Arkansas has unfortunately seen its fair share of truck accidents in recent years. Truck accidents often have devastating consequences, making it crucial to know how to respond if you find yourself involved in one.
Several steps can help protect your rights in the event of an Arkansas truck accident. These steps will not only help maintain your safety on the scene but also begin the documentation process for a potential lawsuit later. Much of the evidence used in a truck accident case can be obtained on the scene using your phone. After you have received medical care, our firm can guide you on what steps to take next.
Call us today at (479) 316-0438 to speak with our Arkansas personal injury attorneys and receive your free case evaluation.
What Steps Should I Take at the Scene After a Truck Accident in Arkansas?
Experiencing a truck accident in Arkansas is a traumatic and unsettling event. It is often an unexpected occurrence, leaving the victims confused and disoriented in the aftermath of the crash.
The actions taken following a truck accident are crucial and could significantly affect the victim’s ability to receive compensation for their injuries and other damages. Our Arkansas truck accident attorneys are dedicated to helping victims hold the responsible parties accountable. Truck accidents typically result in severe injuries, making it even more important to follow the appropriate steps in the aftermath of the accident.
Ensure that You Are Safe
If you find yourself in a truck accident, it is crucial to prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. The first step is to move to a safe location, if possible, to avoid any further harm. Once you’re in a secure place, remember to turn on your hazard lights and use any warning devices available to alert oncoming traffic of the accident. This will help prevent any additional collisions or injuries.
Call 911 Immediately
If you ever find yourself involved in a truck accident, prioritizing your safety and well-being is of utmost importance. Your first step should be to call 911, which will notify the police and medical personnel of the incident. After ensuring that you are safe, the police will take charge of securing the accident site and sending medical help to those who need it.
Apart from ensuring that everyone’s health is attended to, the police will also conduct a preliminary investigation of the accident scene and prepare an accident report. This report will contain critical information that our attorneys can use to help settle your case or take it to trial. In case you suspect that the other parties involved are not being truthful, it is advisable to inform the police.
Get the Truck Driver’s Information
In addition to including this information in the police report, it is crucial to gather the contact information of all other drivers who were involved in the accident. This includes their full name, phone number, and insurance details such as the policy number and provider. Having this information on hand can help with any potential legal or insurance issues that might arise in the future.
Be sure to get not only the truck driver’s personal contact information but also the information for the company they work for. In many cases, the trucking company that employs the driver can be held responsible for the accident its driver caused.
Collect Information from Witnesses on the Scene
When it comes to determining fault in an accident, testimony from unbiased witnesses is highly valued over statements from the drivers involved. It is possible that the police report will contain this information, but our office will make it a priority to speak with any witnesses promptly. In some cases, witnesses might have left the scene before the police arrived, and we will make every effort to speak with anyone who saw the accident, regardless of whether their account matches your own recollection of events.
Take Photographs and Videos of the Scene
In today’s world, it is not uncommon for people to carry a smartphone with a camera. In the event of a truck accident, this can be a valuable asset. To provide the court with a comprehensive overview of what occurred, it is important to capture photos and videos of the accident scene from numerous angles.
Do not hesitate to take multiple pictures of the trucks, the damage caused, and the road surface. The more pictures you take, the better. Moreover, document any injuries that you or your passengers might have sustained.
Taking pictures of the surroundings, such as street signs and landmarks, can be helpful as well. All of this information can be used to build a strong case and ensure that justice is served.
Get Medical Treatment Immediately
To get medical care for a truck accident, start by calling emergency services to report the incident and ask for medical assistance if needed. The dispatchers will also usually inform the law enforcement authorities of the accident at this point.
Some injuries might not be apparent at the time of the accident, and it could take days or even weeks for symptoms to surface, especially in the case of head and muscle injuries. The adrenaline rush experienced during the accident can sometimes mask the pain and the severity of the injuries. Therefore, it is recommended to visit a hospital for an examination even if you feel fine after the accident.
Seeking medical attention not only helps to ensure your well-being but also plays a critical role in pursuing an injury claim. Documenting your injuries and treatment is essential if you decide to work with an insurance provider or file a lawsuit. Therefore, it is imperative to keep a record of your medical visits and any prescribed medications to support your injury claim.
Do Not Admit Fault
If you have been in an accident, it is crucial that you do not admit fault, as doing so could potentially harm your case. When the police and your insurance provider arrive at the scene, it is important to provide them with a factual statement, but that does not mean you need to admit to causing the accident.
If you have to speak with an insurance company, remember that insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their ultimate goal is to limit or even eliminate any liability on their part. Therefore, it is essential to be careful with what you say and stick to the facts.
If the insurance company offers you a settlement, it is highly recommended that you speak with a qualified legal representative before agreeing to anything. This is because once you accept their offer, you might be barred from seeking additional compensation in the future, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than originally thought.
Our Arkansas Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help if You Have Been Injured by a Negligent Truck Driver
For a free case review with our Bella Vista, AR truck accident lawyers, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.