The aftermath of a truck accident can be a traumatic event even when there are no major injuries sustained. At the moment, it can be difficult to know how to assess the situation , what information you’ll need to file an insurance claim, or how to consult with a car accident attorney.
Luckily, this guide will show you all the evidence you’ll need and what steps you should take.
Following a truck accident, your first priority should be to assess any immediate medical injuries to both you, any passengers, and the other party. Even if there are no immediate or severe injuries, calling 911 and having them dispatch an officer and an ambulance is good protocol.
You’ll want to get checked as soon as any EMTs arrive. Sometimes adrenaline can prevent you from recognizing any external or internal injuries , so having a medical professional check for damages is vital.
If you need to follow up with a medical professional following the accident, be sure to obtain a copy of your medical report as this can be used later when building your case.
As both parties are waiting for the authorities to arrive, here’s some information you will want to obtain from the other party or parties:
Additionally, if you’re exchanging information with a truck driver you will also need to obtain the name of their employer, the name of their supervisor, and their supervisor’s contact information.
Having physical evidence is crucial and will not only help show you’re not at fault but can also help you receive more compensation . Be sure to take pictures of both vehicles on every side and multiple angles.
While sometimes people only take pictures of the damages to their own vehicle, having photographs of both will create a clearer case.
A police traffic report or crash report is another piece of evidence that is crucial. Some items a police report may include:
Obtaining information on the scene can result in the police report being more comprehensive. Of course, any injuries should always be your top priority.
Eyewitness testimonies can be crucial in building your case. For starters, you will definitely want to write your own testimony for how you believe the event unfolded. You can also obtain testimonies from other people or passengers that were present.
While you don’t want to write any baseless speculation, be sure to list any items that you believe were contributing factors in addition to the damages sustained from the accident itself.
Ultimately, your truck accident attorney will be able to review your testimony and make suggestions if need be.
Lastly, for a trucking accident, you will want to obtain information regarding the trucker’s black box. The black box essentially records crucial mechanical information such as:
The data for black boxes is usually erased every 30 days, but some companies or drivers may erase the data immediately following an accident. That’s why having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial.
A trucking accident can be a traumatic event and it can be hard to know what evidence to obtain. Luckily, experienced Houston auto accident attorneys are available to assist you!
By working with one of our experienced attorneys at Lapeze & Johns, you can receive the compensation you deserve!