What to Do After A Truck Accident

Even if you are a careful driver, you may still fall victim to a truck accident. Both parties involved may experience a multitude of emotions from shock, dizziness, fear, and anger. Taking your attention away from the trauma of what just occurred, and what to do next can be difficult. The following steps will ensure you protect your rights and efficiently initiate the process of filing a case against the party responsible for the accident.

Stay at the accident scene

Never leave the scene of a truck accident. Instead, move your vehicle to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights.

Call the police and report the accident 

If there is little to no damage, always call the police and file an accident report. In most states, this is required by law, and can also serve as important evidence later. Remember to obtain a copy of the report.

Seek immediate medical attention 

After an accident, adrenaline is running high.  So, it is important to seek medical treatment, even if you do not feel you have suffered an injury. Delaying medical care can negatively impact your case and claim. Insurance companies may assert that you are not really injured or that you are exaggerating your injuries. Always seek medical attention immediately.

Collect information about the truck driver

Gathering information about the truck and the driver will prove beneficial to your case and other parties that may have liability for the collision. Information to collect should include:

• Name and phone number of the trucking company
• United States Department of Transportation number on the truck
• License plate number
• Name and contact information of the truck driver
• Insurance information for the truck

Obtain witness information

Witness testimonies are powerful pieces of evidence. Ask them what they saw and write it down, along with their name and contact information.

Take pictures

Take pictures of your injuries directly following the accident and continue to take pictures as your injuries progress. To ensure evidence does not disappear or is destroyed, take pictures of the accident scene from different angles for different perspectives. When taking pictures of the accident scene, certain things to capture include:

• Damage to all vehicles
• Traffic signals and signs near the accident scene
• Debris on the roadway
• Any visible skid marks

Contact your insurance company

Contacting your insurance company is an important step you do not want to miss. Skipping this step can impact the outcome of your case. It is important to avoid agreeing with anything the other insurance company may offer. Any information that you provide can be used to deny your claim or reduce your settlement.

Call an accident lawyer

To maximize your recovery, always contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.

Cherry Hill Truck Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Obtain Justice for Victims Injured in Truck Accidents

If you have been injured in a truck accident, the Cherry Hill truck accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law can review your case and help you determine the best course of legal action. Conveniently located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout South Jersey. Contact us online or call us today at 856-414-0010 for a free consultation and case evaluation.