What to do in a Truck Accident

Any car accident involving another vehicle is extremely mentally and physically traumatic and challenging.

If you are involved in an accident with a tractor trailer or large truck, it is important to know what to do next to preserve your rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle accident victim.

Check List of What to do at the Accident Scene

1. Stop your vehicle – If you are physically able and your vehicle is operable, you should stop as close to the scene of the accident as possible without obstructing traffic or creating a dangerous situation. Activate your emergency flashing lights and your headlights if they are working.
2. Call the police 911 immediately – Call the state, county or local police to report the accident and include following critical pieces of information: location of your vehicle, your name, address, driver’s license number and vehicle registration number. Cooperate and answer the officer’s questions regarding the facts of the accident truthfully. Be careful, do not admit fault or discuss the accident and how it happened with anyone else. Make sure the officer makes a police report and obtain a copy. Check the police report for accuracy.
3. If you are injured. Notify the law enforcement officer immediately that you are injured and describe your injuries as well as you can. If other passersby stop at the scene before the police arrive, tell them you are injured so they can call 911 or the rescue squad.
4. Get the following critical information from all parties involved: Name, address, and phone number of each driver; vehicles license plate numbers; driver’s license number; insurance company and the policy number; the make and model of all vehicles involved in the accident; company name and identifying information if a commercial vehicle is involved.
5. Take photographs of the accident scene and the damage to your vehicle if possible. Take photographs of other vehicles that may have been involved in the accident. Photograph the company name and identifying information if a commercial vehicle is involved.
6. Take photographs and identify any witnesses: Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. This could be key in identifying who is at fault in the accident. Photograph them if possible.
7. Go to the hospital. If the emergency rescue squad and ambulance recommends taking you directly to a hospital Emergency Room for an examination, you should go. If you decide not go to the hospital from the accident scene, and think you are injured, have someone drive you to the hospital Emergency Room or to your doctor’s office as soon after the accident as possible. Document all your injuries and take photographs of your injuries.
8. Call your insurance company to report the accident. Give a detailed description of the accident but do not admit fault. Do not give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney. Remember the insurance adjustor is not your friend, his job is to minimize the insurance payout to you for your personal injuries and the property damage. Be sure to request payment of your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) portion of your insurance claim, this is a no fault immediate payment to you upon request to help pay your medical bills.

Information and commentary provided by Dallas Fort Worth Personal Injury Attorney Dr Shezad Malik. The Dr Shezad Malik Law Firm can be contacted in Dallas toll free at 214-390-3189. If you or a loved one has been injured from a truck accident, car crash or bus accident, please fill out our contact card for a free consultation.