Important steps to take after a truck crash

If your vehicle is struck by a large truck while driving on a California highway, it is important to stop, call for help and exchange information with the truck’s driver. Furthermore, you should seek treatment even if you feel fine immediately after the crash occurs.

Your safety should be a top priority

Assuming that you can still drive your vehicle after it has been struck, drive it to a nearby shoulder, parking lot or other safe location. If the car cannot be moved, turn on the hazard lights or take other steps to ensure that oncoming traffic knows to avoid your vehicle. It is never a good idea to attempt to move if you have tingling, numbness or pain in your neck, back or extremities. Furthermore, do not attempt to provide medical assistance to another individual unless you are a trained professional. Instead, call 911 and wait for an emergency responder to do so on your behalf.

What types of information should you obtain after a crash?

At minimum, you should get the truck driver’s phone number or other contact information. Pictures of the crash scene, witness statements and cellphone footage taken of the accident as it occurred can also be used as evidence in a motor vehicle accident case. Finally, be sure to obtain a copy of the police report compiled by the officer who responded to the crash scene.

Don’t admit guilt

It is never a good idea to say anything that might imply you caused the accident to occur. Instead, simply stick to the facts when talking to the police, an insurance company or other parties involved in the crash. It is also a good idea to refrain from talking about the wreck on social media.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages caused by a negligent truck driver’s actions. An attorney may be able to create a strategy that allows you to obtain a favorable settlement in a timely manner.