Truck accidents usually result in serious or catastrophic injuries. Often, a person involved in a collision with a truck driver is not in the physical or mental state to do anything at the scene of the accident other than receive medical help. However, if you are lucky enough to walk away from a truck accident without any major injuries, there are some important steps to take at the scene to ensure you have all the materials you need during the claims process.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, secure a skilled truck accident lawyer. Here is some important information on critical steps to take when injured in a California truck accident.
Call 911
Immediately after an accident, call 911 for help. If you are on a highway, a 911 dispatcher will likely be the first person you speak to. Try to give the dispatcher as much information as you can, including the highway exits close to you and how many people were involved in the accident. The dispatcher will then direct your call to local law enforcement agencies and emergency responders. Even if the accident seems minor, it is still important to contact law enforcement and get a police report with accurate records of the incident.
Seek Medical Attention
In every accident, the people involved should always seek medical attention. Even if you do not have any obvious injuries, it is still crucial to get medical evaluations for yourself and your passengers, as many conditions or injuries have a delayed onset. The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the harder it will be to prove that any injuries you have were directly related to the accident.
Collect and Document Evidence from the Scene
This applies to individuals who incurred less severe injuries or were completely uninjured. If you are able, collect as much evidence from the scene as possible. Doing this can make a huge difference when pursuing a claim. Documenting photos of the crash, collecting contact information from witnesses, and taking pictures of the weather or road conditions can ensure your insurance company has very little room to downplay your losses. Other documentation that is important to collect includes:
- The name, address, phone number, and email address of everyone involved in the accident
- The insurance company and policy number of any individuals involved in the crash
- The truck’s license plate number and other identifying information
- The name of the truck driver’s employer
Be Mindful of What You Say at the Scene
While emotions run high after an accident, it is best to keep your words to a minimum. Specifically, be sure to avoid admitting fault or liability for the accident. Even if you think you were at fault, keep this to yourself. Avoiding discussing the details of the crash will help ensure you are best protected during the insurance claim process.
These tips do not imply you cannot speak at all at the scene. In fact, police officers will ask you for a statement of what happened. In your statement, be honest but avoid admitting to any fault in the accident.
Contact the Truck Accident Attorneys at Younglove Law Group Today
In the aftermath of a truck accident, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with stress. While it is hard to navigate essential actions, doing so will ensure you get through the claims process. Securing a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash is the best way to ensure you take critical steps for your protection.
At Younglove Law Group, we are proud to offer quality legal representation to individuals who have suffered injuries from truck accidents in Newport Beach. Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury cases and specializes in claims involving catastrophic and fatal injuries. Our attorneys take a client-focused approach to our cases, always ensuring our clients feel prioritized and heard. Call our top-rated car accident lawyers at (844) 810-1800 or fill out our online contact form for a free and confidential consultation.
