Law

Top 5 Things to Do After a Trucking Accident

Driving a truck requires many hours on the road, which means the odds of being in an accident are increased. Even the safest drivers can find themselves in roadway accidents, so it’s important to know what to do in such a circumstance. A reputable trucking accidents lawyer Houston TX can further assist you in steps to take after an accident.

1.    Contact the Authorities

Regardless of the severity of the collision, call the police and file an accident report. The accident report ensures a legal record of the accident, any personal injury and the extent of vehicle damage. You should also note the responding officer’s name, badge number, phone number and report number for future reference.

2.    Gather Witness Information

Once the authorities are on the way, make sure everyone is okay and begin gathering personal information. Trade names, phone numbers and insurance information with the other party involved in the accident. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses on the scene, as well. Witnesses can assist law enforcement in determining fault.

3.    Document the Scene

If possible, take pictures and video of the damage to the vehicle, of the accident site and of the surrounding area to document the incident. Pictures and videos are necessary for insurance claims and for use in court to support your account of the incident.

4.    Seek Medical Attention

Always allow emergency personnel to examine you on the scene. Shock may prevent you from recognizing injuries right away, and physical symptoms of injuries like whiplash may not appear until a day or two after the accident. Getting checked out at the accident site or in the emergency room, and having proper tests performed, provides accurate and immediate documentation of injuries. The sooner you seek medical attention, the better chance you have of a full recovery from injury.

5.    Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Injuries from a vehicular accident can be both physical and emotional. Victims of crashes/collisions often experience Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in addition to bodily injury. Either of these can lead to missed work or loss of employment entirely. A personal injury attorney can help you with insurance payouts and civil suits if necessary.

No one wants to experience the physical and mental stress of a vehicle accident. However, knowing the right procedures to follow after a crash or collision can make recovering from an accident much easier.