Follow These 5 Steps After a Semi-Truck Collision

 Posted on February 26, 2017 in Truck Accidents

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), 138,000 people in the United States were injured in large truck and bus accidents in 2015.  The FMCSA also reports that 4,337 people died due to large truck and bus accidents in the same year. If you find yourself in an accident with an 18-wheeler, there are simple steps that you can take to protect your safety and a potential claim you may have against a truck driver or other related party.

1. Put your health first.

Immediately following an accident, you should not attempt to leave your vehicle until you are certain you can stand. Even if you find that you can walk, it is best to call for emergency medical help for a full examination. Truck accident injuries tend to manifest over time. Keep this in mind in the weeks after your accident, and maintain a log of how your injuries progress or resolve. It is critical that you participate in all medical treatment prescribed. Even if you are feeling better, continue to see your doctor as ordered.

2. Call 9-1-1. 

Call 9-1-1 immediately after an accident. Because semi-truck accidents tend to inflict a substantial amount of property damage and bodily injury, the police should be also called in addition to paramedics. Police officers will assist in clearing the road and will write an accident report. 

3. Do not admit fault.

In the aftermath of the accident, you may be shaken and confused as to what transpired in the moments leading up to the collision. You should not apologize for your actions or tell anyone that you think you were at fault. Fault is a determination that is made by experts after looking at all accounts of the accident and the damage to the vehicles. You do not need to make an assessment as to fault. 

4. Take photographs.

If you are able, taking photographs and video of the accident scene can be helpful. You should also document your visible injuries in the days, weeks, and months after your accident.

5. Contact a Milwaukee Truck Accident Lawyer

The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you will have peace of mind that your rights are being protected. Seeking the advice of a lawyer does not mean that your case is destined for trial or that you are at fault for the accident.

Insurance adjusters have a team of attorneys as do trucking companies. Seeking legal representation simply places you all on equal footing. The Milwaukee truck accident attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP have the experience to represent collision victims successfully. Call our office at 414-271-1440 for more information. 

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/LTCF2015%20Early%20Release.pdf