If you have been in a truck accident and need to know what steps to take, this article is for you. It doesn’t matter if the accident was your fault or not, there are steps that need to be taken right away. Read on to find out what these steps are.
Seek Medical Attention
There are frequent crashes on the roads of Palmetto State and the most important thing is to make sure that you and everyone else is alright. That’s why you have to seek medical attention as soon as you get the chance.
This will also help you document the injuries you or your loved ones suffered in the crash. If you ask truck accident lawyers in South Carolina they will explain to you how important this part is in order to get compensated for them later. Having proof that you’ve suffered an injury will increase the chances of getting a successful case.
Call The Police
You need to get the authorities involved as soon as possible after a truck accident. Calling the police is the most important thing to do after a crash after making sure everyone is alright. They will create an official report and process any necessary evidence. This information can be critical in any legal proceedings that may follow.
The police will question everyone at the scene and you should always tell the truth. It is also advisable to cooperate as much as possible with any other law enforcement agency at the scene, such as state police.
You have the right to ask them for a copy of the report at a later date. It can also be used as evidence in court when you are pursuing a personal injury claim.
The police will also be able to help you contact any witnesses of the accident, which can prove very helpful in your case.
Exchange Information With The Other Party
It’s essential to exchange information with the other party after a truck accident. Find out who they are, where they’re coming from and going to, what the cargo in their vehicle is. Also exchanging insurance information with them is crucial for your protection in case of any future legal actions arising from this incident.
Here’s the information you need to ask them about:
- their name
- contact information (address, phone number, email)
- the license plate number of their vehicle
- the insurance company they’re insured with
- their policy number
Remember that trucking accidents are more complex and it’s not always the driver’s fault. Companies can be held liable as well for things like putting too much cargo or giving the driver a vehicle that is not ready for a long ride.
Talk To Witnesses
It’s very likely that there will be witnesses to a truck accident. Talking to these individuals as soon as possible can help your case immensely down the road. By getting eyewitness testimony, you can build a more accurate picture of what occurred and who was at fault. Furthermore, witnesses may be able to provide important information about the truck driver or the company he or she works for. Remember to get contact information from any witnesses so that you can follow up with them later if needed.
When it comes to court, witnesses are some of the most critical pieces to a case. Therefore, it’s important that you talk with as many people as possible following an accident involving an 18 wheeler or other large commercial truck.
Document The Scene Of The Crash
Even if the police do it, you should still document the scene of the accident. Take photographs and/or video documenting the entire area, including the vehicles involved in the crash and any debris from a vehicle that may have broken off in an impact with another object.
Take photos of the road and what the accident caused, such as skid marks, gouges in the asphalt, and displaced pavement. Documenting the scene can help your case if you decide to file a claim or lawsuit later on. It’s additional evidence that can help prove what happened and who was at fault.
Document The Damage On Your Vehicle
If the accident isn’t your fault, you shouldn’t pay for repairing the damages. Documenting the damage done to your vehicle is the first step in getting compensated for the accident. Take pictures of your car from all angles and make a list of all the damages done. This will help when you have to speak with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company. Having evidence that the damage was done in an accident can help speed up the process of getting your vehicle repaired.
Truck accidents are dangerous and you should always be careful on the road. It’s essential to call an ambulance as soon as you can to when you’re involved in one to document your injuries and after that get the police out to the scene. Make sure to exchange information with the other party as well as the witnesses surrounding the scene and document the scene itself. Finally, when all is done, take pictures of your vehicle to showcase the damage and get compensated for everything coming to you!
