Truck accidents can be unsettling and jarring, especially if you sustain injuries. In the worst cases, all a victim can do is seek emergency medical treatment. However, if you find yourself in a position to remain at the scene, knowing what to do after a truck accident can protect your right to maximum compensation if you need to file a personal injury claim later.
If you need help after a Wisconsin truck accident, contact LawtonCates today. Our personal injury attorneys have nearly 60 years of experience representing truck accident victims. A free consultation can answer any additional questions you have. Contact us today to get started.
Top Six Things to Do After a Truck Wreck
#1. Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention
Your priority should be checking yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone appears hurt, call 911 and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. In severe cases, waiting for emergency responders is the safest option. Do not attempt to move injured people unless they are in immediate danger. If you don’t appear severely hurt, you should still visit a doctor as soon as possible after the accident to get checked for any hidden truck accident injuries.
#2. Call for Help
Under Wisconsin law, you must report any accident resulting in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. In these cases, that means notifying the local police, sheriff’s department, or a state traffic patrol officer using the quickest means possible. Making a call is essential, even if the truck wreck seems minor. A police report will create an official record of the crash, which could help you later when dealing with insurance or legal matters. Emergency responders can also secure the scene and ensure injured parties get medical attention.
#3. Document the Accident Scene
Evidence is crucial in any truck accident case. Write down the time and location of the collision. Take clear photos of the damage to your vehicle, the truck, other vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Scan the environment and photograph any skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and other details you think are relevant to the case. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information. Proper documentation can provide valuable evidence when filing an insurance claim or if legal disputes arise later.
#4. Exchange Information with Other Parties
After documenting the scene, exchange information with the commercial truck driver and any other drivers involved in the wreck. Collect all drivers’ names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and auto insurance details. Also note the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved, the trucking company’s name, and any identifying numbers on the tractor-trailer.
#5. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the truck accident to your insurance company promptly, but beware. Stick to the facts, such as the time, location, the parties involved, and the police report number if you have it. Avoid giving detailed statements or opinions about the wreck before consulting a truck accident lawyer. Saying too much could hurt your claim.
#6. Consult a Wisconsin Truck Accident Attorney
Accidents involving trucks are very different from the average car accident case. State and federal laws govern the trucking industry. Crashes can also involve multiple liable parties, including commercial truck drivers, trucking companies, and more. Furthermore, many truck accidents result in serious injuries. A truck accident attorney will understand how the regulations apply in your case and argue for maximum compensation to account for all your losses.
Reach Out to Speak With a Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
At LawtonCates, we put people first. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a South Central Wisconsin truck crash, we can build a solid case that positions you for the best possible results. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
