No one ever dreams of being in an accident with a truck parked on the shoulder. The experience is frightening, painful, and destabilizing.
You may not be able to completely prevent the accident from happening, but at least you can take some form of control over what happens after the accident. Various types of compensation are available to victims of such accidents. It helps to get in touch with an experienced legal professional to find out about them.
The sections below discuss the steps you must take after an accident with a truck parked on the shoulder.
Immediate Response
The moment you realize you’ve been in an accident, try to stay calm. Your first job is to get to a safe place. If you can, move your car away from traffic. This keeps you from being in danger and helps you avoid causing more accidents.
Once you’re safe, check yourself for any injuries. If you feel any pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to call for help. It’s always better to be checked out by medical professionals, even if you think you’re okay.
After making sure you’re safe and have sought the medical help you need, it’s time to report the accident. Call the police or highway patrol. They need to know what happened, especially if there are serious injuries or damage to the vehicles.
While you wait for the authorities to arrive, gather important information. Write down the truck driver’s contact details and insurance information. Also, note the make and model of the truck, along with its license plate number. It’s also helpful to note the weather, where exactly the accident happened, and the date and time. All these details will be important later on.
Assessing the Scene
After addressing your immediate safety, it’s time to look around. If it’s safe, take pictures or videos of the scene. Capture everything: the road conditions, your vehicle’s damage, and anything else that might help show what happened. These images can be very useful later.
If there are people nearby who witnessed the accident, ask for their contact information. It’s good to have their names and phone numbers, and if they are willing, get a quick statement about what they saw. Witness accounts can be incredibly important when figuring out the details of the accident.
While you’re gathering information, look for any signs that the truck might not have been parked properly. Was it in a designated area? Did it have proper warning lights? Checking for violation of safety regulations can help show who might be responsible for the accident.
Legal Considerations
Once you’ve collected all the necessary information, it’s time to think about the legal side of things. You need to figure out who is at fault for the accident. It could be the truck driver, the company they work for, or even the local government if the road conditions played a part.
Be aware that you have a limited time to file a claim. This is called the statute of limitations. If you wait too long, you might lose your chance to seek compensation for what happened.
When you file your claim, remember that you could be entitled to different types of compensation. This includes money for your medical bills, any lost wages, and even pain and suffering. Knowing your rights is key to getting the support you need.
Also, take the time to look at the insurance policies involved. Understand what coverage you have and what limits are in place. This knowledge will help you as you navigate the claims process.
Conclusion
Right after the accident, there are a few steps you should follow. First, make sure that the truck driver contacts their insurance provider. You should also let your own insurance company know about the accident. Keeping both parties informed is essential.
Make sure to file a police report. When the police arrive, provide them with all the details you’ve gathered. After they complete the report, ask for a copy. You’ll need this for any future claims.
If you have any serious injuries, keep detailed records of your medical treatment. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and bills. Documenting your injuries will help you when seeking compensation.
Consider hiring a truck accident attorney. A lawyer who knows about truck accidents can guide you through the process and help you understand what to do next. They can also handle discussions with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
