After a truck accident, the next few hours are crucial, but they can also be quite stressful. Following a collision, it is expected to feel bewildered and panicked. This holds true for both small-scale and large-scale accidents. It can make a huge difference to know what steps to take, but what should you do first?
Read on to learn five things you should do right away after a truck accident today. In the event that you find yourself in this circumstance, it is critical to be ready, aware of your rights, and aware of how to react. Contact a truck accident lawyer in Des Moines to learn more.
What should you do if you get into a truck accident?
1. Contact the police.
Notifying local law enforcement of a truck accident should be your first course of action. An official report detailing the circumstances resulting in the collision can be filed by the police as soon as they arrive on the scene. It is still advisable to carry out this step first, even if no vehicles were physically damaged and no one was hurt.
2. Seek medical treatment,
Any immediate or delayed-onset injuries related to the accident can be found and recorded with the aid of an official medical report. Recording any pain or symptoms you experience right away following an accident is crucial. Suppose your injuries or sore areas of your body are not adequately documented. In that case, the insurance company may attempt to refute any subsequent claims you make about your injuries or argue that you were not injured in the accident because you delayed getting help. It is crucial that you have a medical professional assess you for injuries and that you have this evaluation document.
3. Gather evidence.
While you are still at the collision scene, attempt to take some photos of the scene.
Remember to take pictures of any other wrecked vehicles that were involved in the accident in addition to any damage done to your car. Take photos of any visible injuries you may have had as soon as you can. A bruise or cut, for example, may change over time in terms of color, shape, and severity, so it is important to document it as soon as it appears.
4. Do not sign anything.
A truck driver’s trucking company will almost always become involved in an accident involving the driver. Most of the time, they will ask their insurance company to get in touch with the crash victims and make a settlement offer.