Drivers are legally responsible for following the rules of the road to avoid traffic collisions.
Unfortunately, disaster can strike even when the rules are upheld; and it will almost certainly occur if they are ignored, forgotten, or overlooked. What should you do if you are involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle?
1. Check Yourself & Passengers for Possible Injuries
Take stock in how you are feeling after the accident. Can you move? If you can, closely inspect yourself and take note of how severe and what injuries you have. If your injuries are minor, check with the passengers in your car to make sure they’re alright. If anyone in your party is critically injured, call 911 so they can be treated as soon as possible.
2. Identify the Other Party & Exchange Information
Even though commercial vehicles are owned by a company and generally the company is who you and your commercial vehicle accident attorney will be suing, it’s still important to record pertinent information, such as:
- identifying any marks or signs on the truck;
- the trucker’s name, address, and phone number;
- the trucker’s license number; and
- name and contact information of the truck driver’s employer.
3. Identify Any Witnesses
If there were witnesses of the crash who stayed on the scene, take down their names and contact information as well. When police arrive on the scene, make sure they take down witness information and record their account of events as well. This will make the investigation process easier for your insurance company and attorney.
4. Don’t Apologize
Even if you believe you are partly at-fault for the accident, never apologize to any other drivers involved in the accident. Doing so could be used against you later. For this reason, you should let your attorney handle all communication with third party insurance companies and adjusters.
5. Document the Accident
Take pictures of everything. Photos can be used as evidence if the accident is brought to court. Take pictures of:
- all vehicles involved;
- damage to the environment around you;
- injuries sustained by any party involved; and
- the location of the accident.
Be as thorough as you can with your documentation. If your injuries are severe enough to warrant a substantial recovery period, document that as well.
Contact Eliot Reiner APLC
Our attorney understands how incredibly jarring a truck accident can be. Let our team handle the legal action while you focus on healing your body and mind from the event.
Contact us online or give us a call at (916) 778-3228 for a case evaluation.