Commercial vehicle accidents are often more serious than typical car crashes, leaving you with extensive injuries and significant disruptions to your daily life. Knowing what to do right after the accident can help ensure your immediate safety and strengthen your ability to seek compensation if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
If you’ve been in a commercial vehicle accident, taking a few immediate steps can help protect your wellbeing and set the stage for any future claims. Below are some things you should do right away:
- Call 911: Always call 911 and request an officer come to the scene so they can create an official accident report.
- Move to Safety: If you can, move your car out of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Gather Information: Exchange details with other parties involved, including names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Be sure to note any commercial license plate numbers and the USDOT number.
- Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the damage, the road conditions, and your injuries (if any). This evidence can be useful later on.
- Get Witness Information: If there were any witnesses who saw the accident and who remained nearby, make sure you get their contact information. Your lawyer can take their statements later on to support your version of events.
By following these steps right away, you can look out for your safety and create a strong foundation to help a personal injury lawyer in Louisville pursue any future injury claim.
Additional Steps to Strengthen Your Case After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
After taking immediate steps at the scene, there are additional measures you can follow in the days and weeks afterward to protect your health and support your claim. Below are some suggestions:
- Follow Up With Your Doctor: Even if you didn’t feel hurt at first, it’s smart to get a full medical evaluation. Some injuries may not show up right away, but a proper exam and any recommended treatment can build clear medical evidence of your condition.
- Keep Records of Everything: Collect and store all bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Track Missed Work and Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from returning to normal duties, note any time away from your job. This documentation helps show how the incident has affected your earning capacity.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance: Alert your own insurance company about the accident right away. They’ll need to know details for your policy, and you don’t want delays causing coverage problems.
- Be Careful Talking About the Case: You should generally avoid making statements to the other party’s insurer or on social media without legal guidance. Anything you say could influence how your case is handled later on.
- Contact a Lawyer: Consider connecting with a commercial truck accident attorney in Louisville who can advise you on any legal options you might have about filing a claim.
- Consider Emotional Support: An accident can have mental and emotional effects that don’t always surface overnight. Counseling or other forms of therapy may help you cope, and records of any emotional distress can further document your losses.
By following these steps, you’ll help ensure that your injuries and losses are documented and taken seriously as you move forward. If you have any questions after an accident with a commercial vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule a free consultation.