Being a part of a road accident can be an extremely stressful experience. Since no one is prepared to face such a situation, feeling overwhelmed is natural. Depending on the intensity of the crash or the extent of damage, the situation may quickly get out of hand. That is why it is important that you take control of the situation in control right from the beginning.
In the case of heavy vehicles like trucks usually, large sums of money can also get involved in the case. It is always advisable to approach the leading law firms such as www.fishertalwar.com.
With the right legal help to your aid, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about the other aspects. Before your lawyer arrives, here are few crucial things that you must do:
1. Inform the Authorities
Be it a truck accident or any other kind of road mishap, your first duty as a responsible citizen is to inform the authorities. It may be that the other vehicle involved in the accident had broken traffic rules, or there were road safety issues. When the cops arrive at the location, cooperate with them to the fullest.
Offer them detailed information about the accident. The first report to the cops can play a vital role when you try to claim your insurance or personal injury compensation from a defaulting party.
2. Avail Medical Treatment
In case of road accidents, it may not be possible to proceed with the treatment unless you inform the police. So do it at the earliest. However, if the injury is severe and you require immediate medical help, you can also file the case on the way.
Sometimes road accidents can cause internal injuries which are not easily detectable from the outside. So opt for a detailed medical checkup. Also, make sure you keep all these medical reports carefully to file your claim.
3. Jot Down Vehicle Information
In heavy vehicle crash cases, sometimes several vehicles can get involved. In multi-party accidents, it may be challenging to identify the defaulting party right away. It is best that you collect each of their vehicle information for future use.
If possible, take pictures from all possible angles of the accident site. Even if you can, do not move your vehicles until the cops arrive and examine the scene.
4. Collect Contact Details of Witnesses
Sometimes there may be eyewitnesses to the accident case. Your lawyer can interview these witnesses later to get better insight into the case. The witnesses can also testify to your statement in case the personal injury claim settlement reaches court.
So before they leave the location, try to collect the contact details of some of the witnesses. This can prove extremely beneficial for building your case later.
5. Inform Your Insurance Company
Many truck owners delay informing their insurance companies without realizing the dangers involved. Did you know many insurance companies’ policies have only a twenty-four window for accident claims? This means if you inform them after twenty-four hours of the incident, they can turn down your claim. So notify them as soon as you can
Keeping these five points in mind, you can handle stressful situations and come out of them with relative ease.
