Semi-truck accidents often leave parties involved with injuries ranging from minor to fatal. When you or a loved one suffers a personal injury involving a semi-truck accident, legal representation is vital for you case.
These types of injuries may entitle you to pursue compensation for damages including economic and non-economic damages. However, in order to build your case and seek compensation you will need what to do if you’re in a semi-truck accident.
This blog is an attempt to educate those who want to know more about what they should do in situations where they could end up with a personal injury.
Did you know?
Semi-trucks are made up of two main parts: the tractor, which houses the engine and driver’s cab, and the trailer or flatbed, which is connected using a fifth-wheel hitch. For long-distance hauls, the cab may include a sleeper berth for resting. Depending on the region, these massive vehicles are also known as 18-wheelers, big rigs, or tractor-trailers!
Steps to take if you’re in a semi-truck accident
If you are involved in a semi-truck accident, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps:
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
If anyone suffers an injured, call 911 immediately and stay on the line to receive further instructions.
If the semi-truck accident is minor and no one has an injury, move your car out of the roadway to a safe location if possible. When you’re in a situation where you are unable to move your vehicle, turning on your hazard lights can warn other drivers on the roadway.
Call the police to report the accident.
Even if the accident is minor, it is important to have a record of what happened.
Collect and exchange information with the other driver.
These pieces of information you should exchange include, contact information, insurance information, and your name. Also, write down the make, model, and license plate number of the other vehicle.
Gather evidence and make a record of damages
If you have access to a phone with a camera like most people do now-a-days, you should take pictures of the damages to all vehicles involved, as well as the scene of the accident. These photos will be useful if you need to file an insurance claim or prove what happened in court.
Don’t admit fault or liability
Unfortunately, some people can’t help but be sympathetic after an accident. Do not apologize or admit to being at fault and wait for law enforcement to determine who is liable.
Seek medical attention
If you have no visible injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Just because you don’t feel like you are hurt or have visible injuries doesn’t mean that you haven’t suffered an internal injury that are not instantly noticeable.
Did you know?
If you’re hit by a semi-truck, it could take a team of experts to handle a case. Medical professionals, expert witnesses, and reconstruction specialists can help our lawyers build your claim.
With our network of experts, we can help you recover damages from any type of accident.
Avoiding semi-truck accidents
There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a semi-truck accident:
- Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving. Avoid using your phone or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road.
- Keep a safe distance from semi-trucks. Remember that semi-trucks require more time and distance to stop, so it’s important to give them plenty of room.
- Be aware of semi-trucks’ blind spots. Semi-trucks have large blind spots on the sides and rear of the vehicle, so avoid driving in these areas if possible.
- Be sure to use turn signals while turning and switching lanes. This will help semi-truck drivers anticipate your movements and avoid a collision.
- Obey traffic laws and pay attention to speed limits. Semi-trucks are heavy and require more time and distance to stop, so it’s important to drive at a safe speed.
- Avoid following a semi-truck too closely. If you follow a semi-truck too closely, you may not have enough time to react if the truck slows down or stops suddenly.
- Be cautious when passing a semi-truck. Make sure you have enough room to pass the truck safely and do not cut in front of the truck too closely after passing.
More Resources
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