Being involved in a truck accident can be a stressful ordeal, one that you were not prepared to deal with. It’s different than getting in a car accident. Truck accidents are typically more disastrous, considering the size of the vehicle and the range of damage it can cause. You may be wondering what to do after a truck accident in Los Angeles. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you understand your options.
What Do You Do After a Truck Accident?
In the event of a truck accident, you should consider yourself lucky that you survived. Truck accidents often end in tragedy due to the size difference between the vehicles involved. Hopefully, you are not severely injured. If you are, wait patiently for emergency services to arrive and take care of you. If you are not severely injured, here are some steps you can take in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident to protect yourself:
- Stay Calm: You have just been in an accident. You may be feeling disoriented, confused, and shocked. Try your hardest to stay calm and gather your thoughts. Check yourself for any obvious, immediate injuries. Do the same for any passengers who may be in the vehicle with you.
- Call 911: If you are able, call emergency services as quickly as you can. The sooner the police and EMTs arrive, the better. You will want a detailed police report in your hands when it comes time to file an insurance claim, and the EMTs can give you a more thorough check for any possible injuries that you may have missed.
- Move Your Car: If it is at all possible, try to move your car out of the middle of the road and onto the shoulder. The last thing you want is to be the inadvertent cause of another accident. Switch on your hazard lights once the vehicle is out of the way of oncoming traffic. If you are unable to move your vehicle, simply leave it there and get yourself to the side of the road.
- Talk to the Other Driver: It is vital to get information from the other driver involved in the accident. You should write down their name, phone number, license plate number, and insurance carrier information. You will need this information when it is time to file an insurance claim and for any possible legal action that you may wish to take.
- Document the Scene: Make sure you take plenty of photographs and videos of the accident scene. That includes any damage done to your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident, any property damage that may have occurred, any relevant road signs, skid marks, and anything else that may have even minor relevance to the accident. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to explain what happened and discover who was at fault.
- Gather Witnesses: It is important to get information from anybody who may have witnessed the accident. Reliable witnesses can be significant when explaining what happened in a court of law.
- Notify Your Insurance: After an accident, you must notify your own insurance carrier that you have been involved in an accident. Be sure to not accept any blame for the accident.
- See a Doctor: Make sure you get yourself checked out by a medical professional. It is important to document your medical visits. Also, your doctor may find an injury that you were unaware of, and you can get treated for it.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: Obtaining the services of an experienced truck accident lawyer is essential. They can help you build your case, gather evidence, and deal with the insurance companies.
FAQs
Q: What Do I Do After an Accident in Los Angeles?
A: After an accident in Los Angeles, the first thing you want to do is stay calm and call the proper authorities. Check yourself for any injuries that you may have sustained in the accident, and do the same for any passengers you may have had. If you are able to exit the vehicle, do what you can to move it to the shoulder and out of the way of oncoming traffic. If you can, start documenting the scene and gathering witness statements.
Q: Do You Have to Call the Police After a Minor Car Accident in California?
A: No, you do not have to call the police after a minor car accident in California. You are only legally required to notify the police after an accident if it fulfills the following criteria:
- Someone was injured.
- Someone was killed.
- Property damage exceeded $1,000.
Still, it is always a good idea to have a legal paper trail regarding any accident that you were a part of. It will be easier to file an insurance claim with a police report.
Q: What Do I Do After Getting Hit by a Truck?
A: If you are ever hit by a truck, you need to call 911 immediately and get yourself checked for any serious injuries, which are frightfully common in truck accidents. If you are physically able, move your vehicle to the side of the road and wait patiently for emergency services. If you are too injured to exit the vehicle, do not move, and wait for emergency services to arrive. Truck accidents rarely leave drivers unscathed.
Q: What Do I Do After Dealing With a Truck Accident?
A: After dealing with a truck accident, you should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer so they can help you pursue an insurance claim against the responsible party. California is an “at-fault” state for car accidents, meaning that the person who is found liable for the accident is responsible for reimbursing the other party for damages, medical bills, lost wages, and anything else that a jury deems necessary. A lawyer can help you through this process.
Reach Out to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Dealing with the fallout of a truck accident can be intimidating and confusing. At Easton & Easton, we are determined to assist you through the process. We can help you develop your case, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf in a court of law. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
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