Truck Accident Tips

Almost 1 in 10 commercial drivers will be involved in a crash in any given year. Not only is the experience jarring, but a damaged truck means you could be out of work for a while. Knowing what to do can help you give accurate information to your insurance company, ensuring your claim is resolved accurately and quickly, and you and your truck get back to making money fast. In situations like these, having the guidance of a qualified California truck accident lawyer can be invaluable in navigating the legal complexities and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

The following offers some tips on what to do before, during and after a crash.

Before you hit the road

1.       Put together an accident kit for helping car accident victims that includes:

Contact numbers for people you would like contacted in the event you’re not able to call them yourself
Triangles and flares to help with traffic control. This also includes slip and fall lawyers in Riverside whom you can contact in case of injuries and accidents.
A disposable camera. According to attorneys help for product liability issues, a lot of cell phones have camera capability, but you may want to keep another one in your accident kit. You might not be able to find your phone after the crash, and, if you’re able to, you’ll probably be on it talking instead of taking pictures.
A copy of your insurance identification card
A flashlight

2.       According to auto accident lawyers from Brasure Law Firm, call your insurance company or your agent and review your policy so you know what coverage you have, what they pay for and how much they pay, and what you will pay for in the event of a crash or other claim. Ask your company about roadside assistance- you can also take truck accident lawyers help for the best accident attorneys. It’s inexpensive and it can be a real life saver when you’re standing on the shoulder of a lonely interstate. And, ask about coverage that will pay for a rental truck while yours is in the shop. Revenue from loads hauled in the rental truck will likely more than pay for the coverage. The injury law firm based inBangor, ME can help get lawyers to help out with your case of accident and injuries.

At the scene

If you are involved in a crash:

1.       Make sure your truck and any other involved vehicles are moved to the side of the road, if possible.

2.       Check on any other involved parties to see if they’re in need of immediate medical assistance.  Be courteous and ask if you can help, but don’t try to provide medical attention.

3.       Check to see if you’re leaking any hazardous fluids, and make sure bystanders stay clear of the leak and upwind from any smells or smoke.

4.       Call 911, then get help from truck accident lawyers based in Augusta area.  Make sure to report any injuries or fluid leaks. Even if you just had a fender bender, you need the police to document; they’ll decide whether an accident report is necessary. Later, you can also check out https://www.lawlavin.com/auto-accident/ lawyers for accident cases.

5.       If your truck is leaking oil, and a mattress or kitty litter is available, you can toss either on the spill to soak up some of the oil.

6.       Put out flares and triangles to alert other motorists. The traffic accident lawyers from Denton & Zachary can help you and give your second opinion on your legal matters.

7.       Call your insurance company at your first opportunity. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can start handling your claim.

8.       Get the names, contact information, and license plate numbers of involved parties, responding police, the tow company, witnesses and people who stopped to help.

9.       Discuss the accident (find personal injury attorneys here for accidents) only with police. Be honest and factual. If you did move your vehicle, make sure the officer knows exactly where you moved the vehicle from.

10.   If your vehicle isn’t drivable, ask police if it can be towed to a repair facility instead of an impound lot. Doing that can ensure your vehicle will be repaired sooner and will save you the hassle of getting it released from impound.

11.   Use the camera in your accident kit to take pictures of the damages to both vehicles and pictures of the scene. Don’t take pictures of injured parties.

After the accident

1.       Keep all of your relevant paperwork. Logbooks, toll receipts, bills of lading and other electronic documentation from your truck can help the insurance company with the investigation.  In fact, you may be legally required to keep some or all of this information, so check local, state and federal guidelines. You can see how experts are defining personal injury meaning to understand how to deal with accident cases.

2.       Once you hear from your claims representative, make sure to promptly provide any requested information. Doing this will ensure your claim is resolved quickly. If you don’t already have a relationship with a body shop, your representative can usually help you find one. Additionally, in case you encounter any legal complexities or need assistance navigating the claims process, consider reaching out to an accident lawyers helpline for expert guidance and support.

3.       Stay in touch with your representative and/or body shop, and ask for regular updates. While most claims are resolved quickly, some can take months to resolve if there are several parties involved. Maintaining contact will keep you informed.

4.       After you get your truck back, take all the time to you need to make sure that you’re ready to get back behind the wheel.

Chuck Mozingo is commercial claims director for The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.  Progressive, in business since 1937, is a market leader in commercial auto insurance.  For more information on Progressive, please go to www.progressivecommercial.com