What Should You Do after an Accident with a Commercial Truck?
An out-of-control semi-truck can cleave a path of destruction, leaving immense property damage and devastating injuries in its wake. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, commercial trucks weigh up to 30 times more than passenger cars, so if you are involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler, your vehicle is likely to suffer the worst of the impact.
The cost of medical bills and lost income can add up quickly after a truck accident, but if another driver caused the collision, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages that you incurred. Unfortunately, recovering fair compensation in a personal injury claim often involves an uphill legal battle.
If you would like to discuss your case with a truck accident lawyer in Omaha, contact Rensch & Rensch Law. Our legal team will evaluate your crash, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free consultation.
Read on to learn seven steps you should take immediately after a crash with a commercial truck:
- Evaluate Yourself and Other People for Injuries
If anyone was severely injured, contact the police and request medical assistance. Even if your injuries do not appear to be serious, you should still call law enforcement so an officer can create an accident report.
- Call Law Enforcement
When the police arrive, make sure an officer creates an accident report. This report will describe the cause of your crash and provide important details about its location, the time it occurred, and whether there were injuries or significant property damage. Your attorney may use the accident report to prove negligence and liability.
- Take Pictures of the Crash Scene
Photos can tell the story of how a crash happened, and they will be valuable evidence if the at-fault driver or insurance company disputes your claim. Take pictures that show injuries, property damage, skid marks, the positions of vehicles, and traffic signs and signals.
- Record the Truck’s U.S. Department of Transportation Number
Any company that uses commercial vehicles to haul cargo or transport passengers must have a USDOT Number. Your attorney will need that number to obtain data from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR), also known as a “black box.”
The EDR might contain information about the truck driver’s behavior such as the high speed, average speed, and hours on the road. If the EDR data shows that the trucker violated the Hours of Service Regulations or another traffic law, your attorney may be able to use the data to prove negligence and liability.
- Record Contact and Insurance Information
Write down the contact and insurance information of all drivers involved in the collision. You should also record the contact details of any passengers involved or eyewitnesses who saw the accident.
- Undergo a Medical Evaluation
If you do not undergo a prompt medical evaluation, the insurance company might dispute your claim. Visit your doctor as soon as possible, and follow his or her treatment recommendations exactly.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you meet important deadlines and avoid costly mistakes that would harm your claim, such as making a recorded statement to the insurance adjuster, overlooking future damages, or posting sensitive information about your case on social media.
If you would like to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney in Omaha, turn to Rensch & Rensch Law. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in Nebraska.
