Any vehicular accident is frustrating if not tragic, but truck accidents can be especially catastrophic. It’s important to know what to do in such an event, so here are 7 tips from our truck accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe.
1. Stop and Remain Calm
It’s easy for people to get flustered and also, angry after an accident, and you are no exception! Stay calm and realize the other driver is probably just as displeased as you are. Do not leave the scene of the accident before speaking with the police, any medical personnel, and with the other driver.
2. Contact Medical Help and The Police
Call 911 with your cell phone and inform them of the situation. If no phone is available, send many people in all directions to get help. In the case that others are injured, do not attempt to perform any emergency aid unless you have the proper training! Without proper training, the best thing to do is wait for medical help to arrive.
3. Secure the Area
If no one has been injured and police have not instructed otherwise, vehicles should be moved to the side of the road out of the way of traffic. If no one has been injured and the vehicles are unable to be moved, drivers should stay seated in their vehicles with seat-belts fastened until help arrives. Turn on your hazard lights, and, if safe to do so, place reflectors around the area. If you will be stopped for more than 10 minutes, it’s best to put out reflectors as soon as you can.
4. Do Not Admit Fault
Never admit fault to anyone at the scene of the accident. Even saying, “I’m sorry” can be misconstrued as an admission of guilt in a court of law. Never discuss the details of the accident with anyone, save for the police. For further information regarding what not to say at the scene of an accident, contact our best truck accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe.
5. Get Witness Information
Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and license plate numbers of all individuals present at the scene of the accident. Don’t hound the witnesses for information, though. Spending too much time with a witness can be misconstrued as coercion.
6. Photograph the Incident
Photograph the scene! Take pictures of every vehicle involved and from every angle. Take a panorama, if you can, to illustrate the scale of the accident. Snap closer pictures at spots where there are damages, and don’t overlook any part of the vehicles, even if there appears to be no damage to them.
7. Notify Your Employer
Contact your company and inform them about the accident. If you were the one driving the truck, then you may have to undergo certain tests per FMSCA regulations. It’s possible you’ll be subjected to drug and alcohol tests after the accident, so keep your employer in the loop about every procedure you undergo.
Contact our Best Truck Accident Lawyer
Were you in a truck accident? Contact Lerner and Rowe today! Our truck accident lawyer can be reached anytime at 844-977-1900 or at our office Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. If you prefer to contact us online, visit our website and check out our LiveChat feature. Consultations are free. We do not collect fees unless we’ve won your case, so don’t wait!
The information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.