What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide
A semi-truck accident can be a scary experience. Not only do they usually result in serious injuries, they often cause extensive damage to your vehicle as well.
However, there are steps you can take after this type of collision to protect yourself from liability and ensure that your finances remain stable. Here’s what you need to know about handling a semi-truck accident after it occurs:
Table of Contents
ToggleKnow the basics.
If you’re in a car, semi-truck, or motorcycle accident, you must know what to do immediately after the crash. These are some general guidelines:
- Stay with your vehicle. You should never leave your car until help arrives unless it is unsafe to stay inside (for example, if there is smoke).
- Call 911 or otherwise get help as soon as possible after an accident occurs.
- Don’t move injured people around unless necessary (for example, if someone has been pinned under another vehicle).
- Semi truck accident lawyers can help you get compensation if a semi-truck driver injures you. Call an attorney immediately after a crash to learn what legal options are available.
Contact your insurance provider.
After you’ve been in a semi-truck accident, you should first contact your insurance provider. It’s important to let them know what happened and how it affected you. If any damage was done to your car or truck, they could send someone out to inspect the vehicle and get an estimate of repair costs.
If anyone was injured in the accident (including yourself), call 9-1-1 as soon as possible so that emergency responders can help those with injuries receive medical attention immediately.
Take photos.
Take photos. Your insurance company will want to see them, so be sure to take snapshots of the accident scene and any damage done to your vehicle. You might also want to take pictures of any injuries you or others suffered in the crash and photos of both vehicles involved (even if only one was damaged).
If possible, get the names and phone numbers of witnesses to the accident. Witnesses can help corroborate your story when you file an insurance claim, so be sure to ask them if they’re willing to share their contact information with you.
Report the accident.
If you or another person is injured and need emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately. You should also contact law enforcement if any injuries, property damage, or criminal activity are involved in your accident (such as drunk driving).
Call your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident so they can start investigating what happened and ensure that all parties involved have access to appropriate legal representation should lawsuits arise later on.
This step is significant if you’re at fault for causing injury or damage because it will allow them ample time to process claims before statutes of limitation expire on potential cases against you.
Don’t admit fault or settle claims with the other driver.
It’s tempting to want to admit fault or settle claims with the other driver. But don’t do it! The most important thing you can do is not discuss the details of the accident with anyone, including the other driver.
You may want to help them by telling them exactly what happened so they can avoid making similar mistakes in the future. However, anything you say could be used against you in court if an insurance claim is ever filed against either party involved in your accident. Likewise, don’t sign any documents without consulting a lawyer (preferably more than one).
There you go!
If you’re in a semi-truck accident, know that it’s not just your car that needs to be repaired. You may also need medical attention and time off work while you recover. This will affect your ability to pay bills and care for other expenses and your family members who rely on your income.
If you have insurance coverage through a company like GEICO, call them immediately so they can help with this process by providing information about what steps should be taken next. Hence, everything goes smoothly after an accident like this occurs.
Pankaj Majumder, a seasoned Civil Engineer, combines technical expertise with a passion for innovative infrastructure solutions. With a strong academic background and diverse project experience, he excels in creating sustainable and resilient structures that shape the future of urban development.
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