Car accidents can be traumatic, especially when one gets in an accident with a commercial vehicle. After an accident occurs, it is essential to know how to proceed.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were nearly 5,000 large truck crashes that ended in fatality in 2017, which is a nine percent increase from the year before. Because of this, it is important to know what to do in the event of an accident with a large truck or other commercial vehicle.
Step 1: Make sure you are okay
Large truck accidents have high fatality and injury rates, which is why the most important step to take after an accident with a commercial vehicle is to take inventory of any injuries that you or possible passengers sustained during the accident. If you sustained any injures, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away.
Step 2: Call the police
Large truck accidents can cause a lot of damage, not only to individuals but to vehicles and the surrounding environment. If the accident occurred in a busy street, it is crucial to call the police who can help section off the scene and prevent another accident from occurring.
The police are also beneficial as they will create a report of the accident and take statements from you and the driver of the truck. Having a record of the accident may be helpful in obtaining compensation for any injuries or other damages when filing an insurance claim.
Step 3: Gather information
Gathering information from the other driver is important. Make sure to gather their name, address and phone number. Also, it is important to exchange insurance information and details about their vehicle. It is also beneficial to make sure to obtain the information of the company the driver works for.
Apart from the information from the driver, it can be helpful to write down or record details of the accident that you remember when it is still fresh in your mind. If there were witnesses to the accident, having a witness statement can be beneficial in determining fault.
Commercial vehicle accidents can cause a lot of damage to everyone involved, which is why it is helpful for a victim to know what to do after one occurs.
