If you have been in a truck collision in Vancouver, Washington, this can feel very overwhelming if you don’t know how to proceed. The reality is that truck accidents can become life-altering depending on how bad the collision was. Truck accidents are more common than people realize and have the potential to cause serious bodily injury. If you have been in a truck accident, you may have sustained personal injuries or property damage, and you may qualify for reimbursement.
In this article, we will discuss the steps you need to take after a truck collision to better support your claim. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, we encourage drivers to hire a personal injury attorney to help them with this documentation to strengthen their case.
Seek Medical Care
After getting into a truck accident, the very first priority you need to have is to get medical care. Trucks are large vehicles, which is why they have a higher percentage of causing bodily injuries and fatalities.
The best course of action is to contact 911 to report the accident at the scene. The 911 operator can send an ambulance to the scene of the accident as well as the police. In Washington, you must file an accident report with law enforcement or the Washington State Department of Licensing. When the police arrive at the scene, they will file the report for you, so no further action is required on your part.
Even if you don’t believe you are seriously injured, it is still a good idea to seek medical attention. Many common injuries associated with truck accidents are invisible but still require immediate care, such as concussions or internal injuries.
Stay at the Scene
Even if the truck accident is minor, you must stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives. The police will need to speak with you regarding details of the accident when they create the police report.
If possible, you should try to get your vehicle to a safe place that is out of the way of other vehicles. For example, if your vehicle is in the middle of the road, it will be at a greater risk of being struck again by a passing vehicle. If your car is too damaged to move, leave it where it is and walk to a nearby location where you will be safe.
Document Evidence
After any auto accident, one of the most important things you need to do is document evidence. Some types of valuable evidence are time-sensitive and could be lost before you can use it.
If you are not seriously injured, you can begin documenting evidence at the scene of the collision. You can do this by taking photographs of injuries, property damage, and the scene of the crash.
You also want to make sure you get the contact information of the other driver. It is recommended to take photographs of this information instead of writing it down so that there is less chance of it being lost.
If there are bystanders at the scene of the collision, you also want to gather witness information. This will include the contact information of other drivers or passersby as well as brief statements about what they saw.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Insurance providers require drivers to report any kind of accident, even if it is minor. You will want to do this as soon as possible since delaying this process could cause issues later on.
It is also important not to discuss the accident with the other driver’s insurance company. Some insurance companies may try to do this to settle on a payment before you file a claim, which could impact the compensation you receive.
Hire an Attorney
Although hiring a truck accident attorney is not an immediate step to take, you do need to keep it in mind. If you want to file an insurance claim, an attorney will help you do this and negotiate on your behalf with the other involved parties.
It is best to hire an attorney as soon as possible after going through the initial steps after a truck collision. They can help you document and preserve important evidence to build a substantial claim, as well as guide you through the legal complexities.
How to Preserve Evidence After a Truck Collision
If you have been in a truck accident in Vancouver, Washington, documenting evidence will be the backbone of your insurance claim. This will determine how much compensation you can get for personal injuries and damages, which is why it is essential to preserve important evidence.
Here are some ways you can do this after an accident:
- Take Photos on Your Phone: After a truck accident, police will document the accident scene with photos, but you should also do this with your phone. Take photos of everything that you think is important and back up this information so that there is no risk of it being lost. Doing this ensures you have access to this evidence and can easily send it to your attorney.
- Watch What You Say: Just about anything after an accident could be used as evidence later on. That is why it is important to avoid apologizing after the accident or discussing the details with the other driver. You should also refrain from posting anything about the accident online.
- Don’t Sign Anything: Getting into an auto accident is overwhelming, but you want to stay aware of what is going on around you. Avoid signing anything, especially if it is offered to you by an insurance company. If there’s anything you need to sign, you can do it later on with the assistance of your attorney.
Auto Accident Attorneys in Vancouver, WA
If you were involved in a truck collision in Vancouver, Washington, you will need to consult with an experienced truck collision attorney. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our attorneys help you document and preserve evidence and maintain your rights. Contact us today at (360)-737-1478 to speak with an attorney to get the compensation you deserve.
