The 4 Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Commercial Truck

Truck Accident Lawyer Bristol, TN

Being hit by a commercial truck can be incredibly scary for a car driver, who was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. It is common for the car driver to suffer the worst of the injuries in the event of an accident. An attorney recommends seeking legal representation if you decide to take the trucker and/or trucking company to court for compensation. Many drivers who became victims in commercial truck accidents may not realize the extent to how much restitution they could be awarded.

In the article below, we have summarized in four steps, what you can do after being hit by a commercial truck in order to handle the situation with diligence.

#1 Call 911 Right Away

It can be surprising if a car driver recently struck by a huge commercial truck, walks away without anything more than a scrape or bruise. Even if the commercial truck was moving slowly, substantial damage can still be caused to the other driver. An attorney suggests that the victim of such a collision calls 911 right away for help. A police officer and medical team should arrive shortly. In the meantime, you can assess yourself for injuries by applying gentle pressure to your most vital areas. That way, when the medical team does arrive you can let them know what parts of your body may require the most immediate attention.

#2 Exchange Information

Unless you have been rushed off to the hospital, exchange information with the truck driver. If you sense hostility or even anger from the trucker despite him or her being at-fault for the accident, you can wait until police arrive to handle the situation. Information to obtain from the trucker include:

• First and last name
• Current address and phone number
• Trucking company name
• Insurance carrier
• Driver’s license number

#3 Contact Your Insurance Company

Reach out to your insurer the same day the accident happened, unless you are unable to due to being hospitalized. After you file a claim with your insurance company, you may be asked to write an official statement about what happened. An attorney recommends talking with an attorney first, before answering any questions. While providing a statement may seem like an innocent request, it could be a tactic to get you to say something that negatively impacts your side of the story. While an insurer may seem to be on your side, remember that they also have to save their company money too.

#4 File a Lawsuit

Once all the above steps have been taken, many drivers consider meeting with a truck accident lawyer Bristol, TN trusts from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for legal support. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the trucker and trucking company for the collision. You may want to start a file that includes all medical care receipts, photographs of the scene, names of witnesses, vehicle repair cost estimates and a copy of the official police report, as these documents can be influential in your case.