In this article, we will give 10 steps to handle it.
1. DO NOT GO.
Do not leave the scene of the truck accident, even if it was not serious.
2. KEEP THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT SAFE
You can prevent additional accidents by turning on your flashers or putting up road cones or flares. If it’s dark and your lights don’t work, bring a flashlight so you’ll be safe inside your vehicle or on the side of the road.
3. CALL THE POLICE.
Even when there are no major injuries, call the police. You may need the police report to make your claim with the insurance company, even if it is only a vehicle damage claim.
The vehicles involved in the accident must remain in place without being moved unless they stop traffic.
4. BE SPECIFIC IN YOUR REPORT
When the police arrive, tell the official investigator everything that happened. If you have questions, make sure to tell the police officer.
Don’t speculate, guess, or say something you’re not entirely sure of.
If they ask you about your condition and you are unsure of it, make sure to tell the officer. Many times, the pain and injuries suffered in a vehicle accident manifest themselves after several hours. Try to make sure that the statements of others involved are correct.
Don’t speculate, guess, or say something you’re not entirely sure of.
5. TAKE PICTURES.
If possible, take photos of vehicles when there is visible damage. If you suffer any visible injuries, it’s a good idea to take pictures of them as well. It is essential that you do not interfere with the investigation, so if you cannot take photographs of the accident scene, do so as soon as possible.
6. EXCHANGE INFORMATION.
Usually, the official investigator collects this information; however, if the police do not go to the accident scene, they should ask for the name, address, and telephone number of all the people involved in the accident: drivers and passengers alike.
It is also vital that you obtain information about the insured, asking for all the vehicles’ insurance cards. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information so that you or your attorney can call them in the future.
If the police go to the accident scene, the official investigator will usually give all drivers the police report number. Make sure to keep this information; you will need to provide this number when asking for the police report later. If the accident occurs on a state highway, you should also request a report from the state police.
7. ACCIDENT REPORT.
You should call your insurance company as soon as possible.
Many insurance policies require that the report be made immediately and in order to entirely cooperate with the insured. Find out if you have medical benefits as part of your insurance coverage.
This service has an additional cost, and its name is “medpay,” and it is important that you take advantage of it! If you have “medpay” coverage, you should submit all medical expenses related to your accident to your insurance company since this service is primarily for accident-related medical expenses.
Once the “medpay” benefits are exhausted, you will use your health insurance. The “medpay” is used for all passengers in the vehicle. The cost of your insurance should not increase if you use your “medpay.”
8. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
On many occasions, the injuries caused by a car accident do not manifest themselves immediately.
Most of our clients report pain a couple of days after the accident. Unless you are sure that no harm has been done, seek medical attention at your local emergency room or visit your family doctor. Even in minor accidents, you can sustain permanent severe spinal cord injury.
If you lost consciousness or felt dizzy, even for a few minutes, after the accident, it could be a sign that you suffered a concussion or an internal head injury. This can lead to cognitive and behavioral changes if you are not cared for properly.
9. KEEP YOUR RECORDS IN A SAFE PLACE
Keep a file with all the documentation and information related to the car accident.
This information should include the claim number, the details of the adjuster handling the claim, the names and contact details of everyone involved, vehicle rental receipts, and other expenses generated from the accident.
Without a doubt, the most important thing to do after a car accident is to contact one of our lawyers for advice.
10. CALL CESAR ORNELAS INJURY LAW.
Without a doubt, the most important thing to do after a car accident is to contact one of our lawyers for advice.
They work to defend your rights and ensure that important evidence is preserved and not destroyed.
Insurance companies often offer statements immediately after the accident. It is very important that you receive legal advice before making any statements to your insurance.
Our lawyers will advise you to receive the compensation to which you are entitled both for the damage to your vehicle and the injuries you have suffered from the accident so that you have the best possible medical attention. Our firm will not charge you anything until you receive your settlement payment.
- Insurance companies often seek to take statements immediately after an accident.
- It is important that you get legal advice before making such a statement!
- Most vehicle accidents are caused by negligence, mechanical failure, or external factors.
Autor
Kirk Mathis specializes in cases involving automobile collisions, truck wrecks, medical malpractice, product liability, environmental damage, insurance claims, and premises liability. Mr. Mathis is licensed to practice in Texas as well as Federal Court in the Eastern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, District of Colorado, and the Central District of Illinois.
