Each year, 38,000 people die in car accidents in the United States, and 4.4 million more are injured. The number of vehicles involved in accidents reached 12 million in 2018, equivalent to 32,876 vehicles per day.
Truck drivers make their living driving vehicles. Consequently, they spend several hours each day on roadways, which increases their chances of being in an accident. Truck drivers should take these steps following an accident to comply with local laws and protect themselves legally and physically.
1. Call Appropriate Professionals
Each state has specific requirements for contacting the authorities after an accident. If anyone is injured, you are required to call the police and have a report filed. You must also have a police report filed if property damage exceeds the state’s predetermined amount. This amount varies, so it’s good to contact the police unless the vehicles have only sustained a few dents or scrapes.
Contact your employer if you were using a work vehicle and performing work-related tasks. Your employer will want to be apprised of the situation and can remind you of the steps you need to take following the accident. They can also provide information about your insurance policy.
After an accident, it’s a good idea to contact a lawyer who specializes in vehicular accidents. Visit an experienced lawyer’s site, like https://www.callpaul.com/practice-areas/truck-accident/ to ensure you receive expert guidance following your accident. Your attorney can ensure you receive the maximum allowed benefits for injuries you sustained.
Personal injury attorneys are familiar with all relevant reasons for claims and know what information you will need to ensure you receive compensation. Talk to an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you take the appropriate steps to protect your legal rights.
2. Gather Evidence
Use your smartphone to take pictures of the vehicles and people involved in the accident. You can also record video. It’s a good idea to photograph license plates and vehicular damages. You can also use your recordings to establish the location of the vehicles. Pictures can also identify other factors that may have contributed to the accident, such as debris on the road or malfunctioning traffic lights. Take advantage of free online picture storage and use your photo storage device to preserve your photos and videos. This will ensure you have relevant evidence to support your account of the accident if you need to go to court.
Talk to the other drivers and ensure you have their name, phone number, and insurance information. Add their phone number to your phone’s contact list and text them to confirm you have the right number. Record the names and phone numbers of any witnesses who stopped. Witnesses can ensure the police determine who was at fault for the accident.
3. Get Medical Treatment
You may be in shock after your accident. In some cases, physical symptoms of your injuries may not b evident immediately. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in vehicle accidents, but symptoms may not appear for a day or more. It’s crucial to seek medical treatment at the scene to ensure you have accurate medical documentation of any injuries you sustained. You may need to go to the hospital or see your family doctor after your accident. It’s essential to take medical tests to ensure you have an accurate record of your injuries if you pursue compensation for your injuries. Seeking immediate medical treatment will also ensure you have the best chance of fully recovering from your injuries.
People who have been in motor vehicle accidents may also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can jeopardize your mental health. It may even affect your ability to return to work if you were in a severe accident. Your doctor may refer you to a trauma counselor to help you cope with your PTSD.
