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Tips For What to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident!

Aug 14, 2023 | Blog

Tips For What to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident!

Being involved in any collision can be a scary experience, but being involved in an accident with a large commercial tractor-trailer can be even more frightening.  

However, it’s important to remember the moments following a serious tractor-trailer accident are critical.  

The actions you take – and don’t take – can ensure your safety and protect your right to seek maximum compensation for your losses.  

Below, we have listed what to do and what not to do after a tractor-trailer accident. 

What To Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident 

Remain Calm 

The scene of a tractor-trailer accident can be chaotic.  

There may be several vehicles and passengers involved, significant property damage, and many serious injuries. 

Although you may be scared and in shock, panicking can put you, your passengers, and others at risk of harm and may also prevent you from taking appropriate actions. 

So first and foremost, it is important to stay calm to ensure you take the proper steps. 

Get To Safety 

If you can do so, carefully drive your car to the side of the road.  

This ensures you and your passengers are safe and prevents traffic behind the accident from being impeded. 

However, if the accident is severe and there are injured parties, it is best to leave the vehicles where they are.  

When possible, all injured parties should remain in their vehicles until first responders arrive to prevent any further injury. 

Report The Accident 

Call the police right away to report the accident.  

When the officer arrives on the scene, provide them with an accurate, detailed account of what took place before, during, and after the accident.  

Be sure to request a copy of the police report for your records as it contains crucial information. 

Details listed on the officer’s report will include: 

  • The contact and insurance information of all parties involved. 
  • Statements from the parties. 
  • A diagram of the accident scene. 
  • A description of the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident. 

The accident report will also include the officer’s assessment of what occurred and who or what was responsible for the accident, as well as a list of any citations given to any of the drivers. 

Look For Witnesses 

Witnesses often play an essential role in proving liability in a tractor-trailer accident case, so it is essential to look for anyone who may have seen the accident or the events leading up to it.  

You can take a statement from the witness or simply ask them for their contact information, such as their name, address, phone number, and email address, so you or your tractor-trailer accident attorneys can get a statement from them later. 

Document The Accident 

If possible, use your cell phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene soon after the accident occurs.  

Be sure to take pictures of each vehicle, any debris or skid marks on the roadway, and the position of the vehicles involved.  

It is also crucial to take pictures of your visible injuries.  

These photos can be used to prove who was at fault, the nature and extent of your injuries, and the amount of damage to your vehicle. 

It is also a good idea to write down everything you remember about the accident, including even seemingly minor details.  

This information can be vital in the success of your tractor-trailer accident case but may be forgotten over time if it is not promptly documented. 

Seek Medical Treatment 

When 911 is called, they often dispatch other first responders, such as EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, to assess injured accident victims.  

If their injuries appear to be serious, the parties will be taken to a nearby hospital where they will be treated.  

However, if these first responders are not dispatched or you were not transferred to a medical facility to have your injuries thoroughly assessed and treated, it is always best to seek medical attention on your own. 

A proper medical evaluation is essential in correctly identifying and treating all your injuries.  

This is especially crucial because many injuries are not immediately apparent.  

Some injuries, such as head, neck, and soft tissue injuries, take days to weeks to show up.  

When your injuries are not quickly identified and treated, the recovery process can become more challenging, putting you at risk of permanent, life-altering consequences. 

What Not to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident 

Never Leave the Scene of a Tractor-Trailer Accident 

After an accident, all drivers are required to stop immediately to identify themselves and render aid, even if the driver is not at fault or the accident did not result in property damage or injury.  

When a driver leaves the accident scene, it can be considered a “hit and run,” which can result in harsh criminal and civil penalties.  

To avoid any consequences, always remain at the scene and report the incident to authorities. 

Do Not Admit Fault 

During the aftermath of a tractor-trailer accident, it is not uncommon for injured victims to apologize for the accident regardless of whether they were at fault.  

Never admit fault or liability after an accident, even if you feel you may be partially responsible.  

There are often many factors that contribute to an accident that may reduce your liability.  

We always recommend only discussing liability with your tractor-trailer accident attorneys. 

Avoid Discussing the Accident 

Because everything you say may be used against you, it is best to avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with anyone but your attorney.  

This ensures you do not say anything that may harm your chances of being fairly compensated for your injuries, property damage, and other associated losses. 

Do Not Provide a Written or Recorded Statement to The Insurance Company 

When a tractor-trailer driver is involved in an accident, the tractor-trailer company they work for, and their insurance company will quickly get involved.  

They will reach out to you and ask for a written or recorded statement of what happened during the accident and what the nature and severity of your injuries are. 

The insurance company may also be quick to offer you a settlement for much less than you are entitled to.  

We recommend consulting with tractor-trailer accident attorneys first.  

They will handle all communication with the insurance company and give you honest, informed feedback on whether the settlement is fair. 

Stay Away from Social Media 

If you have been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, the insurance company and/or their attorneys will likely access your social media accounts.  

They will likely use your posts against you to avoid liability or refute the nature or severity of your injuries.  

It is vital to stay off social media, ensuring nothing you post can negatively affect your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. 

 

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