Our Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyers Discuss What Steps to Take After a Crash
The moments following a truck accident can be chaotic and overwhelming. Knowing what to do next is essential whether you're the truck driver or someone injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle. At SJ Injury Attorneys, we're here to help Pasadena truck accident victims make sense of this challenging time. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through the steps and procedures that both drivers and victims must take after a crash.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
What you do after a truck accident- whether you are the driver or an injured party – can affect your legal rights and possible compensation. Here are some crucial steps to take following a Pasadena truck accident:
Ensure Safety and Call for Help
After a truck accident, your top priority should be safety. If you're the truck driver, stop your vehicle and assess the situation. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning devices such as triangles or emergency flares to alert oncoming traffic about the crash and any potential hazards.
If you are injured in the crash, it is crucial to ensure your safety. If possible, move to a safe spot away from traffic. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help. Even if you think you're okay, getting checked out is important, as some injuries may not be immediately obvious, and the stress of an accident can prevent you noticing symptoms until days later.
Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
Both truck drivers and injured parties must report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives.
Provide officers with an accurate account of what happened without admitting fault or speculating on the cause. The police report will be a crucial document for any future legal actions. If you're injured, ensure your condition is noted in the report.
Document the Scene and Gather Information
Truck drivers often need to preserve all evidence related to the accident, such as logbooks, GPS data, and dashcam footage. They should take photos of the vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Additionally, they should collect contact and insurance information from everyone involved.
If you're the injured party, gather as much information as possible. Take photos and get the truck driver's name, employer details, and insurance information. You should also collect contact information from any witnesses.
Notify the Trucking Company
Truck drivers must inform their employers about the accident as soon as possible. Many companies have specific protocols for accident reporting and may dispatch a response team to the scene.
The trucking company or their legal team may try to contact you. It's advisable to refrain from giving statements or signing any documents without first consulting with a Texas truck accident lawyer. The trucking company's interests may not align with yours, and it's crucial to protect your rights.
Keep Detailed Records
Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses. You should also document any communications you have with the insurance company. These records will be crucial when working with a truck accident lawyer to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Comply with Drug and Alcohol Testing
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has regulations that require truck drivers to undergo drug and alcohol testing after an accident involving injuries or fatalities. This testing must be conducted within specific time frames after the crash. The results of these tests can be significant forms of evidence for determining liability.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers Get Results
If you are injured in a Texas truck collision and the procedures mentioned above were not followed, the truck driver may have been negligent in following the proper protocols. It's important to consult with our truck accident lawyers, who can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work towards securing the compensation you deserve.
We encourage you to review the case results and testimonials posted on our website to get a better understanding of the outcomes we have achieved for our clients. Each case is unique, and these results do not guarantee a specific outcome for your case.
Our client Erica was unsure about what to do after a truck crash, and our firm was able to secure a favorable settlement. She commented, “I’ve never experienced or had an idea of how the process worked with accidents, especially 18-wheelers! The firm knew exactly what they were doing and assured me every time they were doing the best they can for me! Which turned out to be very true! Highly recommend Brenda to talk to. She was very professional and stayed on top of my case from the very beginning!”