Most Michigan drivers probably know the basic steps to take after a car accident. You check for injuries, call the police, exchange information with the other driver and file a claim with your insurance company.
When you are in an accident with a large truck, the situation is a little bit different.
You are not only more likely to have suffered serious injuries, due to the large size of the truck, but the truck driver was technically “working” at the time of the crash, so you will need to collect additional information.
Move to a safe place
You should perform the same steps as you would after any other motor vehicle accident. Do not move anyone who appears to be injured and call 911 immediately.
Move both vehicles to the side of the road if you can and turn your hazard lights on. Do not say you are sorry or express remorse that the accident happened to the truck driver, the police or any other witnesses at the scene.
This could be seen as an admission that the accident was your fault, and many truck accidents are caused by truck drivers. Fatigue and distracted driving by truckers are two of the biggest causes of truck accidents.
Information and photos
If possible, exchange information with the truck driver and any other drivers or passengers. In addition to getting the truck driver’s name, obtain their truck driver license number, license plate number, the name of their employer and insurance information.
Take pictures of the truck and the accident scene. These could be important evidence.
Obtain medical treatment
Go to the hospital to treat any injuries, or for a thorough checkup, even if you think you are not injured. Some truck accident injuries are not immediately apparent.
If your truck accident was caused by a negligent truck driver, compensation could be available to you through a personal injury action claiming negligence.