8 Essential Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Trucking accidents are very common in Texas. Unfortunately, we are never prepared to be in a trucking accident and do not always know what to do when we find ourselves in these situations. If you are involved in a trucking, here are 8 steps to remember:

1. Preserve the accident scene: preserving the accident scene is very important as the at fault driver’s “version” of how a wreck happened often changes once they have spoken with their insurance company and realized that their rates may go up (there are other reasons why the other driver may change his or her story, such as fear of losing their job)
2. Call 911: There are a number of reasons why this is important – here are two: First, the investigating officer will usually make a crash report that will later provide an insurance adjuster, judge, or jury with relevant information regarding the facts of the accident. Second, insurance policies generally require that you “report” the accident to the police within a certain amount of time. Third, often times, the contract you have with your insurance company will require that you report the incident to the police.
3. Take photos of the scene and vehicles involved: Often times, photos help provide critical details that cannot simply be explained after the fact. For example, photos can help an insurance adjuster or jury learn how the accident happened. Photos can also help experts understand the location of the vehicles prior to impact. Photos can also preserve critical details that may be useful later on in your case (e.g., skid marks, what the weather was like at the time of the accident, whether there was construction at the time of the accident, etc…).
4. Exchange information: There are many reasons why this step is important (here are a few): First, if the officer does not make a crash report, you may never get the other driver’s car insurance information if you leave the crash scene without it. Second, it is always important to have the other driver’s name, address, and other relevant information in the event that you need to file a lawsuit. Third, there may be other claims (e.g., negligent entrustment) that arise and you will want the names listed on the insurance policy in order to make these claims.
5. Give your statement to the investigating officer: Make sure that you explain in detail how the accident occurred to the investigating officer.
6. Do not accept fault: this can come back to haunt you later on down the road even if you were not at fault.
7. Notify your insurance company: as mentioned above in “Step 2,” many insurance companies require that you promptly report the accident or coverage may be denied.
8. Seek medical attention: it is always recommendable to seek medical attention, even if you do not believe you are injured at the scene. Often times, peopled injured in car accidents do not notice the pain until the next day or even a few weeks later. Your health should always come first when involved in a car accident.

Contact An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a family member has sustained severe injuries in a truck accident, it is vital to contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at Daws & Associates, PLLC for a complimentary consultation to explore your legal options. Our proficient attorneys at Daws & Associates, PLLC specialize in managing personal injury cases against insurance companies that prioritize their own interests. To schedule a no-cost consultation and discover how Daws & Associates, PLLC can assist you, please dial (832) 644-2777 or get in touch with us online today.