Different areas may have different takes on the next steps after a truck accident. Therefore, it’s important to know the mode of operation in your residential area. A lot of cases in Michigan end up unattended because the victims don’t know the next steps. As a Michigan resident, you should learn the basics of Michigan truck accidents and your rights!
To begin, here are the four important steps to take after a truck accident.
Call to report the crash
It is crucial to remain at the crash scene when involved in a truck accident. If you are physically strong enough, it’s important to put on your hazard lights and call 911 or the state highway patrol. Depending on the time of the day, you may also consider putting lighting road flares or road cones by your car to alert oncoming vehicles and prevent more accidents.
When an officer arrives, they are likely to ask a few questions after assessing the situation. They will also guide you through the next steps, such as filling out an accident report and where to go from the scene.
Get Medical Help
Whether there’s an apparent physical injury or not, it is safer to visit the hospital to receive treatment or recommendations from a medical professional. If no one takes you to the hospital from the scene, it is still necessary that you see a doctor by yourself and let them check and determine what kind of care you may or may not need. If you don’t seek medical care or don’t adhere to the treatments, it could affect your ability to get compensation for injuries later, as it may be perceived as negligence on your part.
Document Evidence
Thankfully, images and videos with timestamps can serve as evidence in court. So, try to take pictures while at the scene. The photos could be of the damaged vehicles at the accident scene or images of people, including yourself that may have sustained injuries. Bruises change color and look over time, so the earlier the pictures are taken, the more accurate. If possible, you can take different images at different times. In addition to the images or videos, it’ll be helpful to take notes or record voice memos while the incident is still fresh in your memory. Another set of details that will be good to have are the contact details of those involved in the accident and witnesses.
Get A Truck Accident Lawyer
This is an important step. Whether you’ve been injured or you injured someone else, it’s essential to reach out to an experienced lawyer before moving forward with any other actions. Auto accident attorneys Wilkes-Barre have handled similar cases or have been taught how to handle similar cases and are best positioned with the right tools and knowledge required to help you in court.
Being involved in a truck accident is scary and often comes with various losses that may leave you confused and upset. Knowing what to do next and being assured that a truck accident lawyer can help you will ease the strain.