Trucking is one of the biggest and safest industries in America. Despite that, thousands of large trucks are involved in some of the worst car accidents yearly. The sad truth about truck accidents is that they can be fatal, especially for smaller vehicles.

Any vehicle smaller than a truck simply cannot take on the force of a 40-ton combined weight of a tractor and trailer truck. You must know what to do if you have been injured in a truck accident.

Involved in a Truck Accident

If a truck accident occurs, the first step is to stop and report the crash. This is where you need to call for help, and everyone involved in the crash must stay at the scene.

You must ensure that everyone is safe before removing your car from the road. You can turn your hazard lights on to help other drivers spot you. If there are serious injuries, you must call 911. Otherwise, you can call the state highway patrol if no one is seriously hurt.

Take Pictures

The next step is to take a lot of photos. This is because pictures act as a record of the accident. However, you must only do this if you are physically able to. If you are injured, then you must not move until help arrives.

Otherwise, photos are essential to help file a suit later. They can also show how bad the truck accident was. Then you must also try to take some notes about the accident before you forget the details.

Identify Other Parties

There will always be more than one party involved in a truck collision. Therefore, you must ensure that you obtain all information from everybody involved. It also helps to get the names of any witnesses.

Whether you are the truck driver at fault or an innocent victim, you need a lot of information for the liable parties if you want to hold them accountable.

Then you will have a better chance of getting a higher injury claim if you have the necessary details to win the case.

Exchange Information

If you are unhurt and can move around, exchanging information with whoever else is around the truck accident is beneficial.

Note down the commercial truck company’s name and the driver’s name. If possible, you should also get some information about their insurance company.

Seek Medical Help

A truck accident can be a terrifying and painful experience. Always put your health first, and do not jump around taking photos and notes if you are injured.

When the first responders arrive at the scene, you must seek medical treatment no matter how you feel.

This is because a lot of adrenaline in an accident can prevent you from feeling the extent of your injuries. For instance, whiplash symptoms do not appear until more than 24 hours later.

Hire a Lawyer Today

Now that you know all the steps after a truck accident, it is time to find the best attorney to help you win compensation. Remember to take down as many details and photos as possible if you are not injured.

Your lawyer can also help you gather all the important information to file a suit. Contact us today, and we can review your case for the best outcome.