After a wide-turn truck accident, take specific steps to ensure your safety, document the incident, and protect your legal rights. Here's a checklist of what you should do:
Check on all parties involved
The first thing you should do is assess the situation. If you’re able to get out of your vehicle, check for injuries among all parties involved. If anyone requires immediate medical attention, call 911 to request medical assistance.
Contact the police
Call the police immediately to report the truck accident. Provide them with accurate information about the location and the nature of the incident. Then, wait for them to arrive. They will create an official police report containing important crash scene evidence.
Exchange information
While waiting for the police, exchange contact and insurance information with all other parties involved. Gather their names, phone numbers, and insurance details. Also, collect the contact information of any witnesses. Their statements can later help strengthen your case.
Take pictures and notes
Take pictures and notes of the crash scene. Include pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and any relevant road signs. Document any visible injuries you or other parties have sustained. Also, take note of any nearby surveillance cameras, as the video footage can later help prove who was at fault.
Seek medical attention
Even if you don't believe your injuries are serious, seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms. Also, keep all medical records, bills, and documentation related to your injuries and treatment.
Report the crash to your insurance company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the truck accident. Provide them with accurate details about the incident, but keep your comments to a minimum. While you should be honest with your insurance company, admitting fault or discussing blame can hurt your chances of getting compensation.
Contact an attorney
There is a lot at stake in a wide-turn truck accident. That’s why you need an experienced truck accident lawyer to help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Trucking companies are good at hiding any wrongdoing on their part. They often deploy their own team of investigators to crash scenes to produce biased results. An experienced attorney can thoroughly investigate your truck accident and gather the facts to build your case.
They also know how to deal with trucking companies and their insurers and can fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.