Due to the large number of 18 wheelers and other commercial vehicles on the roads today, people need to be prepared in case they are ever in an 18 wheeler accident. Unfortunately, in 2013 there were 3,906 trucks involved in fatal crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Because of the size of these vehicles, and because they often travel on highways at high speeds, commercial trucking accidents can be extremely dangerous for drivers on the other side of an accident. In case you ever have the misfortune of being injured in an accident with a truck, you should consider following the steps outlined in this article.
Receive Medical Attention
With any motor vehicle accident, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Keeping yourself safe and healthy should always be your top priority after a crash of any kind. It’s important to remember that while there may be obvious immediate trauma, there may also be subtle injuries that may not present themselves right away. Because of this, you should be properly evaluated for potential injuries. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of any medical treatments and expenses you receive following the accident.
Get Vital Information From the Driver
Aside from your immediate well-being, any information you can get regarding the accident should be a priority. You should not only talk to witnesses and take photos of the scene (if you can do so safely), but there are some crucial questions you should ask the truck driver. Some basic questions may include:
- What company do they work for?
- What were they carrying in the truck?
- Do they have insurance information to share?
If you are unable to communicate with the truck driver, it’s important to have a police officer or other emergency personnel do it for you. While you may expect authorities to gather all the proper information, you should ensure that the accident report contains all vital information. Additionally, there are some important questions that will need to be answered in the coming weeks. While it is not your responsibility to answer these questions, the truck driver’s answers will impact any potential injury lawsuit. Some of these important questions include:
- How many hours did they work that day?
- Do they seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
- Is this their first trucking accident?
Find an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in the crash, then finding a good attorney is key to receiving the compensation you deserve from the accident. It’s important that you find a personal injury lawyer to handle your case because the company the truck driver works for most likely has an experienced lawyer to defend themselves. Because of this, it’s crucial that you find a reputable 18 wheeler accident lawyer to ensure you’re treated fairly for any injuries that may have been caused by the accident.
Having legal representation is key if you want a positive outcome for your personal injury lawsuit.