August 25, 2020 What to Do After an Accident With a Tractor Trailer

Steps that should be taken following a collision with a tractor trailer.

Accidents involving tractor trailers can lead to extensive injuries and severe damage. Because of their weight and size, accidents involving tractor trailers, also commonly referred to as big rigs or 18 wheelers, are more notably dangerous than other types of vehicular crashes. In fact, fatal trucking accidents kill approximately 4,000 people in the U.S. every year.

Being involved in a tractor trailer accident can be a traumatic experience for all parties involved. The vehicle that has been hit by the commercial big rig will most likely be severely damaged, with the driver being injured. The next steps taken after the accident can oftentimes be complicated, seeing as the majority of the population has not been involved in a tractor trailer accident before. Here are the steps you should take, following a collision with a tractor trailer.

What To Do At The Scene Of The Accident

First things first, if possible, move your car to safety and be sure to remain at the crash scene. Some states consider leaving the scene a hit and run before the authorities can arrive a hit and run. Some other things you should do while at the scene of the accident are:

• Call emergency services. If there are substantial injuries and damages, reach out to emergency services. If not, contact a state highway officer or police officer.
• Collect necessary information. Be sure to get general information from all of the parties involved, including a copy of their driver’s license, insurance card, license plate number, and email or phone number. From the truck driver, also take note of what company they drive for.
• Take pictures. Whether it be pictures of vehicle damage, property damage, or physical injuries, taking pictures will help you out when memory fails.

What Are The Causes Of A Tractor Trailer Accident?

There is a multitude of factors that may lead to a tractor trailer accident. A Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration study found that these were the leading causes of large truck crashes were:

• Driver non-performance. For example, if the driver were to fall asleep because of drowsiness.
• Drive recognition. This issue arises when the driver is inattentive and distracted.
• Driver decision. The driver may have driven too quickly for the environmental conditions or misjudged the speed of other vehicles on the road.
• Vehicle issues. Vehicle issues encompass a wide range of problems, such as malfunctioning brakes or tires.

What Can Be Recovered In A Tractor Trailer Accident Case

Victims of 18-wheeler accidents must know that they have a right to receive compensation for the expenses and losses that resulted from the crash. A victim may be able to collect on the following costs potentially:

• Medical costs. If you choose not to go to the hospital immediately after the accident, make time to visit your doctor. Your doctor will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis of any injuries you are suffering from that you may have initially overlooked.
• Property damage. You may be compensated for the items in your vehicle that were destroyed during the trucking accident.
• Miscellaneous expenses. These expenses may include covering the cost of a rental car, while the damaged vehicle is getting fixed in a shop, and missed wages from work, while the victim recovers.

Experiencing a trucking accident is traumatic and painful. Begin your healing process and seek a pre-settlement loan for commercial vehicle accidents to help get you the compensation you rightfully deserve.

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