Things You Should Know After Being Involved in a Semi-Truck Accident
Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran
An auto accident can be disorienting and scary, even more so if a large truck is involved. These massive vehicles can add more damage, more injuries, and even death in an accident.
With over three million semi-trucks on the roads, there is always a strong possibility that you or someone you love will be involved in a semi-truck accident. Here are six things to know if you ever do find yourself in one.
1. Wait for Help to Arrive
Call for help for those injured first. Stay at the crash scene, and observe everything around you.
Once the police officer arrives, they will document the scene. Even if the driver admits fault, the company he works for and its insurance company are skilled in cases such as this, weighing each piece of evidence closely. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible. To have a chance, you’ll need to do your part in helping to preserve evidence.
2. Take Photos or Videos
When it’s safe to do so, walk around the crash scene and take photos of each vehicle’s position and damage, the roadways, and intersections. Are there skid marks or car or truck parts strewn in the road? If possible, take a video of the surroundings to also use as evidence.
3. Exchange Insurance Information
Regardless of fault, each driver needs to gather information from all vehicles involved. Write down, or better yet, take photos of the truck driver’s license plate, driver’s license, and insurance card. Get phone numbers of all involved parties.
4. Avoid Making Statements
You may not be aware of everything happening at the time of the accident, so avoid making any definitive fault statements. For instance, a sign at the intersection may have been down, resulting in the truck running a stop sign. Don’t admit to blame for the accident since this missing sign may have been the actual cause.
Legal issues surrounding semi-truck accident in Michigan are incredibly complex, and proving liability is a challenge. Being a no-fault state, insurance may not cover the amount of compensation needed for medical expenses and lost wages. Hiring an experienced Michigan truck accident lawyer may be your best option to recover damages.
5. Keep Records
Be sure to keep all accident records together, including the police report, photos, videos, medical treatment records, and witness contact information. These can help prove the extent of your injuries and damage to your vehicle. Make digital copies, if possible, and store these on your Cloud.
6. Seek Legal Advice
Car drivers are often at fault for accidents involving semi-trucks. This is the premise from which the truck accident insurers will be focused. To receive the compensation you deserve, seek legal advice from an expert vehicle accident attorney.
A Michigan truck accident attorney knows how to work with the trucking companies and insurers and create a successful legal strategy. They can even file a wrongful death case if the death of a loved one has tragically occurred. Of the over 4,000 deaths caused in truck accidents, 67% of those deaths were passenger car occupants.
Contact Our Michigan Truck Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been in a semi-truck accident in Michigan, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can provide the legal support and strategy you need to file a claim. Give us a call today at 866-MICH-LAW for a free consultation.
Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.
