When it comes to road accidents and incidents involving vehicles, it’s safe to say that few are more devastating than incidents involving trucks. Sadly, each year, there are thousands of crashes involving trucks across the country, and in 2023 alone, there were over 4,000 fatalities from truck incidents, and they accounted for around 11% of all vehicle crash deaths (source: IIHS).
With such high numbers of accidents involving some of the largest vehicles on the roads, what exactly should you do if you find yourself involved in a crash where a truck is involved?
Safety and Medical Help
In the first instance, you need to make sure that you and any others involved in the incident are safe, and you can get them to safety and call emergency services for assistance. Even minor injuries need medical attention as damage from crashes doesn’t always present immediately, and if you have internal bleeding and it doesn’t get checked out or noticed, the consequences can be fatal. So even if you or anyone involved in the accident feels fine, it’s better to be safe than sorry and get checked out.
Report and Document
It’s really important that you notify the police when you are involved in a truck accident. Regardless of who is at fault, you need to make a report.
You also need to document all evidence and details as soon as possible. Take pictures and videos, write things down, take the details of witnesses, and record details like damage, debris on the road, road conditions, signage, etc.
You also need to get the details of the truck driver’s insurance company and the company they work for, if applicable too. You will also need the license, trailer number, and other identifying information for the truck involved.
By collecting as much evidence, you’ll be in a better position should you decide to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Gulf Shores, Alabama to seek compensation for the incident. When you have your consultation, you’ll be able to hand over all of your evidence, which can make it easier for a legal professional to build a case in your favour.
Obtain and Preserve Evidence
It’s not simply another driver you’re dealing with when you have been involved in a collision with a truck. You’re dealing with another business and their insurance company, too. This means you need to be meticulous in collating details and evidence relating to the incident, because they will be.
Request copies of the crash report from the police or other involved parties. Keep records of all of your medical expenditures, repair expenses, and questions about bills and out-of-pocket expenses.
Depending on the severity and location of the crash, you might need to locate video or dashcam footage from other drivers or video footage from homes or businesses in the vicinity that might have captured the event.
Lawyers and Insurance Companies
When you have been in an incident of this magnitude, contacting insurance companies and lawyers is a necessary evil. You need to form your insurance company as soon as you can, and be careful with the language you use in relation to the crash. Stick to the facts, so don’t admit guilt or use any language that can be used against you to make it seem like you’re admitting guilt. I.e. no speculating or apologising.
You also need to find the right truck accident lawyer who can work with you to help navigate the often complex journey of making a claim against the truck driver or company, understands the federal and state trucking legislation, and manages your claim on your behalf. This can help you find a more optimal solution and get the maximum payout you’re entitled to.