The Absolute Don'ts if You Were Hurt in a Truck Accident

Many things can trigger a truck accident. These range from fatigue to negligence or even driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. It’s important to know what to do if you’re involved in a collision with a semi-truck, but it’s equally important to understand what you should not do if you want to avoid jeopardizing your legal case.

What Not to Do

Most drivers make the mistake of putting their settlement at risk by improperly handling the aftermath of an accident. One wrong move, such as speaking to an insurance agent or signing a document without talking to a lawyer, can hinder the amount of compensation you get. Understanding a few things that one must never do at the accident scene can help protect your future interests.

Never Panic

Panic can easily throw one into a state of confusion, and panic and anxiety can have adverse effects on your body. It can also hinder proper judgment and affect the actions you take within the first few minutes of the accident. It is advisable to pause, take a deep breath, and remain calm while waiting for the relevant authorities to arrive. Once victims call for medical help, they need to maintain their calm throughout the situation.

Do Not Run Away

Leaving the scene may be misinterpreted, and it’s illegal. The last thing a victim need is to go down in the record books as the cause of the accident. Unless help has arrived you have exchanged relevant information with the necessary people, leaving the accident scene is the worst mistake a driver can make.

Never Discuss the Accident Without a Lawyer Present

Unless a statement is being given to the police, remaining quiet is the best move you can make. Victims can easily be misquoted or forced to accept liability in situations where they are not clear-headed. Do not speak to the insurance agent about the accident’s details without a trusted lawyer being around to substantiate any claims. A wrong account of the accident can easily lead to your case's collapse, mainly if you accidentally accept blame and feel guilty over what happened.

Never Sign or Settle

Insurance agents are in business to make profits. They will try to compensate clients with the lowest possible settlement. Signing a settlement agreement when you have not thought it through is a terrible idea. Wait for your attorney before making any move.

What You Should Do When an Accident Happens

Most drivers will never imagine being involved in an accident until it happens to them. Rather than panic and act impulsively, it helps to understand what to do immediately an accident occurs. Below are a few things every driver must know about reacting to an accident.

●      You should seek medical attention immediately. When the accident happens, consider calling an ambulance, especially if there are injured persons.

●      Call the police immediately. Focus on getting official documentation of the case since this will come in handy in your case.

●      Get the right information from those involved. First, exchange contact and document details. It is important to have details on licenses, insurance information, number plates, car registration, and driver’s license numbers.

●      Remember to take photographic evidence of the scene. Use your phone camera if you do not have a camera in your vehicle.

●      Try to collect useful information such as the weather, the time of the accident, and the vehicle involved in the accident.

●      Call your insurance immediately for them to collect relevant information at the scene of the accident.

For more information about how to cautiously act after a truck accident, please follow the link to get information directly from an attorney. Due to the size and weight of a truck, these accidents can be devastating, and they can also cause fatalities. Don’t try to handle the aftermath of a wreck with a truck yourself. In these cases, you should always consult an attorney.