18 Wheelers and other large vehicles are important in that they provide transportation for many of the goods that Americans use every single day, such as our food products. However, getting into a crash with one of these vehicles can be terrifying. They are large enough to even catch many smaller cars under them, and because of how long they are, their drivers often have large blind spots. While you think a car crash may never happen to you, the reality is that around a quarter of Americans will get into a car crash at some point during their lives. And as Ronald Jebaily, a SC truck accident lawyer explains, no matter how safe of a driver you are, you cannot always protect yourself against the negligent actions of other drivers.
So, if you ever find yourself in a crash with a semi, what should you do?
The first thing you need to do is try to get yourself and any passengers out of the road. If you’re in the road with a damaged car, you could possibly be hit by oncoming motorists. Try to drive your car out of the road, but if you cannot do that, get yourself and your passengers out of the pathway of oncoming vehicles.
The next thing you need to do is check everyone for injuries. Check for cuts, bleeding, bruises, and broken bones. If you hit your head, you should sit and wait for medical assistance, as you could have a concussion. If everyone from your vehicle seems fine, you could also check on the driver of the truck.
Next, you should alert emergency services about the crash. Let them know about any injuries and tell them your current location. Once you’ve done this, police officers and medical personnel should arrive on the scene rather quickly to assist you.
Once you’ve checked everyone for injuries and notified emergency services about the accident, you should document the scene of the crash. This documentation could be important later for an insurance claim or if you end up filing a personal injury claim. As Tim Tate, a truck accident lawyer in Texas explains, you need to document the scene as quickly as you can, since truck companies will often send their people out to the scene quickly after a crash. Don’t admit fault to anyone, and take photos of the truck, your vehicle, and any injuries. You can also get statements from eyewitness and get their contact information as well.
Another thing you’ll want to do is get medical treatment. Even if you feel okay, you need to get a doctor to take a look at you, as many injuries may not show up until later. Having medical documentation can make or break a personal injury case, since you are trying to prove that the accident is what caused you to have a certain injury.
Lastly, you’ll want to get some legal help if you end up with severe injuries. As Benjamin Sansone, a trucking wreck lawyer in Missouri explains, a personal injury claim can help you get reimbursement for medical bills, loss of wages, and any other losses you suffered as a result of the crash.
While hopefully you never end up in a crash with a truck, following these steps can help you make sure you get the compensation you need to recover from the crash with dignity.
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