Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Taking the correct steps after a truck accident is vital to protecting everyone’s health. Knowing what to do once everyone is safe can also help you protect your rights.
1. Call 911
Protecting everyone’s health and safety is the most important step after a truck accident. The sooner medical professionals get to the scene, the better. Calling 911 will also bring the police, who will block traffic and begin compiling a police report.
2. See a Doctor
Immediately seeing a doctor will protect your health. It will also lend credibility to help your attorney prove your injuries’ severity.
3. Collect Evidence
Try to collect witness contact information, pictures and videos of the crash site, insurance information, and anything else that might provide evidence of what happened. A Los Angeles truck accident attorney can later use this evidence to prove your case.
4. Do Not Make Unessecary Statements
Avoid making any statements that could be used against you in court before talking to an attorney. Also, avoid posting about the accident on social media.
5. Call an Attorney
A truck accident lawyer in Los Angeles should identify any further steps you may need to take. They will also help you prepare your case.
6. File an Insurance Claim
Talking to a truck accident attorney in Los Angeles before dealing with any insurance company is best. An attorney can help determine the best way to approach insurance.
Who Is Liable?
Figuring out who is liable after a truck accident can be complicated. There are often far more parties involved in heavy vehicle crashes than in other car accidents. Further, more money can be at stake, so different parties may have a stronger incentive to shift blame.
A Los Angeles truck accident lawyer should know how to identify and prove which parties are at fault. Understanding the different parties who can potentially be liable is also helpful. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Truck drivers,
- Trucking companies,
- The owner of the truck,
- The owner of the cargo,
- Truck manufacturers,
- Truck component manufacturers,
- Maintenance companies, and
- Government agencies.