Let’s take a closer look at what you should do if you’re injured after a wreck with a tractor trailer.
1. Take a moment to gather your bearings.
One of the first things you should do after getting into a wreck is to gather your bearings. This can include taking a moment to take a deep breath. This will help calm yourself of the adrenaline now coursing through your veins. Do not make any major decisions while calming down since you are emotional. This is a distressing event for both you and the other driver even if this is not your first automobile accident.
2. Make mental notes of what hurts, especially what hurts the most.
This is the time to see what hurts after getting into the wreck. If there are any new painful areas, this means you have been injured during the wreck. Take mental notes of the origins of the pain so you can talk about it with the 9-1-1 operator when you call them next. If something feels unusual, then make a note of that feeling as well. If the operator asks about injuries, you should speak about that unusual feeling as well.
3. Call 9-1-1 for medical attention from paramedics and the hospital.
This is the time you should call 9-1-1 for medical attention. This medical attention might end up being for both you and the driver of the truck. Detail any and all injuries you may have on your person and let the operator know exactly what happened. Take note of your location when speaking to the operator so you know where to direct any paramedics that show up to the scene. The operator will also send police to the scene of the wreck. The police will investigate the wreck and make sure you get a copy of the police report.
4. Once you get medical attention, you should make sure to get the police report for the wreck.
This is the time to make sure you get a copy of the police officer’s report of the wreck. You will need this report to send to your insurance’s representative. If you do not send this report to your insurance, your license could be negatively impacted. The police officer will give you information about how long you have to turn in a copy of this police report. Since you are injured and could be in the hospital for a few days, the police would come to you in order to give you the police report.
5. Call the insurance company to make them aware of the wreck and your injuries.
The next thing you should do is to call your insurance carrier to tell them about the wreck. Also detail your injuries for the insurance carrier. Do not leave anything out in terms of your injuries and details of the wreck. The insurance carrier will need as much information as they possibly can so they can file a claim for you.
6. Answer any questions the representative has and make sure they get a copy of the police report.
The insurance representative might call you again to ask you questions about the wreck. Give any and all details you can about the wreck. Make sure you also send them a copy of the police report so they can have another source of information about the wreck. Do not answer questions about who you think is at fault for the wreck – this could negatively impact you in the long run.
7. Call a qualified professional
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.
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