Have you gotten into a road accident involving a truck? If your answer is a ‘no’, there’s no other way to describe it but a terrifying and soul-shattering ordeal.
Whether you’re driving along the road or just a passing pedestrian, it’s highly likely that you’ll be able to get the shorter end of the stick when it comes to truck accidents in America due to the other vehicle’s sheer size. Damages may range from a completely totaled car to various medical-related injuries. Among those, the one that you should pay attention to greatly is medical-related injuries.
To keep you in the know, understanding what you should do immediately after a truck accident in New York is key to experiencing fewer bodily as well as other non-physical injuries and property damage moving on, faster healing, and so on. Luckily, this post will cover the topic what to do after a truck accident in terms of medical attention and documentation.
If you want to keep yourself ready and protected, continue reading below.
Keep Your Cool And Check Yourself (And Your Passengers, If You’re Not Alone) For Any Injuries
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Indeed, getting involved in a truck accident can lead you to freak out and lose your cool. Nonetheless, at times like that, being able to stay calm can matter the whole world in your and your passengers’ wellness.
It’s natural to panic but you need to keep a cool head on your shoulders soon after encountering a truck accident. This allows you to think clearly and stay focused to help you handle the situation better.
Next, you need to check yourself and other people involved in the accident for injuries. Look for signs of bruises, blood, broken bones, and the like. Say someone is badly injured. You need to call the authorities immediately for medical attention. Additionally, even if your or your peers’ injuries seem minor, it’s still a good idea to get medical attention as soon as possible.
Phone The Local Authorities
After making sure that everyone involved in the truck accident is safe and well taken care of, proceed to phoning the local police office.
As soon as the legal authorities have arrived at the scene of the accident, give them accurate accounts of what transpired in the truck accident. As much as possible, only share facts and not fabrications and/or overexaggerations. Aside from that, encourage other witnesses present, if there are any, to share their first-hand testimony with the law enforcers present.
Those information will be used by the authorities to file their official report that you can use to file for a personal injury claim with the truck’s insurer and/or company. On the othe side of the coin, the information will be useful as well if you’re the one facing truck accident claim in Queens.
Avail For Yourself (And Others) Medical Attention
Go visit your trusted doctor as soon as you’re able to after encountering a truck accident. Do that not just only you’re suffering with severe injuries but also if you’re not visibly ill at all.
Why? It’s because there are injuries that aren’t immediately apparent and could worsen over time. A physician can identify and treat any hidden injuries.
Moving forward, ensure that you keep all records of your medical visits, prescriptions, treatments, and the like. These records will be vital to your personal injury claim later on.
Get In Touch With An Experienced Attorney To Help You With The Legal Proceedings
Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney, especially if the truck accident resulted in severe debilitating injuries or significant property damage. An attorney can provide valuable advice, help you understand your rights, and represent your interests in legal proceedings. In addition, they can negotiate with insurance companies for you to ensure you receive just compensation for your injuries, property damage, pain and suffering, and the like.
Document The Scene Of The Incident
While the law enforcers aren’t at the scene of the incident yet, it’s recommended that you start gathering documentary evidence.
With your phone in your hand, you can use it to capture videos and pictures of the accident, the injuries you’ve sustained, and so on. Focus on multiple angles and include any skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs. This visual evidence can be invaluable in proving your case during the personal injury claims process.
Keep An Organized Record Of Everything Related To The Truck Accident
Maintain a detailed record of all communications and documents related to the accident. This includes medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. Having a well-organized file will make it easier to manage your claim and provide evidence if needed.
Collect All Relevant Data Including But Not Limited To Contact Info And The Like
Share contact numbers and insurance company information with the other vehicle driver involved. Take note of their names, personal and work addresses, cell numbers, insurance information, driver’s license numbers and truck license plate, and many more. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information as well and have it handy in case they need to be summoned during claims proceedings and others like them.
Keep A Record Of Your Journey To Recovery
Keep a journal detailing your recovery process. Record any pain, discomfort, or limitations you experience due to your injuries. This can provide additional evidence of the impact the accident has had on your life. Include notes on how the injuries affect your daily activities and any emotional or psychological effects you’re experiencing.
To Conclude
Experiencing a truck accident is undoubtedly stressful, but knowing what to do can make a significant difference in your recovery and ability to receive just compensation from the at-fault party and their insurer.
By remaining calm, getting medical treatment immediately, and documenting and keeping a meticulous record of everything related to the truck accident, you can navigate the aftermath more effectively.
