Getting into any kind of motor vehicle accident can be a traumatizing experience. Not only do they result in vehicle damages, but also serious injuries, and in especially unfortunate circumstances, loss of life. Yet, if you are an automobile driver that is involved in a crash with a commercial truck, like 7% of all vehicle accidents, the aftermath of the accident will look much different than if it was with another regular motorist. Along with being more destructive than most car accidents dealing with insurance and trucking companies can be a whole other ball game. Therefore, if you do get into a truck accident, follow these steps to make sure that you are rewarded for the damages that you rightfully deserve. 

Contact The Authorities

The first thing you should do after any motor vehicle accident, especially a truck accident, is to call 911, and if you are unable to, then make sure that someone else does. By calling the police, you are legally acknowledging that the accident happened and a note of it will be made in the police’s logs. When the police arrive, they will assess the situation, listen to your side of what happened prior to and during the accident. Furthermore, they will also bring the paramedics if necessary in the case that someone is seriously injured. 

Receive Medical Attention

Once the authorities have arrived, medical attention will be offered to you, and it is crucial that you accept it. Regardless of whether you feel like you have been injured or not, it is imperative that you are looked over by a medical professional who will thoroughly check to make sure you did not receive any underlying injuries that can become severe and even life-threatening. Some serious brain injuries and other internal damage can sometimes be tragically overlooked without professional experience. At the moment, your well-being is the most important thing, so don’t decline medical attention to try and save money or time.

Document The Scene 

If you are uninjured and able, one of the most important steps you can take after a truck accident is to document the entire scene. Be sure to document anything that may have affected the accident, and can look like photos, videos, witness testimonies, or anything that can be used to paint a picture of the accident and what may or may not have happened. On top of taking your own pictures and videos of the accident, some of the first information you should also obtain is the other driver’s name, address, phone number, trucking companies insurance, license plate, etc. All of this will prove to be invaluable in the legal process following the crash. 

Contact A Car Accident Lawyer

If you are in any type of truck accident involving a commercial vehicle, it is essential that you contact an experienced truck accident lawyer. This is because truck accidents are unlike other vehicle crashes since trucking companies have their own lawyers, and do whatever it takes to deny responsibility and prevent from paying what they owe. This is why it is also important that you do not speak to anyone from the trucking company without legal representation because anything you say can be used against you. Therefore, it’s better to be safe than sorry and have a truck accident attorney on your side to make sure you aren’t being walked all over and receive the compensation that you deserve.