31 Mar
Being in any type of car accident is a frightening experience. However, when the other vehicle is a semi-truck, this ordeal can be even more terrifying. The results that can occur from a tractor trailer-involved incident can be quite serious, so you want to know how to respond should this scary event occur. Here are reasons to be aware of what can occur in the case of an accident with a tractor trailer and some steps to take in order to protect your rights should you find yourself in a semi-truck accident in Texas:
What Can Happen in a Semi-Truck Accident?
When involved in any type of car accident, injuries and property damage can occur. When the car accident involves a semi-truck, the injuries can be more severe as can the damage to your vehicle. Also, tractor trailers are often associated with specific companies which will then get involved in any legal proceeding along with the insurance companies. In addition, a truck accident can cause long-term injuries and complex legal proceedings.
What Steps Should You Take if Involved in This Type of Incident?
If you are involved in a vehicle accident with a semi-truck, there are certain steps you should take to protect your legal rights in Texas. Here are some primary steps to take if you are in a car accident that involves a tractor trailer:
Contact the Police
Should an accident occur, you need to contact the police immediately. They’ll likely ask you about your location, if there are any injuries, and how many vehicles are involved. Make sure you’re in a safe location when you call the police.
Once the police officers arrive, they’ll tend to the accident scene, take statements, and gather details to aid them in creating a police report. They’ll ask for the driver’s licenses, insurance information, and any other pertinent documents from the individuals involved in the accident. Try to remain calm when contacting the police and providing information so they receive the accurate details.
Receive Medical Care
If anyone is injured at the accident scene, emergency medical care will be provided. After you leave the accident scene, make sure to follow up with any injuries that may have occurred that you didn’t need to have treated at the scene.
Exchange Insurance and Contact Information
While at the accident scene, exchange insurance information and contact details with the other individuals involved in the accident. The information may include names, addresses, and phone numbers, company name for the truck driver, commercial driver’s license number, VIN numbers, license plate numbers, insurance information, and car/truck details, such as make, model, color of the vehicles.
Take Photos at the Scene
Taking photos at the scene can help with your insurance claim and provide evidence of the accident. You should take photos of the vehicles, the location where it occurred, injuries, weather conditions, and any other relevant pieces of information.
Keep Accident Conversation to a Minimum
Although you should exchange contact information with the other parties involved, try to keep conversation to a minimum. Do not admit fault or say you have no injuries, as injuries may become apparent at a later time. Also, do not post anything on social media pages or speak with the trucking company or its insurance company.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should notify your insurance company right away. Let them know you’ve been involved in an accident and provide them with the details and answers to their questions.
Contact a Mechanic for Auto Repair Quote
You’ll want to get your vehicle into an auto repair shop so a mechanic can evaluate your car and provide you with a quote on how much it will cost to fix the damage and what needs to be done.
Continue Prescribed Medical Treatment
If you’ve been injured and prescribed medical treatment, make sure you follow your health professional’s recommended treatments and medical advice.
Contact a Texas Lawyer
Once you’ve completed all of the steps above, contact a Texas lawyer to find out about your options. There is a statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas, so you’ll want to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. A truck accident lawyer in Texas can answer the questions for you.
Trust Your Legal Representation Needs to Parks Law Firm
When you’re ready to contact a Texas lawyer, trust your legal representation needs to the Parks Law Firm. We will evaluate your personal injury case and provide you with the answers you seek regarding your legal rights. With an office in Hurst, Texas, Parks Law Firm offers legal representation throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and surrounding counties.
Contact Parks Law Firm today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your personal injury case!