What To Do If You’ve Been Involved In A Trucking Accident
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, there are some important steps that you’ll want to know before you ever get into that accident. By following these steps you’ll be able to protect yourself and perhaps your job.
Don’t admit fault. Even if you think you may be at fault, don’t say this, you may have missed something such as the other driver texting or some other contributing factor.
First, check to see if anyone is injured. If someone is injured, then call an ambulance right away. Tell the dispatcher that there’s been an accident and the location and get help immediately for anyone who is injured. Also, ask for an officer to arrive at the scene.
When the officer arrives, you’ll need to have your Identification, proof of insurance, and any other important documents at the ready. Take pictures of the scene from every possible angle. You’ll want to have these for your insurance company.
Get the other drivers information. This should include their insurance company and policy information, their name, phone number, and any other information that is important for the situation. Some people choose to do this while they wait for the officer arrive, others simply wait until the officer gives it to them in the report. You may want to evaluate the situation first before you ask for this information.
The officer will give you a copy of the accident report and other important details as well. Be sure that you keep all of this information together so that you can give it to your insurance company when they need it.
Avoid any idle conversation with the other driver because you may unwittingly give them information to be used against you. If there are witnesses be sure to get their statements as well as their names and phone numbers for your insurance as well. If any bystanders have taken pictures, ask them if they would be willing to share them with you and send them to your phone for your insurance company. You may also ask if anyone has any video that they may have taken of the incident.
Speak with your attorney before you speak with your insurance company. You don’t want to incriminate yourself if you are at fault and your attorney can best advise you of what you should and shouldn’t say. If they require a medical exam, even if you don’t think that you are injured, be compliant and go see your doctor. You may have underlying issues that may not show up for a few days.
Make sure that your company knows what is going on as well if you’ve been involved in a trucking accident. You’ll want to give your company copies of everything that you get so that they can keep it in their records. If you aren’t at fault you’ll want copies to prove this, if you are at fault, you may be facing disciplinary actions but keeping a level head will go far in helping you to retain your job.
For more information contact one of our highly qualified Attorneys in the Oklahoma City area call (405) 253-4478 or our main office in Ardmore (580) 798-0447.