Statistics show that a large number of people die due to road crashes or accidents each year. Deadly truck accidents happen more frequently than many other kinds of devastating road accidents, such as bicycle or car accidents. It is important to understand the proper measures to take following a vehicle accident, especially one involving a truck.
If you have suffered from severe injury because of a trucking accident can hire a experienced accident attorney at The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin to help recover compensation for injuries, expenses, and other damages related to the accident.
You should know how to protect your rights so that you can recover compensation for Wrongful death truck accident lawyers in Utah and any damages incurred as a result of the accident. Here are some steps of note:
First: Call the Police Immediately
The first thing that you should do is report the accident. The best way to do this is to call the police while at the scene of the accident. The responding officer will ask you to share the details of the accident and will assess the seriousness of the accident based on the damage or injuries caused. The officer will file a report, and will usually include a statement of the cause that identifies the party or parties responsible.
Second: Seek Medical Assistance
Be it truck, bicycle, or car accident, what matters most are the health, livelihood and well being of the people involved. Thus, it is imperative to seek medical consultation either at the scene of an accident or immediately after departing from it. First-aid should be applied immediately following an accident, if necessary.
This could mean the difference between life or death depending on the injuries involved. Once you check your own condition, you should also see if it is possible to help others. Even if you do not believe you have experienced a serious injury, you should seek a doctor. Trained specialists will be better able to identify non-visible injuries or damage to internal organs.
Third: Gather Information from Other Parties
The next thing to do is gather information from other parties. Collecting as much information as possible while at the scene of the accident may be beneficial to any future legal claim. The information will help to determine the parties responsible for the accident and can be used to negotiate for the maximum compensation owed to the victims for financial losses and injuries.
You should also exchange personal contact information, such as name, phone number, address, license number and insurance carrier. This information will allow you to contact the parties involved later, if necessary. Do not forget to collect other information like:
- The personal information of the driver
- The license plate
- Vehicle make and model
- Insurance information
- The truck employer’s details, if applicable
Four: Document the Accident Spot
The following information should be documented carefully:
- The location of the accident
- Your vehicle damage (photographs, if possible)
- The other party’s vehicle damage (photographs, if possible)
- Injuries of drivers, passengers, or pedestrians
- Damage to private or public structures caused by the accident
- Other factors, such as poor road conditions, weather, or construction debris
Five: Talk Honestly to Responding Police Officers
The police will seek information regarding the events leading up to and during the accident. You should cooperate and speak honestly only about the facts you personally know. Do not offer a personal opinion or admit fault in front of the police. You may be in a mild state of shock. It is best to wait until you have emotionally and physically calmed and then consult an experienced truck accident attorney.
Six: Report the Truck Accident to the Insurance Provider
You must inform your insurance provider about the accident. You should be factual, but provide only the information needed for them to apply the terms of your policy to the facts of your accident.
Insurance companies may intentionally ask tricky questions to solicit information that will reduce the amount of compensation that is owed to you. Again, it is strongly recommended to have an experienced truck accident lawyer who understands how insurance companies operate to represent you during those discussions.
Seven: Having a Word with an Attorney
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties. They can involve the drivers, insurance companies, business owners, and more. These are complicated cases. Trucking accidents must be investigated thoroughly and liability accorded appropriately.
