Commercial truck accidents can be horrific, as trucks are carry a lot of weight behind their impact during a crash. Not only do trucks weigh up to 10,000 to 35,000 pounds, but they also take longer to slow down compared to cars. Because of this, their risk of a fatal crash is higher, resulting in more devastating accidents. When you get into a commercial truck accident, you should take similar steps to that of a car accident. However, you may have to take more pictures and gather more information compared to a typical motor vehicle accident.

Take Photos of The Crash Scene

After your accident, you should take pictures of the property damage on your car. You will have to get out of your vehicle and walk around to take pictures of the semi-truck as well. If multiple cars were involved, take pictures of the other vehicles. This can show the trajectory of the cars, who is responsible for what damages, and also the extent of how terrible the accident was. Take pictures of skid marks, property damage, or road obstacles that may have caused the accident as well.

Get the Driver and Company Name

Unlike a normal car accident, you will need to get the company name of the truck driver along with their contact information. There may have been multiple cars in the accident, so you need to get all of the drivers’ contact information. Your attorney will have to contact the trucking company to get a hold of their insurer to seek compensation if their driver is at fault for your accident.

Witnesses Can Help

Semi-truck accidents tend to cause more extensive damage. There may be several eyewitnesses who saw the accident. Try to get their contact information so that their accounts of what happened can be included as evidence.

Go to a Hospital

Even if you believe you have minor injuries, you should seek medical help. This is because you may have hidden injuries that your doctor can discover, such as hairline fractures and soft-tissue injuries. These wounds may not seem too bad at first, but as they worsen over time they can begin to cause you severe pain.

Document Your Damages

If you need to take time off of work, write down how much wage loss you experienced. Collect all of your medical bills and add them up. When you are experiencing pain from your injuries and any emotional suffering, document your experiences. If your insurance company didn’t cover all of the property damage done to your vehicle, you can estimate the uninsured amount.

Work With an Attorney

People often make the mistake of over- or under-estimating their damages, accepting small settlements from insurance companies, or not properly gathering evidence. Your attorney can help you avoid these errors and create a settlement claim that accurately reflects the damages you sustained. Also, your attorney can help you accumulate the total amount of your damages and include any other losses that you should be compensated for. Truck accidents are often much more complicated than other types of motor vehicle accidents, and you will need an attorney who knows how to navigate the complex legal landscape. A personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents will have the skills and knowledge necessary to get you the compensation you deserve. In addition, an experienced personal injury attorney will be familiar with the insurance companies that are involved in these types of accidents and will know how to negotiate with them to get you the best possible settlement. If you have been involved in a truck accident, finding a reliable and experienced personal injury attorney should be your first priority. You can lean on a professional attorney to guide you for more complex damages such as pain and suffering or wrongful death.

Next Steps After an Accident With a Commercial Truck

If you were in an accident with a commercial truck, you could find out more here on how to get started with your settlement claim. Personal injuries shouldn’t be taken lightly, and you might require a law firm to get the help you need.