Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident

Being involved in a truck accident can be a frightening and traumatic experience. So much so that it leaves you not knowing what to do next. Unfortunately, what you do after an accident, both immediately and over time, can have a significant impact on your legal rights and options. You will want to hire an experienced Joliet truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. You should also take the following steps. 

Stay at the Scene and Report the Collision

Under 625 ILCS 5/11-401, anyone involved in an accident that results in property damage, injury, or death must stop and remain at the accident scene. If you can, it’s a good idea to move your car from the road, turn on your hazard lights, and remain in a safe place. If anyone is injured or there are any fatalities, call 911 immediately. If no one is hurt, you can call the police or highway patrol instead. When law enforcement arrives, give them your account of the accident and find out how to get a copy of their report. Your insurance company will need it, as will your Joliet truck accident lawyer.

See a Doctor

Whether you go via ambulance to the emergency room or make an appointment with your own doctor, it’s critical to seek medical care after a truck accident. Even if you don’t feel injured or think you just have some bruises and scrapes, seeing a doctor is still in your best interests. Some conditions don’t show symptoms immediately. Sometimes adrenaline from the accident can keep you from feeling pain or discomfort.

Suppose you fail to get medical treatment as soon as possible. In that case, you could jeopardize your health and interfere with your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.

Share Information

Exchanging information when possible at the scene of an accident is crucial. Once the parties leave the scene, it might be nearly impossible to track them down. Make sure you get the:

• Name and contact information for the truck driver’s employer
• Driver’s insurance carrier and policy information
• Driver’s license number for the driver of the truck
• Driver’s name, address, phone number, and email address

Additionally, if there are witnesses to the accident, try to get their names and contact information. Your Joliet truck accident attorney could use their testimony to prove and maximize your claim.

Document the Accident

If you have a smartphone available and don’t need to get in the ambulance, take some time to document your accident. Take multiple pictures and videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved and their damages, and your injuries. These can all be valuable pieces of evidence to prove your claim.

Watch What You Say

Within a few days after the truck accident, you will likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster asking for a recorded statement. They might seem nice and well-meaning, but they can and will use anything you say against you or twist it to fit their agenda. It’s best to politely tell them you have retained legal counsel and tell them how to contact your Joliet truck accident lawyer.

Call a Seasoned Joliet Truck Accident Lawyer

Finally, if you haven’t already, be sure to reach out to a Joliet truck accident lawyer at Pinkston Law Group, PC. We offer free case consultations for truck accident victims; all you have to do is contact us.