April 26, 2023 5 Steps To Take After A Commercial Vehicle Accident

Don’t let a commercial vehicle accident catch you off guard. Be prepared and informed on what steps to take after being involved in one.

Getting in a vehicle accident can be a terrifying experience, even more so if it involves a commercial vehicle like a truck, commuter vehicle, or delivery van. The average truck engine can weigh over 3,000 pounds, almost the same as a standard sedan. It’s normal to be stunned after experiencing that kind of collision, even if it’s not a direct hit.

Shock and chaos can leave you unsure of what to do after a commercial vehicle accident. However, knowing the steps after a vehicle accident can ensure proper compensation for damage and injuries. Whether you or someone close to you got into a commercial vehicle accident, being prepared can help protect your rights.

Companies use commercial vehicles for industrial or business purposes. These can be trucks or vans to carry passengers, products, or raw materials. Any vehicle titled or registered to a company automatically receives a commercial designation.

What To Do After A Commercial Vehicle Accident?

Commercial vehicles have a higher risk of road accidents since they travel more miles than personal cars. Accidents involving larger commercial vehicles like trucks can be fatal or catastrophic. While no one wants to be in a commercial vehicle accident, here are the things you must do after a crash:

1. Drive The Car At A Safer Area

If you only experienced a fender bender without serious injuries or damage to your car, you could drive it to the side of the road. Doing so prevents disruption on the driveway and keeps you out of harm’s way.

Meanwhile, if your car is damaged and may put your safety at risk—for instance, if it’s leaking gas—get out and go to a safe distance, away from your car. After securing your safety, call emergency hotlines immediately if you or someone else is injured.

2. Contact A Lawyer

If you live in the US and experience an accident on Interstate 95, stay calm as much as possible. While waiting for help, you may contact a reliable South Florida personal injury lawyer to help with your case. Hiring a lawyer is necessary, especially if a commercial vehicle is involved.

Commercial vehicle accidents are more complicated than regular car accidents since more parties are involved, including the driver’s employer or the trucking company. Also, there are various specific commercial vehicle-related federal rules and regulations. Hiring a lawyer can help you navigate the case, allowing you to focus more on your recovery.

Having a lawyer to contact whenever you need legal advice is essential. They can help you with your concerns and explain their legal repercussions. If you still need to search for one, you can skip this step and focus more on the accident scene.

3. Get Medical Consultation

If you’re involved in an accident, always prioritize your safety and health. Once emergency medical services arrive, get yourself checked for any physical injuries, regardless of severity. Visit the hospital for a checkup after the crash.

Even if you think you’re okay or that your injuries were minor, some problems like traumatic brain injuries or whiplash may occur a few days or weeks after the accident. In addition, getting a complete checkup helps generate a medical record. It can serve as solid evidence to support your compensation claim. 

4. Collect Evidence

Consider collecting evidence while waiting for help. Like medical records, collecting evidence on the accident scene is critical for getting fair compensation. So, document everything about the accident. Take pictures or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries you sustained.

Take note of critical information such as the date, time, location, weather conditions, and speed of the vehicles. Talk to other drivers and witnesses; ask for their names and contact information

5. Talk To The Police

In any car accident, the police will always be present at the scene to take statements for their reports. When they talk to you, be careful what you say to them. Give them all the facts as you recall them but refrain from saying anything that may indicate your fault or responsibility for the accident.

After talking to the police, ask for their name and badge number. Also, don’t forget to request a copy of their report for documentation.

Takeaway

It’s impossible to think straight after a commercial vehicle accident. However, knowing what to do after a crash can significantly affect your safety and compensation claims. Remember to drive your car at a safer distance, call a lawyer, get medical assistance, collect evidence, and cooperate with the police. The above steps can help you if you experience such an unfortunate incident.

About the Author:
Sophie Johnson is a retired law school professor. Sophie remains committed to educating people about their rights and responsibilities in the aftermath of a vehicle accident. Her articles and blog posts on this topic are widely read and highly regarded by both legal professionals and accident victims alike. When she’s not in the courtroom or writing, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the great outdoors.

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