If you are hit by a truck while driving, the first thing you should do is remain calm. Panic will only make the situation worse. Many people don’t know what to do after they are hit by a truck, so we have put together a list of tips to help you stay safe and get the help you need.
Call 911 immediately
If you are injured, it’s important to get medical attention right away. A truck accident can be a traumatic experience, and you may not realize that you are hurt until later. Even if you don’t think that you need medical assistance now, contact the police so they can check on your condition and make sure that everyone involved in the crash gets the help they need. For example, if you have a concussion, it may not show up right away. If you wait too long to get treatment, your injuries could be more serious and even life-threatening.
Let the police handle everything else
Many people panic after being hit by a truck, especially if they aren’t sure how badly they are injured. It’s important to stay calm in these situations so that you can focus on getting the help that you need. Don’t attempt to move or talk to anyone until the police arrive at the scene of the crash. They will assess the situation and make sure that everyone involved is taken care of properly. Additionally, they will take down all of the details about the crash and file a police report, which will be useful if you decide to pursue legal action later on.
Don’t discuss the crash with anyone but your attorney
When speaking with the police or your insurance company about what happened in the accident, it’s crucial that you stick to the facts and avoid making any assumptions about who was at fault for the crash. Anything you say can be used against you later on, so it’s best to avoid discussing the details of the crash with anyone other than your attorney unless you have been instructed to do so by a professional. For example, if you have been in a truck accident in Utah then you should contact a lawyer for truck accidents in Utah to protect your rights. This way you can be sure that you are treated fairly throughout the legal process.
Contact your insurance company and get medical help
Once you have been checked out by the paramedics or taken to the hospital, it’s time to call your insurance company. They will ask for information about what happened in order to open a claim on your behalf. Be as detailed as possible when describing everything that happened leading up to and during the accident. You also need to contact an attorney who can advise you of your legal rights and help you navigate any potential claims that you may need to make against the other driver or their insurance company.
Seek medical attention promptly if necessary
If your injuries are serious enough that you need medical treatment, you should seek care as quickly as possible. Even if you don’t think that you are injured, it’s still a good idea to visit a doctor right away. Many injuries take time to develop after an accident, and some symptoms may not show up for days or even weeks. It can be difficult to tell if you have sustained a serious injury from the crash, so it’s important to get treatment no matter how minor your symptoms may seem at first. For instance, if you have a concussion, it may not show up right away. However, if you wait too long to get treatment, your injuries could be more serious and even life-threatening.
Don’t give up on your case if the truck driver blames you
It’s not unusual for a commercial truck driver to claim that they were not at fault in an accident. The insurance companies may also try to imply that you are at fault, and it can be difficult to fight these false claims without the help of an experienced attorney. Keep all records related to the crash, including receipts for any medical treatment or medications you have received, as well as copies of doctor’s notes or other documentation from your care providers. This information can be very useful in supporting your case after being hit by a truck. Additionally, having legal representation ensures that no details about the accident get overlooked and allows you to concentrate on getting better instead of worrying about what will happen next.
Avoid speaking to the insurance companies on your own
The insurance companies involved in a commercial truck accident case will often contact you to ask for a statement about how the accident happened. You should always seek legal representation before providing formal statements if you are planning to make any claims against the other driver or their company, as this can be used against you later on. Your attorney can protect your rights and help ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and any losses related to the crash. They may also be able to negotiate with the insurance providers directly on your behalf instead of having you speak with them directly, which allows you more time to focus on getting better after an accident rather than worrying about what is going to happen next.
Focus on your recovery
After being hit by a truck, your primary focus should be on recovering from any injuries that you have sustained in the crash. This may mean taking some time off of work or having to go back to see your doctor for follow-up visits. When this happens, it is important not to neglect these appointments and instead keep them as regularly scheduled so that you can recover fully from the accident as quickly as possible. Continue getting care until your doctor tells you that it is okay for you to stop seeing them for any ongoing treatment or medication needs related to the accident. If necessary, speak with your attorney about what types of expenses are covered under any settlement offer so that you can be sure that they are taken care of financially while you focus on getting better.
After being hit by a truck, it is important to remember the following tips. First, seek medical attention if necessary, and don’t wait too long to get treatment for any potential injuries. Second, try not to speak with insurance companies on your own before seeking legal representation. This will help protect your rights in case of an accident. Finally, focus on recovering from any injuries you may have sustained, and make sure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you can get back to normal as soon as possible.