According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 4,311 fatal crashes involving large trucks and buses in the United States in 2015 – an increase of 8% from 2014.
From 2014 to 2015, there was a 1.7% increase in large truck and bus fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles travelled by all motor vehicles across the nation. In 2015, there were a total of 24,265 collisions in the District of Columbia, including 26 fatal collisions and 6,215 injury collisions.
No wonder the industry is going autonomous!
What should you do after a Truck Accident?
It’s a scary thing to be involved in a truck accident as bigger trucks result in bigger accidents and have the potential to cause serious, and sometimes fatal, injuries. With the panic, confusion, fear and pain, it can be hard to know what to do and where to seek help. Once the dust has settled, there are 5 things you must do after a truck accident.
- Get to safety: The first thing you should do after the accident is to get yourself (and everyone else) to safety. It is crucial to make sure that you are not in a position where other cars may be able to hit you or where you can receive further injury. Also, take photos of the vehicle layout immediately after the truck accident and then safely remove your car out of traffic or off the roadway.
- Call the police: Once you are sure that everyone is out of danger, call the police so that they can come to the scene of the accident. Make sure that they fill out and file an official vehicle police report. If you decide to file a personal injury suit, this report will play a major role in your case, especially if the truck driver later blames you for the collision. Remember to request the citation number to obtain the report later.
- Get the contact information of witnesses: The fact is memories fade, and stories change. You need to make sure that you have witnesses who can verify the true version of what took place. You should make sure that you get the contact information of any witnesses who were at the scene of the truck accident when it occurred. Keep in mind that the majority of jurors trust independent witnesses who do not have a personal stake in the outcome of the case. Also, note that you cannot trust that the police will be able to speak with each and every witness.
- Call your insurance company: Even if the accident was not your fault, you should inform your insurance company about the claim. In some cases, the insurer of the at-fault driver will not “accept” liability for some time. If you cannot operate your vehicle as a result of disabling damage, your insurance company may have to pay for the damage to your vehicle. If this happens, your insurer will usually be reimbursed by the at-fault party’s insurance company. It will also pay you the deductible. It is also critical if you need to use your UIM/UM coverage.
- Get medical attention promptly: It is necessary to get prompt medical attention when you have been in a truck accident. Even if you do not think that you have been seriously injured, you should still see a doctor as some injuries may not reveal themselves immediately, such as internal bleeding, a concussion, or even some bone fractures. Your medical report will also be important if you file a personal injury suit as it will help strengthen your case.
A Law Firm that Prides itself on Winning
If you have been in a truck accident, you should immediately seek the help of DC Car Accident Lawyers. Contact us at (415) 988-2070 for an appointment and get a free case evaluation.
We know this arena. We know how the game is played. We are not paid until you are paid.
We keep you informed every step of the way and will fight to ensure your legal rights are protected. DC Car Accident Lawyers will come through for you. Do not sign any paperwork with any insurance company until you have given us a call for a consultation!