What to Do after a Commercial Truck Accident?

Truck accidents are fairly common in Virginia. According to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, 2017 saw 2,306 truck accidents on the state’s roads. Of those accidents, 45 resulted in at least one fatality and another 822 caused injuries.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, you need to take certain steps to protect your right to compensation. If you don’t, then you can delay your recovery and undercut your ability to hold the truck driver or trucking company responsible.

Call Emergency Services, if Necessary

Immediately after the crash, check with all passengers to see if they are okay. If anyone is hurt, then call emergency services to come out to the scene of the accident. Also check the occupants of other vehicles. Of course, if you cannot move because you are too injured, then ask someone else to call the ambulance for you.

Contact the Police

A police officer should come out to the accident and write up a police report. The report will identify who was involved in the crash as well as the date, time, and location. The police officer can also talk to participants and witnesses to get their side of what happened. A police report is an excellent launching off point for your own investigation.

Take Pictures of any Damage

If you can move around after the collision, then try to get some pictures of the wreckage—especially before it is moved out of the way. Photographs of the truck and other vehicles involved can serve as powerful evidence of what caused the accident. You can use your smartphone to take pictures or ask someone else if they can take pictures with their phone.

Do Not Give a Statement to a Trucking Representative

The trucking company will probably have someone on the scene quickly to begin collecting evidence. This person might approach you and ask you for a statement of what happened. Though you can talk to the police officer, you should not give statements to anyone else. Remember that anything you say can be used against you, and you might not be thinking clearly if you are in a lot of pain.

Instead of giving a statement, tell the investigator you will get in touch with them later. Take their business card if they offer one but don’t say anything.

Hire an Experienced Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer

When a truck driver is to blame for the accident, you can receive full compensation for your injuries, but you need an advocate in your corner. Attorney Herbert Maxey is a truck accident lawyer in Virginia who has helped many victims get the compensation they need to piece back together their lives. Farmville, Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, and Danville are but a few of the areas Mr. Maxey assist injured persons in.

Reach out to our law firm today. We offer a free consultation to potential clients where we can review the case. Most importantly, we can handle all communications with the trucking company so that you can focus on getting well. Call us today, 434-394-0956, or send us an online message.