Semi-truck accidents can lead to severe injuries or death. While driving safely and staying safe on the road is imperative, accidents can happen, and when they do, it’s important to know how to handle them. If the victim in a semi-truck collision is able to, there are a number of things they can do following the accident to help make it easier to handle so they can get the compensation they need.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
It’s vital for victims of semi-truck collisions to get medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of their injuries, they may need emergency medical care at the scene. However, even if the person is able to walk away from the accident, it is important for them to see a doctor within the next day or two. This helps to make sure there aren’t any hidden injuries that could be serious, as well as to create a paper trail that details all of the injuries they sustained in the accident.
Take Photos of the Scene
If the person is able to, it is a good idea for them to take photos of the scene. This helps to document exactly what happened, what the road conditions were on that day, and more. All of this may be needed to help prove fault. If it’s not possible to take photos at the accident scene due to the severity of their injuries, they will want to see if they can get photos of their vehicle later. While that won’t show as much as photos at the scene can, it could still be helpful in determining fault and showing the severity of the accident.
Request a Police Report
For most semi-truck accidents, the police will be called to handle the scene to make sure no other accidents occur and that everyone stays as safe as possible until the scene is cleared. The responding officers will need to create a police report, and that can be incredibly helpful in determining fault or showing how the accident happened. It is a good idea for the victim to request a copy of the police report. This is typically done through the local police station, and it can take a few days for the report to be ready.
Avoid Saying Anything
The victim will want to be careful about what they say and who they talk to after the accident. Avoid posting on social media or discussing the situation with others, as anything they say can end up being used in court. It’s also a good idea to avoid talking to the at-fault party’s insurance company, as they may use statements as a way to deny the claim. Instead, it’s better to avoid talking about the accident to anyone before hiring a lawyer to handle the case.
If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident and you are able to do so, it is a good idea to get photos of the scene and seek medical care as quickly as possible. No matter how serious your injuries are, talking to a lawyer before talking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company can help you to get the compensation you need to financially recover from the accident. Schedule a consultation now to learn more about how they can help.