What To Do After A Truck Accident
If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident recently, you need to take action right away to protect your right to recovery and compensation. A crash can drastically change your life immediately afterward and in the future, so it is important to know what to do after a truck accident so you can mitigate the damage and maximize your compensation.
After A Pennsylvania Truck Accident, Follow These Steps
Being involved in a truck accident is distressing, but how you act in the immediate and short-term aftermath of the crash could have a major impact on your health and your legal options. Here are the steps you should consider:
Get medical help immediately: Your health comes first. Even if you don’t think your injuries are very serious, it’s important to see a doctor right away. Internal injuries or conditions such as whiplash often don’t show immediate symptoms or pain, but they can become quite serious. Moreover, pain is often masked by adrenaline, so how you feel in the moment may not be an accurate reflection of your health.
At the very least, visiting a health care provider can either confirm that you are unharmed or allow you to receive timely care. It also provides documentation of any accident-related injuries, which may be crucial for a future truck accident claim.
Gather eyewitness information or have someone do it for you: If possible, collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene. This includes their names and phone numbers, along with a brief description of what they saw. Eyewitness accounts can significantly support your account of the incident and can be vital in legal processes or insurance claims. If you are too injured to gather this information yourself, ask someone else at the scene for help.
Contact the police: Calling the police to the accident scene is essential. They will document the situation, evaluate the circumstances and prepare an official report. Law enforcement involvement is fundamental to establishing an official record. Most insurance companies will demand to see an official accident report and might deny the claim without one. As an added bonus, having a police presence at the scene helps ensure safety and order in the immediate aftermath.
Secure a copy of the police report: After the police have completed their report, make sure to obtain a copy for your records. This document is a key piece of evidence if you need to pursue a claim for damages or injuries. It usually contains important details such as the officer’s assessment of the accident, any traffic law violations and information about the drivers and vehicles involved.
Take pictures at the scene if possible: If you or someone in the vehicle is able to take a few photos with a cellphone, this can provide critical information when recounting both the cause of and the damage suffered in a truck accident.
Speak with a lawyer: Contacting a lawyer is especially important after a truck accident. Due to the complexity of the trucking industry, you have to take specific, immediate steps to establish liability that differs from a typical car accident claim.
Speak With John A. Caputo In Pittsburgh Today
Do not hesitate to contact John A. Caputo & Associates, P.C., for help immediately following a truck accident. We can even handle your needs with your insurance company. Call us for a free initial consultation with an attorney who can explain your rights. Dial 412-620-6361 or send an email.