In the trucking industry, drivers work long hours and cover thousands of miles to deliver supplies and materials across the country on a daily basis. Unfortunately, tight deadlines and pressure to drive longer than is safe can result in accidents. The size and speed of a semi-truck with a full trailer can result in devastating accidents with smaller vehicles, leading to injury or even death.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a vehicle accident with a large truck, contact a tractor trailer injury attorney to help you get the compensation you're owed.
Steps To Follow Immediately After an Accident
If you're involved in a car accident with another personal vehicle, you likely know the steps to take: get to safety, call 911, exchange information with the other driver, and file claims with your insurance provider. If you aren't injured, the process can be less harrowing. However, if you're involved in an accident with a semi-truck, there is a very high chance you will suffer injuries from minor scrapes and bruising to whiplash to severe spinal or neck injuries, or even death.
A truck collision is far likelier to injure you and any passengers with you in your vehicle. If you are able, call 911 and assess yourself for injuries. If you suspect head, neck, or spinal injury, do your best not to move or move another person who may have suffered these injuries. Even if you feel fine, it is best to let the EMTs inspect you at the scene. Adrenaline can mask pain or the severity of bodily injury immediately following a traumatic experience; listen to the medical professionals if they recommend you visit the hospital.
If you are uninjured and able to do so, get the necessary information about the truck's driver, including name, address, phone number, company identification, and the truck's license number. If there are witnesses, such as another person who was not involved in the crash, it can be helpful to get testimonies about what happened. This is not your job — it's the police's job — but it can help your case if you're able to collect statements from others.
Don't admit fault, even if you believe you are responsible. You do not want to open yourself up to legal disputes. Getting the aid of a tractor-trailer injury attorney is the best step; an attorney can negotiate your case, ensure you are properly compensated for any damages or medical bills, and back you up if there is a contested claim from the truck driver or company.
Be safe on the road, and if you're involved in a truck accident, get legal help right away.
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