In the United States, the number of car accidents involving semi-trucks is going up. Each year, about 130,000 people are hurt in truck accidents.
Semi-trucks, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and go by names like “tractor-trailer,” “18-wheeler, big rig,” etc., are the most common way to move goods from one end of the United States to the other and across the whole country.
If a large commercial truck like a semi truck and a passenger car get into an accident, the results can be very bad.
Most severe and life-threatening injuries happen to people who are riding in cars or on motorcycles. Due to their size and weight, semi trucks can do a lot of damage when they hit a car.
Broken bones, injuries to the legs, neck, back, spinal cord, internal bleeding, head injuries, and whiplash are all possible. These injuries could cost a lot of money and require a lot of medical care.
Even though there are many rules and laws to keep people safe and prevent accidents from happening, they still do.
If a semi truck accident does happen, this article will help you understand what you need to do and what steps to take to make sure everyone is safe.
When you are in a car accident with a semi truck, you may not know what to do next. You may feel overwhelmed, confused, or in shock. What you do next after your car hits a semi-truck is very important and necessary.
What you do in the next few minutes, hours, and days will make a big difference in how things turn out. It could also cause bad things to happen. There are things you can do to avoid a lawsuit and keep your losses as low as possible.
This article covers 10 Steps to Take After Getting in a Car Accident with a Semi-Truck and what you need to know about the law if you’ve been in a semi truck accident.
Also read: Motorcycle Accident Guide
Who is at Fault in a Car Accident with a Semi-Truck?
Truck accidents can happen so quickly that victims may not be able to determine who is to blame. To find out, speak with a lawyer. To determine who is to blame for a semi-truck hitting a car, a truck accident attorney or accident investigation expert is required.
It is not always the case that the truck driver is to blame for the collision. Learn more about how semi truck lawyers and investigation experts determine fault in a car accident.
However, this is frequently the case. A semi-truck driver is likely to make mistakes, such as:
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Driving too fast for the circumstances
- Driving while distracted
- Driving while tired and sleepy
- Failure to yield
What to do when you’ve had a car accident with semi truck
If you’ve been in a car accident, this checklist from the Insurance Information Institute should help you make important decisions.
- Examine Yourself for Injuries
After colliding with another truck, the first thing you should do is check for injuries and ensure your safety. If you are injured or need assistance, dial 911 immediately. - Please do not move if you are seriously injured and wait for emergency personnel.
- Inspect Your Passengers’ Wellbeing
If you are not too injured to move, you can check on other passengers. If anyone has been injured, call 911 immediately. - You should be aware that unless you have medical training, you are not permitted to touch, move, or assist the injured. A car accident involving a semi-truck should be handled by someone who is not medically trained.
- Get yourself and the other passengers to safety
If you are certain you can move, go to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If anyone is in immediate danger, such as a fire outbreak (petroleum convoying trucks), move them calmly to a safer location where medical experts can reach them upon arrival. - Pull your car to the side of the road if it is safe to drive and is causing a hazard where it is. If driving is dangerous, you can leave it and go to safety.
- Make a Police Report
It makes no difference how minor the accident appears to be. Do not resolve the issue between yourself and the other party. The best thing you can do is call the police. The officers who respond to your call will file an accident report and photograph the scene. Make sure you give them a detailed and accurate account of your semi truck accident. Be truthful, but don’t let your emotions cloud your interpretation of the other party’s actions.
- Call an accident attorney or insurance company
After an accident, call an accident lawyer or your insurance company right away. Talk to your family or personal lawyer if you can’t reach an experienced accident lawyer or insurance company. Your insurance company can help you figure out what to do next and what to expect during the claims process. Also, to show you what to do after an accident. It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer about an accident. Be truthful and give all the details, even if it looks like you’re at fault. - Tell each other things
After making sure you and your passengers are safe, be sure to give the other driver your contact information and insurance information. You should ask every driver involved in an accident for information. Here are some important things to talk about after an accident:
- Name, full address, phone number, and driver’s license.
- Location and time of accident Number of cars involved Type, color, and model of cars
- License and number of the license plate
- Insurance companies, policy numbers, and how to get in touch with insurance agents
- Document the Accident
It is important to write down all the possible problems. To keep yourself safe, we suggest the following steps:
- Find the police officers. When the police arrive, find out who they are and write down the numbers on their badges.
- Get report copy. Ask the police officers who are there how to get a copy of the accident report. When you make a car insurance claim, your insurance company may ask for a copy.
- Take photos. Take pictures of both cars from different points of view to show what happened. You might also want to take a picture of the other car’s license plate. During the claims process, you may be able to send photos to your insurer to help back up your claim.
- Take names. Write down the names and addresses of everyone involved, even the people in the other car.
- Talk to people who saw it. Write down the names and phone numbers of people who saw the accident.
- Make a record of Your car. You can keep a copy of the accident report in your car if you can.
- Don’t say too much and don’t overreact.
Don’t get too upset at the accident scene because what you say can be recorded and used against you when you file for compensation. Keep your cool and tell the police in a few words what happened. Make sure you do everything you can to say less. - Don’t say anything until you’ve talked to your lawyer.
Insurance companies for trucks are trying to save money. They want you to pay less than the full amount. They will try to get in touch with you as soon as possible and try to talk you into settling for less. Don’t say anything to them. Tell the police what you know. When insurance agents call you, it is very important to let an accident expert or your injury lawyer tell you what to say and how to answer their questions. - Start making claims.
When a car accident involves a semi truck, it’s best to let your car accident lawyer do the talking and take care of the case. An accident lawyer with a lot of experience knows how to play the insurance game of chess better than you do. Most of the time, they are the only way to get full payment.
Don’t trust just any law firm to look out for your rights. Make sure your lawyer or law firm is trusted and experienced
Major reasons to call the Police after a car accident with semi truck
- The law requires you to contact the police. Failure to do so may result in additional penalties, especially if someone is injured, blocking traffic, or causing property damage.
- A police report can assist you in establishing liability. A police report can assist you in determining who is to blame. There’s a chance that even if you crashed your car or SUV into the semi truck, the accident wasn’t your fault.
- A police report would protect you from fraud. A driver could use you to file false insurance claims. You might think the accident was staged. You can find out if this is true by calling the police.
Conclusion
No one enjoys colliding with a large trucks. However, the steps outlined above will assist you in avoiding unwarranted anxiety and penalties. This will enable the semi-truck insurer or you to repair your vehicle as quickly as possible.
It is also essential to maintain composure and a clear head at the scene. Leave it to the accident attorneys or your insurer to determine whether the accident was your fault or not. Maintain your composure and a level head, regardless of who you believe is responsible for the accident.
Remember to see a doctor after the accident, even if you appear fine. Share information with law enforcement. Photograph the scene.
Do not communicate with anyone other than the police or an accident attorney.
If you follow this guide precisely, I am confident that it will be of great assistance in the event of a collision with a semi-truck.