What’s worse than getting involved in a car crash? Being a pedestrian in during the accident.
Do you know what’s worse than that? Getting hit by a massive truck.
After a truck accident, the life of the victim changes forever. Many aspects of their life are now affected, some more than others. Their health, finances, career, abilities, and more will never be the same after the accident. As much as you attempt to avoid it, you might be unfortunate enough to get involved in the traumatic and dangerous experience. However, the first few seconds will be necessary for the life-and-death situation.
Should you find yourself in a truck accident, here are the steps you need to take.
Stay Calm
When you get into an accident, it is essential to stay calm. It is especially true if you get hit by a truck. Trucks are massive and can do a lot of damage, so you must not move until the paramedics arrive. Moving could worsen your injuries, so try to remain still until help arrives.
If you are able, try to assess the situation and see if anyone else is injured. If other people are involved, see if you can help them before help arrives. They will be able to assess the situation and provide proper medical care when the paramedics arrive.
Call Law Enforcement
As soon as the truck accident happens, you should call the police. Law enforcement will be able to help you with the following steps and will also file a report. This report could be helpful later on if you need to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
The police will also be able to direct traffic around the accident scene and help to clear the road. It will help to prevent further accidents from happening.
Get Checked Out by Paramedics
Even if you feel okay, it is vital to get medical attention. There could be several internal injuries that you do not know are happening in your body. It is better to be safe than sorry, so go to the hospital or see your regular doctor as soon as possible after the truck accident.
Paramedics can take a lot of time before arriving, especially when you are on a remote road. As a result, it might be necessary to perform first-aid on yourself or other people involved in the accident. It might be better to let emergency paramedics tell you what to do, so try to keep them on the phone if you can move around.
Document the Scene
If you are able, take pictures of the scene of the accident. These pictures can be used as evidence later on. Be sure also to document the damage to both vehicles. These pieces of information could help you later on if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
You should also exchange contact and company information with the truck driver. The data includes their name, contact information, insurance company, and policy number. It is vital to get this information as soon as possible if the other driver tries to leave the scene of the accident.
Report Injuries to Health Care Provider
If you get injured or suffer in a truck accident, you will likely need medical treatment. It can be expensive, and if you do not have health insurance, you will have to pay for the treatment yourself.
Medical treatment for truck accident injuries can be very costly. In some cases, the damages from the accident can be so severe that the victim requires long-term or even lifelong care. It can be expensive and can quickly drain your finances.
To pay for medical treatment, you might need to contact your health care provider. You might also need to borrow money or sell assets to pay medical bills. The situation can be a complex process, but it is crucial to get the necessary treatment for your injuries to recover faster.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
If you have injuries due to a truck accident, it is essential to contact an attorney. Those law pros will be able to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
Truck accident attorneys have experience in handling these types of cases. They will be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you get the best possible care and outcome from your case.
The victim can receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even wrongful death in some cases. Contacting an experienced attorney is the best way to get the most out of your case.
Being hit by a truck is unpleasant in every way imaginable. However, you do not have a choice but take the hit and focus on recovery. Fortunately, these steps can help you reach that point. Your life might change forever, but it doesn’t mean you can’t move on from possibly the most traumatic part of your life.
