Has your commercial truck recently been in an accident? If so, don’t panic. Stop and take a deep breath.
From here on out, you need to be conscious of your actions. A few will lead to a lower insurance settlement while others will signal that you’re at fault. The trick is knowing which behaviors to embrace and which to avoid.
When you’re ready to discover the right steps to take after your accident, so you can avoid further blowback from the police and your insurance, read on.
Find a Safe Place
If you’re wondering what to do after a truck accident, you’re not alone. That’s especially true if your accident occurs in a rural or deserted area. Should you call the local authorities or just pretend the accident never happened?
What’s the proper commercial vehicle accident procedure? Well, the first steps to take after a truck accident start with ensuring you’re safe.
Check your surroundings to make certain you’re no longer in danger. If not, find a safe place near your vehicle that you can sit for at least an hour. It might take that long for the procedures that follow.
Report your Commercial Truck Accident
So, you’ve been in an accident. Who do you tell?
First, call 911 to report the accident. The operator will send emergency responders to you as needed. Yep, that means the police, highway patrol, fire department, etc.
After you’ve dealt with the critical details, call your commercial truck insurance company. They’ll need to start an investigation into the accident. That means they’ll speak to the police as well as the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
Next, call your commercial truck accident lawyer. He’ll set up a meeting with you after the police release your accident report. Finally, don’t forget to call your wife to tell her you’ll be late for dinner.
Seek Out a Medical Professional
Unfortunately, you might be injured and not even know it. Whiplash injuries are common occurrences during commercial truck accidents. Unfortunately, those who suffer from whiplash often don’t notice symptoms for weeks or even months after a crash.
If the injury isn’t enough of a reason for you, consider the importance of a document trail. If your accident causes a medical condition, you need a paper trail. Otherwise, you run the risk of your auto insurance denying your medical claims.
Document the Scene
It’s time to pull out your camera phone and get to work. Take photos of any changes to your vehicle, inside and out. Then take photos of the other driver’s vehicle.
Now, take photos of the accident from a distance. Pay special attention to road signs, traffic lights, and debris from the accident. The police and your insurance may later ask you for these photos.
Also, get the other driver’s information. Include the driver’s name, number, address, and auto insurance information, as well as the car’s make, model, and license plate number.
Lastly, get the names and numbers of any witnesses in the area.
What to Avoid
Never admit your fault or liability. Insurance companies think in terms of percentages. Were you 100% at fault or only 60%?
Your payout or deduction is based on this number. That’s why you never admit your fault to the police or the other driver. Also, avoid posting information about the accident on your social media accounts for the same reason.
What’s Next?
Now you know what to do after your next commercial truck accident. Be safe, call for emergency responders, and document the scene. If you have additional questions, zip over to our gigantic digital library full of a vast assortment of legal articles, today.
