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Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Washington D.C., Maryland, & Virginia Attorneys
In the aftermath of a truck accident, many people are uncertain where to turn and what steps they should take in order to effectively protect themselves. Trucking companies are always ready at the scene of an accident to collect evidence and statements that will safeguard their clients’ interests. Meanwhile, the victim is at a loss, especially if they are seriously injured and cannot take the swift action necessary preserve favorable evidence.
Your priority after any type of accident should be to seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible. The experienced Virginia truck accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. can help you follow each of the steps outlined below while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Protecting Your Rights After a Truck Accident
Timing is critical after a truck accident. In order to protect your rights and best interests, these steps should be followed closely and as quickly as possible. Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several key ways, which makes it all the more important that you contact our truck accident lawyers as soon as possible to guide you through this process.
- Gather important information. Obtain a copy of the police report, license and insurance information for all parties involved (including the truck and/or trailer owner), license plate numbers of all vehicles involved (including the trailer), and the contact information of any witnesses at the scene – including people speaking with witnesses or taking pictures.
- Take photographs. Be sure to include all of the vehicles involved and your own injuries, taking care to note details like the length of the skid marks and the condition of the truck’s tires. Photographs are an essential way of preserving the accident scene; they should be taken as soon as possible in order to present an accurate picture of the situation to the jury.
- Have your vehicle examined by an expert. Even after a police report has been filed, an independent investigation of your vehicle can reveal valuable information about the cause of the accident and who is at fault.
- Do not speak with anyone or sign anything. Other than the police report, you should not sign any documents presented to you. T
- Do not destroy any evidence. This may seem like common sense, but some people still throw away broken cell phones or tattered clothes thinking they are worthless, when in fact these items could be valuable to your case. Until you consult with an experienced lawyer, do not dispose of anything connected with the accident.
