What to Do if Involved in an Accident with a Tractor Trailer

Car accidents involving tractor trailers almost always result in considerable damage. While we can’t keep accidents from happening, we want to help prepare you so that in the case of an accident, you have this list of things to remember to do. Follow these steps and you’ll be better prepared for the aftermath of an accident.

Report the accident immediately

As soon as you are able, call 911 and report that you have been involved in an accident with a tractor trailer. If you are incapacitated or can’t find your phone, ask someone who witnessed the accident or someone in the vicinity to call for you. As law enforcement arrives make sure to give them an in-depth description of the accident. If you know of witnesses who saw the crash, politely ask the officer to speak with them as well. Before the officers leave make sure to ask the officer for a copy of the information, or at a minimum the name of the law enforcement agency, officer’s name, and crash report number.

Seek immediate medical attention

Injuries sustained in accidents can vary from minor to severe to life-threatening. If you are experiencing any pain as a result of the accident, immediately seek medical attention. If there are paramedics at the scene of the accident and you are hurt, ask for medical attention. Regardless of your auto insurance status, seek medical attention if you feel you need to. You will not be turned down for medical attention by the paramedics, ambulance or hospital. If you carry automobile insurance, your Personal Injury Protection will automatically cover the majority of the ambulance ride to the Emergency Room and the ER visit. If you don’t have insurance, the ambulance and hospital will treat you just the same.

Get the names and contact information for all witnesses

The more resources you provide us pertaining to the accident, the more tools we have to help you. Our office will immediately contact all witnesses and send a professional investigator to interview them. Witnesses you don’t personally know are called “independent observers” and they can provide crucial details of the accident.

Take photographs at the scene

If at all possible, find a way to take photographs of all vehicles involved and any road hazards that may have contributed to the accident (construction barriers, potholes, debris, etc). The more information the better. Following the accident, you will have one chance to get as much documentation and evidence of the accident so take advantage.

Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Call 1-800-CALL-DAN. The experienced and friendly staff at Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys are always ready to offer free advice to you concerning your auto accident. Before speaking with the insurance company make sure to give us a call. We would be more than happy to give you advice free of charge. We’re here to help.