With the high number of 18-wheelers on the road today, unfortunately, wrecks are inevitable. Hopefully, you will never find yourself involved in a wreck with a large truck (for some tips on how to increase your chances of avoiding a wreck, read our post “How to Be Safe Around 18-wheelers”). However, if you do find yourself involved in a wreck, it is important to remain calm and protect yourself in every way possible. Knowing beforehand the basic steps to take can help relieve some of the stress and anxiety that comes with any wreck.
Here are a few basic steps to take after a wreck to protect yourself and reduce your damages:
STEP 1 – First, assess the extent of your injuries and those of your passengers. If you or someone in the car is seriously injured (or you think you or someone might be seriously injured) remain calm and wait for medical attention. If you are sure that movement will not seriously aggravate any injuries, move to step 2.
STEP 2 – Assess the safety of the scene and the extent of injuries to anyone else involved. Look for emergency situations and take the appropriate actions. ALWAYS call the police. Be sure to tell the dispatcher if you need fire and an ambulance. If you can’t do this, make sure someone has.
STEP 3 – Get to safety. It is important that you and anyone else get out of the danger zone. Sometimes minor collisions can turn catastrophic because of the domino effect. Make sure you keep yourself and others involved in as safe a place as possible. If possible give warning up the road to oncoming traffic. Tell the police about any dangers on the scene as soon as they arrive.
STEP 4 – Make sure you get the medical attention you need. Be honest with the medical personnel. If something hurts, now is not the time to be stoic, they need to know so they can give you the appropriate care. Give them details, and follow their medical advice. If they recommend you seek more care (like the emergency room), follow their advice.
STEP 5 – Contact your insurance agency. Most insurance cards have a number on the proof of insurance to call when you are involved in a wreck. It is important to discuss with them the facts of the wreck, your injuries, and find out how they will handle the recovery of your vehicle.
Once you are safe and have received the medical care you need, you will want to collect as much information as possible. You may want to take pictures of the scene and vehicles involved (if you can do so safely). Always, keep a photo log and/or diary of your injuries and your recovery. Keep your appointments with medical providers and follow their orders.
Finally, it is important to contact a law firm quickly. If you are injured in a wreck with a tractor-trailer, the trucking company and its insurance company will have investigators on the scene right away doing a full investigation. They are looking to minimize what they have to pay for your case. You need someone on your side… representing your interests.
Oliver Law Firm is experienced in representing the victims of 18-wheeler wrecks. As soon as you contact us, our experts start investigating the incident, tracking down witnesses, and making sure the trucking company preserves the evidence you will need to prove your case. If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler wreck, call Oliver Law Firm today; (479) 202-5200.
Oliver Law Firm, 3606 W. Southern Hills Blvd., Ste. 200, Rogers, AR 72758
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