/24-7PressRelease/ - February 02, 2008 - If you are in an accident, some of your choices are made for you. If you are unconscious or debilitated, paramedics will make medical decisions on your behalf, and sometimes these decisions will be made against your will or over your objections. However, there are certain things that you should try to do after any type of
car accident. If you are in an accident with a big rig there are few extra steps you should take to protect your rights.
Immediately after an accident
After an accident you may be confused, frightened, and disoriented. The first thing you need to do, of course, is make sure that you are out of harm's way, but there are some other things which you need to keep in mind.
· Move your vehicle out of the road, if you can, but do not leave the scene of the accident.
· Get yourself, and everyone else out of the road and to a safe location.
· Call the police. They can get an ambulance, tow trucks, and other help to the scene, as well as document the accident.
· Get contact information for everyone involved, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
· Write down all identifying information on the truck including:
o DOT numbers from the cab and the trailer (they may not be the same)
o License plate number
o Any names, phone numbers, or signs on the cab and the trailer
· Get insurance information from the truck driver if you can
· Take note of the condition of the truck's tires
· Take photos if possible
After leaving the scene
As soon as you leave the scene of the accident there are some things you need to do.
· Seek medical attention even if you do no believe you are hurt. You may be in shock or you may have injuries that are not immediately noticeable.
· Write down everything you remember about the accident, before your memory starts to fade.
· Get a copy of the police report.
· Contact an experienced
trucking accident attorney.
What not to do
After an accident insurance companies will often try to reduce their expenses by offering you quick settlements far below the level of compensation to which you are entitled. The trucking company may also have representatives on the scene to begin what they call "damage control," which often involves trying to get incriminating statements out of you. Above all,
· Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with anyone.
· Do not sign anything - you could be signing away your rights!
· Do not wait to take action. There are time limits which apply to your case.
After a trucking accident your life may be in turmoil. Injuries, car repairs, mounting bills, and often missed work, can mean that you just want to get it over with and get on with your life. The trucking company and insurance companies count on this desperation as a way to take advantage of you.
Trucking accidents are complicated, much more complicated than regular car accidents. You will be up against experienced attorneys who do nothing but handle these types of cases. You need someone on your side who can help you get through the process, and who knows how to properly investigate these types of accidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident,
contact an experienced trucking accident attorney today!
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