The results of a truck accident can be devastating, especially to the driver, passengers, and the trucking company itself. Truck accidents are different from other vehicular accidents, and the rules of the trucking industry govern it.
To determine what to do when these mishaps happen, check out below the essential things to take note of legally when you are involved in a truck accident.
Difference Between Truck And Car Accident Cases
There are various factors to consider when dealing with a truck accident, and the aftermath is different from the collision between cars. For example, the damages and injuries are generally more complicated in truck versus car crashes. Strong Tie semi truck insurance helps you in situations like these. To use the public roads in California, the state requires that you should adequately insure your vehicle. The main reason is to have an orderly system of compensation should an accident occur.
As car and truck accidents usually differ in results, these two cases also involve different legal procedures.
Thus, let us discuss the difference between truck and car crash cases:
- The Laws Involved Are Different
The liabilities plus compensation for both cases is determined differently due to the regulations that define them. The rule that governs car drivers is different from that of truck drivers.
Also, investigative proceedings are different between the two cases. The parties in trucking accidents can include third parties such as the manufacturer, lessor, renter, and trucking company.
Finally, the lawsuits of trucking cases are generally more extensive, time-consuming, and sensitive.
- The Extent Of Documentation And Presentation Of Evidence Varies
The two cases also require different types of documentation and evidence. Truck crashes need an extensive recording as the accident aspires.
Also, the evidence in truck accidents should be secured because insurance claims involving trucking businesses are more complicated than private cars.
Things To Do In Case Of Truck Accidents
Even though the truck and car crashes vary, dealing with the accident may still be the same in many ways. When you get involved in a truck accident, here are some of the things you should consider:
- Stay Calm
Emotions are high after a crash, especially when you see blood, damages, and chaos. However, you must stay calm as much as possible and think of ways to save yourself and the people around you.
Breathe slowly, close your eyes, and compose yourself. Believe in the power of your mind to do impossible things even during disasters.
- Call For Help
As soon as you come to your senses, call 911.
If you can still stand and walk, try to get out of the truck or car and go to a safer place away from traffic and any dangers the accident may still pose. If you think you are bleeding, you can apply necessary first aid procedures, if you know how to do so. However, be careful because you might have broken body parts. If you feel pain in your arms, legs, or elsewhere, better stay put and wait for the medical team to arrive.
- Report The Issue To The Police
Apart from the medical team, the police will also arrive at the location of the accident. The police might ask you a few questions to determine who’s at fault for the crash.
While you should avoid saying anything that could have future implications to the other party, be completely honest when speaking to the police and do your best to answer all of their questions.
Also, let the police do the investigation of the accident. But if you can still move your body, take documentation of the accident. Here are some steps on how to do it:
- Note the name and contact number of the police officers that investigated the accident. You can go to the police station and ask for the copy of the report once available.
- Get the names and contact information of the witnesses of the accident.
- Document the names, phone number, and addresses of all the parties, may it be the truck driver, passengers, and pedestrians involved in the accident.
- Take pictures of the truck and other vehicles in the accident from various angles.
Keep the information safe and have both soft and printed copies so you can always have a back-up.
- Contact Your Insurer
- Hire The Services Of A Lawyer
When things are not going well in settlement of the accident, then, it will be best if you hire the services of a competent lawyer. Your lawyer can give the appropriate legal advice as to what to do in cases like these. They’ll determine whether there’s still a need for filing a lawsuit against the party who’s at fault.
Conclusion
In sum, if you are involved in a truck accident, always keep calm and prioritize on saving yourself and your passenger’s life first.
Call for help, document the tragedy, answer questions of the police and report the issue to your insurance agent. If you are having difficulties along the process, you can always hire the services of a lawyer, so you can have help to hopefully win your case and claim damages.
Irene Wall
Irene Wall has been writing about law for more than a decade. She writes pieces on various law topics that she hopes could help the common reader with their concerns. She enjoys playing basketball with her sons during her free time.
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