So the worst has happened. You were driving in your personal vehicle and got hit by a semi-truck. A total of 4136 people died in 2018 as a result of a semi truck accident.
So what happens if you get hit by a truck? Can you call a Columbia truck accident lawyer to help you out?
In this guide, we’re going to show you what to do after a semi truck accident. Ready to find out more? Then read on.
1. Make Yourself Safe After the Semi Truck Accident
The first thing that you need to do after a semi truck crash is to make yourself safe. You should ensure that you and your vehicle are out of the road, far away from the path of traffic to avoid secondary colissions.
You will need to check whether you or the passengers in your vehicle have any injuries. The most common truck accident injuries include injuries to the head and neck, broken bones, deep lacerations, and internal injuries.
Even if you don’t appear to have any injuries, you should still make sure that you go to a doctor soon.
2. Call Authorities and Stay At the Scene
When you are safe, you should call the authorities. You should call the police and potentially EMTs or the fire brigade if necessary. You must also stay at the scene of the 18 wheeler crash.
If you drive away you could be falling foul of state laws that rule doing so makes it a hit and run. The police may be able to determine who is liable in the truck accident and take action as necessary. If it’s a fatal truck accident, calling the police and staying at the scene is even more important.
The police will need to take statements from you and the truck driver. If the case has to go to court, these will be used as important evidence. When giving a statement make sure that you don’t say anything that incriminates you or you’re more likely to lose your case, should it go to court.
3. Create Your Own Evidence
If a semi truck hit your car, you will need to gather your own evidence to show that you weren’t at fault. If you have a dashcam or other video evidence, this is fantastic. You will also need to create evidence of the crash site.
We would recommend taking photos, videos, and recording audio if possible. You should take photos of things like skid marks, the damage to your vehicle and theirs, and any other details. These could help your South Carolina truck accident attorney later, so make sure that you get as much evidence as possible.
4. Exchange Information As Necessary
You will need to ensure that you swap information with other drivers involved in the accident. You should get names and phone numbers as well as license plate numbers and insurance details.
These will make the next few steps easier and are required if you want to pay for repairs from your auto insurance policy. If you let the other drivers leave without getting their information, you will probably never see them again and you will have a much harder time of it.
5. Call a Semi Truck Accident Lawyer
So now you’re away from the scene. What is there to do after a truck accident? First and foremost, if the crash was not your fault, you need to speak to a truck accident injury attorney.
These specialists can help you get the compensation that you deserve after a car crash with a semi truck.
If you’re wondering why you need to call a Columbia personal injury lawyer, there are many reasons. First off, your case may or may not be able to stand up in court. A lawyer is there to help you figure out whether your case has merit or not.
If it does and you decide to go to court, a Sumter truck accident lawyer can help you win your case. Arguing the case yourself is not recommended: you may not understand the full extent of the law and may make mistakes that cost you the case. Law is complex: hire a lawyer to help you.
6. Collect Your Evidence Before Going to Court
Before you go to court, you need to get all of the evidence that you can. For instance, you may wish to have medical examinations carried out by a doctor to prove any injuries that you or your passengers have suffered.
Before you go to court, there will be a process called discovery. This is where your attorney and that of the truck driver will exchange evidence and evaluate the case.
7. Mediation or Trial
Depending on the causes of the semi truck accident, the case may end in mediation or it may have to go to court. If it goes to trial, you may have to make your case in front of the jury and judge, who will then decide who is at fault.
This is why having all the evidence that you can of cause of the accident is vital. In deadly semi truck crashes or if the crash was caused by dangerous driving, it is unlikely that there will be a mediation phase as it will be considered a criminal case.
What to Do After a Semi Truck Accident: Contact a Semi Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a semi truck accident, you need to call a semi truck accident lawyer or attorney who can help you. Our team of experts is here to help you claim the compensation that you’re owed.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, take a look around our site and get in contact with us for a free consultation if you have been seriously injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
