Highways can be very dangerous, especially when you consider all of the large trucks that you have to share the road with. If you are the victim of a truck accident on the highway in Vancouver, Washington, there are certain steps you need to take directly after the accident to protect yourself and your right to compensation.
If a truck hits you on the highway in Vancouver, you need to hire a truck accident attorney who can help you build your case and gather crucial pieces of evidence. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident lawyers has extensive experience handling truck accident cases and can help you get the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Keep reading to find out what you need to do after big truck accidents on the highway and why these steps are important.
Get to Safety
The number one thing you need to do if you have been in a truck accident on the highway in Vancouver is to try to get to safety. If possible, navigate your vehicle to the side of the highway to avoid being struck by any other vehicles. If this isn’t possible, it may be best to simply leave your vehicle and walk to a safe area out of the way of oncoming vehicles.
This is also a good time to check yourself and any passengers for injuries, as it may not be safe to move. If you are bleeding or suspect a head injury, you should remain as still as possible and wait for medical care to arrive.
Call 911
When an accident occurs on the highway, it is very likely that multiple people will call 911 to report it. However, it is always a good idea to call yourself just in case, especially if you have sustained injuries. The 911 operator will send over law enforcement and can send an ambulance as well.
Having the police arrive at the accident will be very important when you go to file a claim later on. This is because the police officers will create a police report that includes details on how the accident occurred.
Get Medical Care
Even if you do not appear to be injured, it is still a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Not only will this ensure you do not have a serious injury that isn’t currently visible, but it will also help to create a medical paper trail for when you file a claim.
It’s important to keep in mind that there are a variety of injuries you can sustain that may not be visible or immediately noticeable. This includes things like a concussion, internal bleeding, and whiplash.
You may also want to seek additional medical care later on if you were advised to do so or if you start to experience symptoms. Anytime you get medical care after the accident, make sure you hang onto any medical documents, doctor’s notes, or medical receipts so that you can use these later on for your claim.
Exchange Information
In Vancouver, Washington, you are legally obligated to exchange information with anyone you have been in an accident with. The same rule applies for large truck accidents on the highway, as you need to exchange insurance and contact information. If you are too injured to do so, this information will be available on the police report that you can access later on.
Document Evidence
If you haven’t been seriously injured in the accident, another step you should consider taking is documenting evidence. Things like minimal injuries and property damage can all be photographed or recorded to use for your claim later on. You can also take photos of the truck and the collision scene if you think that supports your case.
If there are any witnesses, you can ask for their contact information so that a witness statement can be used later on. Don’t worry about trying to record their statement at the scene of the collision as your attorney can do this for you.
You can later on and access the police report for the same types of evidence if you weren’t able to gather it on your own.
This could also be a good time to notify your insurance company regarding the nature of the accident. It is very important to report the accident within the correct time frame to ensure you get the coverage you need. Avoid providing too many details when you do this; simply report that an accident has occurred.
Truck Accident on Highway: What Comes Next?
Truck accident claims can be quite complex as there are multiple parties who may be responsible. Insurance companies can also be very difficult to negotiate with, which could result in you getting a lower settlement than you deserve.
Because of this, it is essential that you take the additional step of hiring a truck accident attorney in Vancouver to represent you. Not only will they help you build a strong case, but they will protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process. This includes negotiating on your behalf with insurance companies so that you don’t feel pressured into accepting a low offer.
An attorney can also help you navigate the complexities that may come up with your claim depending on the involved parties. Some claims are more straightforward, while others may result in a longer process, so you want to be prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Getting into a truck accident on the highway can come with devastating repercussions, especially if you have sustained bodily injuries. Following the correct steps after the accident will ensure you are safe, as well as help protect your rights to compensation when you file your claim later on.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers in Vancouver, Washington, are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping victims of truck accidents get the compensation they deserve. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
