What to Do After a Trucking Accident
A truck accident can be a scary experience, especially if you’re driving a standard passenger vehicle. Because most commercial trucking vehicles tower at least 30 feet in height and weigh thousands of pounds, the injuries one can sustain in an accident of this size can be brutal. From catastrophic injury that can leave one paralyzed to even death, trucking accidents are serious and must be dealt with by a professional. An experienced Los Angeles truck accident lawyer can help you determine the best course of action for receiving compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering how you should handle the immediate moments after the crash. Taking the right steps post-crash will make it much easier to recover damages for the injuries you have sustained. Here are some of the steps you must take to ensure your personal injury lawsuit goes smoothly.
Stay at the Scene
It may be tempting to simply slip away after the accident, but the best thing to do is stay put. Leaving the scene of an accident – even when you didn’t cause it – can be construed as a hit and run. Leave the vehicle in the position of the crash and stick around until law enforcement has had a chance to show up. This will give you the best chance of preserving the evidence while ensuring that you provide the officer with your side of the story.
Call an Ambulance
Hopefully, the truck accident did not cause you an injury so serious that you can’t even dial 911. If you are conscious and able to use your cell phone, you should call for medical help immediately. The first responders will assess your injuries and make recommendations about whether you need to go to the hospital. At the hospital, your injuries will be assessed and treatment will likely be recommended.
Take Photos, Videos, and Record Audio
The crash scene in the immediate aftermath of an accident will be the most important source of evidence when litigating your case. This will be how your Los Angeles truck accident lawyer argues that the accident you were involved in occurred due to someone else’s negligence. To help him prove your case, take photos of the damage of both your vehicle and the truck you collided with; snapshots of the intersection to capture whether there were any skid marks or significant evidence of a crash, and any other images you think help tell a story of what really happened. You may also wish to take a video of the accident scene as that is usually much more impactful than still photography.
Audio recordings also go a long way to record what happened in an accident. Consider using the voice memos feature on your cell phone to record witness testimony or to simply log a recording of yourself reviewing everything that happened during the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Hire a Los Angeles Truck Accident Lawyer Today
While you may think you can handle receiving compensation for your injuries after a truck accident, the reality is that insurance companies have many more resources at their disposal and can fight your case. If you’re determined to receive the full amount of compensation available to you, you should hire a Los Angeles truck accident lawyer with experience handling these types of cases. Contact our offices today.