It’s no secret that trucks, semis, and 18-wheelers are some of the leading causes of road accidents reported in the world. It might interest you to know that these kinds of accidents tend to affect the occupants of the other vehicle more than the trucks.
There are even more cases involving semis hitting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. With this in mind, following the right protocol after a semis accident is very important if you want to protect yourself and others involved.
This is because undertaking the right actions after a semis accident is bound to get you or your loved one maximum compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, loss of earning capacity, pain, and suffering.
It’s important to note that semi accidents are very different from car accidents. This is because they tend to involve many factors that might be uncommon with car accidents and could confuse those involved in their pursuit for justice.
Before you ultimately hire a lawyer, here are some actions you should consider undertaking if a semis accident occurs;
1.Assess the condition of everyone involved
In the event of a semis accident, it’s important to assess your condition, that of your passengers, and those from the other vehicle. However, you should only do this if you’re in good physical shape to do so.
If you cannot safely do this, you should not because you might end up causing yourself more injuries. Even though checking up on the other people involved in the crash is the noble thing to do and is good for your legal case, you should never jeopardize your well-being because of it if you don’t need to.
If you succeed in calling an ambulance, it’s better to do nothing until it arrives. You shouldn’t attempt moving the victims of the accident around because it might cause more harm than good. Only do it if they are unsafe in the physical position they’re in at the moment.
2.Contact the police
When you contact the police, try to provide all the information inquired by the dispatcher in great detail. Tell them, even if roughly, how many people have been involved in the accident. In case of a big-rig accident, you might want to call the police right away. If you’re on the highway and call 911, the dispatcher will most likely connect your call to the nearest policing agency from where you’re.
This is more so if there have been multiple vehicles involved in the accident. The importance of this kind of information is so that enough ambulances and medical personnel can be sent to the scene.
When the police arrive at the scene, ensure that you do a police report regardless of how minor the accident might be. This is because a police report ensures that police have access to accurate documentation of the case at all times.
3.Document the available evidence
Also, this is something you shouldn’t do if you’re severely injured. Only attempt this if you can safely do so because it involves you getting out of your vehicle and patrolling the area of the scene.
If the accident has occurred on a busy highway, you’re better off without attempting this because it can be very dangerous. In such a situation, only attempt documenting the evidence when the police arrive.
Documentation involves everything that can provide tangible evidence or proof during the case. It comprises things like photographs, videos, and the contact information of those involved in the accident.
Documenting evidence is a great thing to do for your case because it provides evidence of a crash that cannot be debated. When documenting evidence, ensure that you take photographs or video recordings of the cell phones, debris, obstructions, potholes, and other important things involved in the crash.
You can also include the driving license number of the driver and the contact information of the employer and trucking company.
4.Get your vehicle repaired
After the police have arrived and you have received the necessary medical attention, it’s time to focus on your vehicle. Even in a minor accident, it’s important to ensure that you take your vehicle to the nearest garage for repair.
Some of the damages inflicted on your vehicle might not be visible from the outside, which makes it all-important to get an expert involved. You have to get your vehicle repaired immediately because the repair estimate should be documented in the insurance claim you’re filing.
Building a credible case in the event of a semis accident might be a bit tricky to navigate. However, undertaking the above actions and hiring a qualified lawyer is your best chance at receiving maximum compensation.
