Truck Accident? What should you do?
Posted by
Jennifer MooreJuly 04, 2007 9:00 AMWe all know driving can be dangerous and that automobile accidents and truck accidents will happen. With the Fourth of July holiday upon us, most of us will be on the roads and interstates over the next several days. Hopefully, we will have a safe journey, but what should you do if you are injured by a semi tractor-trailer or another automobile? Here are a few tips to consider if you are involved in a truck wreck or car wreck:
1. Call 911 immediately if you are in a truck or car collision.
2. Do not move your vehicle until the police arrive.
3. If you are injured, remain in your vehicle (if it is still safe) until medical assistance arrives.
4. If able, obtain the name, address, and phone number of the person who hit you and the name, address, and phone number of the insurance company for the at-fault driver.
5. If able, photograph the accident scene prior to the vehicles being moved and photograph the damage to your vehicle.
6. Ask for the name of the responding police officer.
7. Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
8. Seek medical attention if you are injured.
9. Within a week following the collision, obtain a copy of the police report from the police department who responded to the scene.
10. Notify your own insurance company regardless of whether you were at fault.
11. Do not sign any insurance papers without seeking the assistance of an attorney.
This list is not exhaustive, but hopefully will provide some guidance if a semi-truck or car collides with your vehicle.
For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.