After a truck accident, your priority should be your safety and the safety of those around you. Once everyone is safe, it would be in your best interest to begin documenting the scene of the accident if you can.
Damage to your vehicle, other vehicles, and evidence of the accident can be fundamental when filing a claim. If you feel that you are entitled to compensation for damages caused by a truck accident, we can help.
Here’s what you should do at the scene of a truck accident:
Safety First
Make sure that you and any passengers in your vehicle are safe. Make sure to be wary of your surroundings, especially if you are in heavy traffic or an unfamiliar area.
If your car is still mobile, pull it over to a safe place such as the shoulder of the road or a nearby parking lot. You should ensure that you and others involved in the accident are out of traffic and imminent danger before proceeding.
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Seek Medical Attention
If you or a passenger suffers injuries, seek medical treatment immediately. Having a record of your injuries from a healthcare provider can be essential in documenting the extent of your injuries, including the cost of your treatment.
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File a Police Report
Contact the authorities and file a police report, even if it is a minor accident. In the state of Louisiana, it may be mandatory to report an accident. Accidents resulting in death or injury or property damage over $500 must be reported to authorities by law per RS 32:398.
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Request Information
Ask for information from the truck driver and anyone else who was involved in the accident. Useful information includes:
- Full names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license information
You may even want to request emails or social media pages to cover all bases of contact. Once the authorities arrive, you should also ask for the responding officer’s name, contact information, and badge number. In turn, give the responding officer your personal information, including your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
In the case of an accident involving a truck driver, you should write down the company’s name that they work for and request their employee identification or any other way to link them to their company. The company may be found liable and might need to pay you compensation for injuries and property damage.
An attorney from our firm also needs details and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident, as they can provide witness testimony.
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Call Your Insurance Agent
You should then notify your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. Inform them of the accident details. If they have correct information on file, they can process your claim promptly.
Request Copies of the Police Report
Obtain a copy of the police report to keep for insurance purposes and your records. You can request it directly from responding officers. Keeping records of your accident, including any documentation, can help you remember your accident’s details.
Document the Accident
Document the accident as much as possible. It is crucial to make an effort to document as much as you can, whether it be by using photos, video, or audio recordings.
Documenting the damage or injuries sustained can help provide evidence for your case. Thankfully, many people have access to smartphones that can take photos to record video. Dashcam footage is also helpful, as it can pinpoint the exact moment the accident occurred.
Take pictures of:
- Your vehicle
- The truck involved in the accident
- Other types of evidence of the accident, such as skid marks
Surveillance footage from traffic and security cameras can also be useful.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers for Help with Your Case
Try to contact us as soon as possible after the accident. Our attorneys can help you collect additional evidence of the accident to help build your case.
Due to the short statute of limitations for motor vehicle accidents in the state of Louisiana, it’s crucial to begin the process of filing a lawsuit as soon as possible. As per statute CC Art. 3492, we must file your lawsuit within one year of the accident.
Our Lafayette personal injury lawyers can collect evidence and represent you in court if you are recovering from your injuries. We can handle all communications between the parties involved, whether they be the police, insurance companies, or your healthcare provider. You deserve representation and protection during this difficult time.
If you have been involved in a truck accident and would like a free consultation to see if you have a case, call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers at (337) 777-7777 today.
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