Anyone can have an accident on a road trip. Being in an accident on the road is scary, and if a commercial truck is involved the stakes are even higher.
Nevertheless, accidents happen and whether it was your fault or someone else’s. There are certain steps you must take if you have been in an accident, especially one involving a commercial truck.
If you are reading this because you have already experienced an accident involving a truck and are concerned that you didn’t take the right steps, or are in need of some specialist advice then click the following link for the best legal experts who can help following a truck accident.
Accident On a Road Trip, Even When it Involves a Truck
Be Safe and Phone 911
Tend to your own needs first. Make sure you are out of harm’s way then phone 911 as soon as you can. In an accident that involves a truck, there may be several vehicles involved or even pedestrians. Dial 911 who will help you to assess whether an ambulance is needed and dispatch police.
Police can also help you to gather information from any eye-witnesses. Take time before they arrive to reflect on the incident and give an honest report to the police.
Try to Avoid Talking About the Incident
Be careful with what you say. Even a simple apology could work against you when trying to decipher whose fault it was. You may think that you contributed to the incident, but you do not have the full story. Keep it simple and gather information.
Gather Information
Get photos of any vehicles involved and take down information, such as the name of the driver, their contact details, car information, and who they are insured with. Also, take the names and numbers of any passersby who may act as eye-witnesses.
You may also want to take videos or audio recordings as people may change their stories over time, especially if the following legal or insurance process is lengthy. It could also help to take photos of the road, especially if there were any contributing factors, such as pot-holes or poor signage.
Any skid marks or damage to surrounding property may also help to build a picture of what happened.
Gathering information yourself might be rather tricky. In that case, you definitely need to contact a truck accident lawyer who specializes in the field and will collect only the data that is required. With the right data, you will have more chances to win and get the most desired compensation.
Stay at the Crash Scene
In some states leaving the crime scene could be considered a hit and run, so be sure to stay put until you have completed all of the other steps. Even if your vehicle is not damaged and you do not think that you are at fault.
Contact a Legal Expert
An incident involving a truck is likely to be complicated. Especially when there are several vehicles involved. Different parties likely have different versions of what happened, and people can misremember, especially in times of stress.
It is important to have someone with experience help you through the process.
As soon as you can, contact an expert who can help you. In the case of a truck accident, you definitely need to contact a truck accident lawyer who specializes in the field and will collect the data that is required.
With the right data, you will have more chances of obtaining the most desired outcome, including any compensation.
Remember, if you have an accident near your home, you’re more likely to be a bit calmer. But if you have an accident on a road trip, you may find yourself more stressed out because you now have to deal with not having a vehicle in a strange place.
You will have to arrange for a hotel and possibly get family there to help you out.
It’s always best to be extra cautious when driving in places that you’re not familiar with. So take your time, pay close attention to the road, and remove anything that may be a distraction.
Getting into an accident on a road trip is no fun no matter how big or small. If you do find yourself in this situation, however, just stay calm and follow the tips above.
