Every 15 minutes in the United States, someone is killed or seriously injured due to a trucking accident. In fact, according to trucking accident statistics, around 500,000 trucking incidents occur each year in the United States, with about 5,000 per year resulting in death.
Step-by-Step After a Truck Accident
For truck drivers involved in an accident, it’s essential to take the right steps to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being following the event. There are things the driver can do to preserve the rights and legal options following a crash.
Call the Authorities
In most trucking accident situations, a call to 911 is essential. If you’re on a highway, the 911 dispatcher will route your call to local law enforcement and emergency responders. Let the dispatcher know how many people and vehicles are involved in the accident to ensure they send out the necessary emergency services. Even if the crash seems minor, complete a police report as this is the best way to have immediate documentation of the accident.
Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. You may have suffered internal injuries that don’t show immediate symptoms. If you end up requiring medical attention later for an injury, it may be hard to prove that it was related to the trucking accident.
Document Any Evidence
Documenting the scene is something truck drivers should only do if they’re uninjured and it’s safe to be out of their vehicle and walking around. If you’re on a busy highway and the police aren’t yet there to direct traffic, you wouldn’t want to be out on the road.
Documentation should include photos, contact information for others involved in the trucking accident, and other notes about road and weather conditions. Documentation also includes gathering information from other involved parties such as the driver’s name, address, email contact, insurance information, and license number.
Contact Truck Insurance Provider
After a trucking accident, a driver should get in touch with the company they’re driving for and their insurance provider. Having trucking liability insurance is essential to keeping trucks, inventory, drivers, the company, and others affected by a trucking accident safe. This kind of coverage helps to pay out damages, legal fees, medical payments, and job interruption. A truck driver should contact the truck insurance provider right away so they can start their processing.
About Western Truck Insurance Services
Western Truck Insurance Services is a commercial truck insurance agency with roots dating back to 1954. We have evolved into a highly respected, professionally managed, truck, and transportation insurance brokerage. The hallmark of our organization is our desire to provide unparalleled service. We go way beyond what you expect to receive from an insurance brokerage. Equipped with state of the art automation, Western Truck Insurance can provide you with lightning fast truck insurance quotes, customer service, Insurance certificates, and coverage changes. Contact us today at (800) 937-8785 to learn more!