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What are the Steps to Take Following an 18-Wheeler Accident?

After 18-wheeler accident steps.

 

 

We share the roads with thousands of vehicles, including large semi-trucks. Unfortunately, trucks can be dangerous and if you get into an accident with one, you may suffer serious injuries. The negligent driver should be responsible for your damages including your medical costs, lost wages, and more. Truck accidents can be more complicated than accidents with other vehicles. There are essential steps that you should take following a truck crash in Texas.

Call the Police

You should call the police and file a report. Often, the accident is severe, and the police will arrive shortly. Law enforcement officers will evaluate the scene and help make it safe for traffic. They will take statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses. They create a report that indicates the date, time, location, and details of the incident. These details are crucial for proving your case. The police will also investigate the cause of the crash. Call 911 to report the collision, and the Texas Highway Patrol or local police will respond.

Get Medical Care

Injuries sustained in a truck crash can be extreme and life-threatening. If you were hurt, it is critical to seek medical attention soon. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, require emergency care. Keep records of your treatment, reports, and bills. Follow the doctor’s orders and get follow-up care when indicated. Avoid getting treatment for non-accident related injuries simultaneously. If the doctor orders you to stay home from work, do not return to your job until your physician clears your health. Medical treatment on ongoing rehabilitative care can be lengthy, and costs can be astronomical. Remember that the responsible party should pay for your medical costs and any other expenses caused by your injuries.

Collect Data

There is more information that may relate to proving your case. This data can be lost if you do not act quickly to obtain it. You will need this information to show that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent. The crash may have been caused by one or several factors that may include driver negligence, mechanical failures, or road or weather conditions. Often, several factors cause or contribute to a crash. You will need to see data from the driver’s log, the mechanical logs, and more. The driver may have been driving for too many hours, and fatigue may have played a role in the crash. The truck may not have been adequately maintained, and this could have resulted in a mechanical failure that contributed to the accident. If the cause of the crash is not known, you may need a reconstruction specialist to evaluate the accident and provide a report.

Seek Legal Guidance

Legal guidance is essential following a truck crash. Your attorney will handle the legal details while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

An experienced Houston commercial vehicle accident attorney has the skills and knowledge to gather the information to prove negligence. Your attorney will work on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Do not wait too long to involve an attorney because you do not want to risk losing valuable data. If you were hurt in a truck accident, find the best truck accident attorneys you can and take advantage of a free consultation.

 

Related Articles:

 

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What are the Essential Elements of a Truck Accident Investigation?

Recent Study by the FMCSA finds Underreporting of Crashes

9 Steps to Reduce the Odds of an Accident with a Semi-Truck

First Steps After An 18 Wheeler Injury Accident

About Greg Baumgartner

Truck accident lawyer Greg Baumgartner
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representation and personalized attention to every client.