write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible so you don’t forget important details.
Exchange Information
After you’ve made sure everyone is safe after an accident and the authorities have been notified, you need to exchange information with the other driver. You’ll want to exchange your name and address and policy information with the other driver and vice versa. Both of you will also want to exchange the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any passengers in your cars who were injured in the accident. Make sure to write down everything that is exchanged and keep a copy of everything you give to the other driver.
Hiring a Lawyer
After you’ve exchanged information with the other driver, you will want to contact a semi truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Keep in mind that you don’t have to hire the first semi truck accident lawyer you talk to. You can shop around and interview a few before making a decision. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations where you can ask questions and get more information about what to expect from hiring a lawyer. It’s a good idea to bring a notebook to your consultation and take extensive notes about everything the lawyer says. You will want to give your lawyer as much information about the accident as possible. This includes your account of what happened, a written statement about the accident, pictures of the accident scene and damage to your car, the written statement of any passengers who were injured, and any other information you’ve gathered.
The Process After an Accident
After you’ve hired a lawyer (or before, if you can), you will want to gather as much information as possible to help your case. You want to be as prepared as you can be when dealing with an insurance company after an accident. This means taking pictures of your car and the semi truck, getting estimates for the cost of repairs, and recording the details of any communication with the other driver or his or her insurance company. Also be sure to note or record any communication you have with your own insurance company, including phone calls, emails, and any meetings you attend. You should be prepared for the possibility of a long and stressful process. If it takes a long time for the insurance company to settle with you, you’ll want to have every piece of information gathered and organized so you can stay on top of things.
Consequences of a Semi Truck Accident
A semi truck accident can have huge life-changing consequences for everyone involved, including the driver of the semi truck and their passengers, the passengers in the car hit by the semi, and the driver and passengers of any other vehicles involved. The most serious injuries caused by a semi truck accident are typically traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. In most semi truck accident cases, there is at least one car accident victim and one semi truck driver. And very often, another driver will be involved in the accident in some way as well, resulting in a chain reaction accident. Depending on how many people are injured and how serious those injuries are, a single semi truck accident can lead to civil lawsuits, criminal charges, and hefty medical bills.
Conclusion
Semi truck accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities. If you or a loved one is injured in an accident with a semi truck, you will want to take steps immediately to protect your legal rights. It’s important to know what to do after a semi truck accident so that you can get help as soon as possible and have the best chance of recovering from your injuries. It is also important to know what to expect from the process of dealing with the semi truck company and insurance company so you don’t get caught off guard.
