Let’s take a look at what you need to do directly after a wreck with a tractor-trailer. We’ll also be looking at things you need to do once you leave the scene of the wreck.
First: Assess Your Situation
The first thing you should always do immediately after a wreck is assess your situation. Do you have any injuries related to the wreck? Take this time to figure out where you’re injured or where your body hurts the most.
If you find yourself to be injured, make sure you figure out if you can call emergency services, such as paramedics or police. If your cell phone is still in working order, this is the time to call 9-1-1 for police and medical attention.
The earlier the paramedics arrive, the earlier you can get looked at. It is not a good idea to wait, especially if you are injured. Chances are, you could have underlying issues you can’t feel or see.
Second: Give the Police the Facts Only
When the police arrive on the scene, they will want to talk about the wreck. Police will only want the facts of the event and not your opinions, such as who you believe caused the wreck. Do not admit fault to the wreck during this time since the police will be listening closely.
It is not a good idea to admit fault for the wreck, even if you did cause it. The police will take note of your wording and include it in the report. You do not want to be put down as at fault for the wreck since it would make your case harder if you went to court about it.
It could also increase your insurance premiums each month if you have a wreck like this on your driving record.
Third: Call your Vehicle Insurance Instead of a Tow Truck
The next thing you’ll want to do is call your insurance company. If the accident is a minor one, you can call the vehicle insurance company before the police even arrive.
Make sure to give your insurance representatives the same story you gave police, walking through the wreck in its entirety. This is also the time to ask the representative what he or she would like to have done with your vehicle.
They will call the towing company themselves more often than not. Calling the insurance company instead of a towing company means that your vehicle will get towed to a collision repair facility covered by your insurance.
That way, you will be saving money down the road instead of paying the entire bill for the work done.
Fourth: Collect the Evidence
The fourth thing you should do is to collect evidence of the wreck itself. Take photos of the scene along with recording interviews with the other drivers and bystanders. It is also a good idea to write down the statements these people make.
Turn these items over to the police department and insurance agency as soon as you can while keeping copies for yourself as well. Keep these copies in case one of these entities asks you about something from the statements for verification.
Fifth: After the Wreck
There are several things you should do after the wreck. One of the first things you should do after getting home is to send a copy of the police report to your insurance.
The police officer who arrived on the scene should have given you a copy of the report before leaving so you can send it in to the insurance. He or she would also have given you steps to take so you can clear things up with both the police and the insurance.
Make sure you have the contact information of anyone you may have spoken with at the scene, whether it was a bystander or the other driver.
If you have any questions, you can contact them with this information. It is also a good idea to contact a good lawyer directly after the accident to help in the process of clearing things up.
North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Brian Ricci, a North Carolina truck accident lawyer. If you, or a family member has suffered serious injuries resulting from a trucking accident, please give me a call at (252) 777-2222 for free, friendly advice.
I am a longtime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.