What to Do After a Semi Truck Accident?

After a semi-truck accident, you should check yourself for injuries, relocate to a safer location, and call 911 for help as soon as possible. Furthermore, due to the size and weight of semi-trucks, accidents involving these large vehicles often cause severe injuries and significant damage.

Knowing how to handle the situation in the aftermath of a collision of this caliber can be the difference between life and death. We understand that surviving a semi-truck accident can be an overwhelming experience, and a Phoenix semi truck accidents lawyer can help you with the next steps.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Semi-Truck Accident?

As the victim of a collision involving a semi-truck, you might be wondering how compensation works and who you can claim damages from after a semi-truck accident. Ultimately, securing a settlement offer comes down to your lawyer building a case on your behalf. 

To recover financial assistance in response to the injuries you sustained and the damages you incurred as a result of the crash, we must look into the details of the accident, understand who was at fault for the collision, and learn the consequences you have faced as a result of someone else’s actions. 

Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Help

First of all, the number-one priority after a semi-truck accident is your safety as well as the safety of others involved: 

• Check for injuries: Assess your condition and the condition of any passengers. Make sure you call 911 right away if anyone at the scene needs immediate medical attention and emergency assistance.
• Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. However, if the accident has caused severe damage or injuries, feel free to leave the vehicles where they are until the authorities arrive.
• Call the police: Contact law enforcement to report the accident. With a police report, you may have an easier time pursuing compensation and filing legal claims in the future.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able to gather evidence at the scene of the accident, this can significantly strengthen your case. Here’s what you should do:

• Take photos: Document the damage that both vehicles sustained. Capture images of the scene, including any skid marks, road conditions, or visible injuries. 
• Exchange information: Ask for the other driver’s contact information and request details about the driver’s insurance provider as well as any other drivers involved. Be sure to note the truck’s license plate number, trucking company, and any identifying information about the truck, like its Department of Transportation number.
• Collect witness testimonies: If any people witnessed the accident, ask them if they wouldn’t mind sharing their contact information with you. Their statements may be valuable in proving liability as you seek justice and pursue compensation. 
• Explain outdoor conditions: Make a note of the weather, whether or not there was a lot of traffic, and how the road looked at the time of the accident. This information can give your lawyer context as he or she works to substantiate your claims.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Why Should I Contact a Lawyer After a Semi-Truck Accident?

Semi-truck accidents are far more complicated than standard car accidents. This discrepancy is largely due to the involvement of commercial trucking companies, federal regulations, and the potential for severe injuries.

That’s why it’s highly recommended that semi-truck accident victims retain legal counsel. A semi-accident attorney can help you in the following ways:

• Determining liability: Several parties could be liable for the accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party maintenance provider. A lawyer can investigate the accident and identify who is responsible.
• Speaking with insurance companies: Trucking companies often have large insurance policies and teams of lawyers that actively work to minimize their liability. If you do not have a lawyer on your side, you may be offered a settlement that is far less than you deserve. 
• Maximizing compensation: A truck accident lawyer can ensure that all aspects of your claim are considered, including medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Semi-Truck Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The compensation you are eligible to recover may depend on the severity of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the degree of fault as determined by legal counsel. 

Common damages often include the following:

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity 
• Pain and suffering 
• Property damage
• Wrongful deaths

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Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation With an Attorney After a Semi-Truck Accident

At Zanes Law, we can help you understand what to do after a semi-truck accident once you have made sure you are safe. With over 40 years of experience handling semi-truck accident cases and recovering more than $1 billion in damages, you can trust us to advocate for your rights.

If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Call our law firm to learn more about us and how we can help you as the victim of a semi-truck accident. 

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