What To Do After A Truck Accident?

Being in a truck accident in California is a frightening experience. The overwhelming force of a truck colliding with a smaller vehicle can cause serious injuries and the emotional trauma will leave you jarred and confused in the aftermath of the accident. It is crucial to remain calm, however, because the actions you take will have a significant impact not only on your well-being but on your legal rights as well.

At J&Y Law, our truck accident attorneys are dedicated to keeping the roads and highways safe for all drivers. Our personal injury legal team fights for the rights of victims by helping them obtain the medical care they need and the compensation they deserve.

Steps To Take After A Truck Accident

To help protect your legal rights, we’ve prepared this checklist of crucial steps you should take after a truck accident:

• Stop at the truck accident scene —  All drivers who have been involved in an accident in California have a legal obligation to stop their vehicles at the scene, check on all drivers and passengers, provide basic first aid and/or call for emergency medical help if needed, and exchange information with the other drivers, (e.g. driver’s license, proof of insurance, and contact information).
• Get out of harm’s way — If no one has been seriously injured, and your vehicle is drivable, it is crucial to protect yourself and others by moving your vehicle to the side of the road.
• Call for help —  If you or anyone else has been injured in a truck accident, call 911 or the police. All motor vehicle accidents that cause personal injuries or property damage must be reported to the police. Additionally, the police report will be important evidence should you decide to file a truck accident lawsuit.
• Seek medical attention — If you have been seriously injured, it is crucial to get  immediate medical treatment. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, you should see a doctor as soon as possible after a truck accident. Some injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding, may not present symptoms right away while seemingly minor injuries can be more serious than they appear or may worsen over time. Moreover, getting medical help will create a record that supports your personal injury claim.
• Take photos at the scene — If you are able, take pictures of your vehicle, the truck, any other vehicles involved in the accident, the accident scene, and your injuries. Photos will be important evidence in determining how the truck accident occurred.
• Obtain information — Make sure you get the truck driver’s contact and insurance information as well as the name of the trucking company. It is also important to get the contact information of any witnesses, because they may be able to verify your version of what happened. Contact information for drivers and witnesses is also usually included in the police report.
• Watch what you say — While you should be cooperative with law enforcemnt, avoid saying anything that suggests you were at fault or that may jeopardize your right to compensation after a truck accident. You should only provide factual answers to any questions; don’t apologize and don’t provide any unecessary details.
• Don’t talk to the insurance company — It is common for trucking companies to dispatch investigators to the scene of the accident and an insurance claims adjuster will likely contact you soon after the accident. You are not required to speak to anyone from the insurance company and don’t sign any paperwork without the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney.

For a free legal consultation, call (877) 735-7035

Call Our Los Angeles Truck Accident Attorney

The best decision you can make to protect your legal rights after a truck accident is to contact J&Y Law. Our truck accident attorneys have a proven history of helping our clients obtain meaningful compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you may be awarded damages such as lost wages, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

When you consult us, we will conduct a thorough investigation to understand all the facts of your truck accident and make sure the truck driver, the trucking company, or both are held accountable. Because trucking companies and their insurers have an unfair advantage over accident victims, you should not go up against them alone. Our legal team will provide you with powerful representation and superior personal service. Please contact our office today for a free evaluation of your case.