In the United States, accidents involving commercial vehicles typically cause more damage and injury than a routine car accident. Because of the many risks associated with large trucks on the road, Indiana traffic law takes truck accidents very seriously. If you are involved in a truck accident in Indiana, you should take the following steps.
Call the Police
Regardless of the extent of damage or injuries, you should call the police. They can file an official report holding responsible parties accountable. This report is an important aspect of a personal injury claim.
Request an Ambulance If There Are Injuries
The law requires that non-injured parties in a vehicle accident immediately tend to the care of injured parties. If someone has been injured, make sure to request an ambulance while on the phone with 911.
If possible, move those who are injured from the scene to a safe place. However, if it appears that the injured party has suffered a head or spine injury, do not attempt to move them. Once the emergency response team arrives, they will handle the patient in a way that will not further aggravate the injuries.
Collect Names and Contact Info from Involved Parties
If you are able, get names and contact information from all who witnessed the accident. Should you file a personal injury claim, your attorney will need to speak with them.
Make sure to note if anyone noticed any unusual behavior in the other drivers involved. Anyone exhibiting signs of sleep deprivation or drunkenness should be reported to the responding police officers at the scene.
Collect Insurance, Driver’s License Info, and UDOT Numbers from the Involved Parties
In order for you and the other drivers to receive compensation for damages or injuries caused by the accident, you will need one another’s information. This includes information proving that the drivers involved have a valid driver’s license and insurance coverage for the state of Indiana. If truck drivers were involved, make sure to get their UDOT numbers.
Take Pictures of the Scene
If you can, take photos of the scene of the accident. Focus on the damage to your car, as well as damage to property around the scene where the accident took place. Additionally, take pictures of license plate numbers. Make sure to also take pictures of any injuries once the injured parties have been tended to.
Contact Your Insurance Company
As soon as you are able, contact your car insurance provider to file a claim. In the days following the accident, you may be contacted by insurance adjusters from the other drivers’ insurance companies. Decline to speak with them. Simply deal directly with your insurance company and your attorney.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney
The aftermath of an accident involving a commercial truck can be complex. Because several companies may be liable for the accident, they will all try to make the case that the other drivers (namely you) were at fault for the accident. Therefore, you should talk to a truck accident attorney right away. They will be able to advise you on your next steps.
Additionally, if you or someone you love was injured in an accident, you may be eligible for compensation. These damages include medical expenses, cost of ongoing treatment, damage to property, and even emotional losses sustained as a result of the accident.
For more information about how an Indiana attorney can help you with your truck accident case, contact Stewart & Stewart Attorneys at 800-333-3529 or visit our website.