Commercial Truck Accident: What Are the Steps to Take?

A South Carolina commercial truck accident has the potential to cause severe or fatal injuries, total multiple vehicles, and shut down roadways for hours of delays.

You must take any commercial truck accident seriously and explore your legal options if you’ve been injured—and that’s where we can help. Call Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370 to set up a time to talk now.

Immediate Safety Steps

Your immediate concern after a commercial truck accident should be the safety of everyone involved. First, if you’re physically able, check yourself and others for any injuries. Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers to the situation.

This will help reduce the risk of additional accidents and keep everyone safer as the situation is managed. Your safety and the safety of others is paramount in any accident. After an accident, there are critical steps to take to ensure everyone’s well-being and to properly manage the situation:

Check for Injuries: Before anything else, assess yourself and others involved in the commercial truck accident for any injuries. If someone is seriously injured, call emergency services immediately.
Activate Hazard Lights: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident. This helps prevent further collisions and ensures the safety of those at the scene.
Move to Safety: If possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe location away from traffic. This reduces the risk of additional accidents and allows emergency responders to access the scene easily.
Call Emergency Services: If there are injuries, or significant damage, or if you feel unsafe, call 911 immediately. Provide them with accurate information about the location and the situation.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. This includes names, phone numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers.
Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant landmarks. This documentation can be helpful for insurance claims and legal purposes.

Taking these steps after an accident can help ensure everyone’s safety, facilitate a smooth claims process, and protect you legally.

Seeking Medical Attention After a Commercial Truck Accident

Prompt medical attention is very important following an accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen if left untreated. Seeking professional care ensures your well-being and safeguards any potential personal injury claims.

Immediate Medical Evaluation: See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. This allows for prompt diagnosis and treatment of any injuries, preventing complications.
Thorough Examination: A healthcare professional will conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify both visible and hidden injuries.
Diagnostic Tests: Depending on your symptoms and the nature of the accident, the doctor may order X-rays, MRIs, or other tests to accurately diagnose your condition.
Treatment and Follow-Up: Based on the diagnosis, the doctor will recommend appropriate treatment and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Detailed Medical Records: Keep meticulous records of all medical visits, treatments, medications, and expenses related to the accident. These records will be essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Remember, your health and well-being are paramount. Seeking prompt medical attention and maintaining comprehensive records will protect your rights and facilitate a smooth recovery process.

Reporting the Commercial Truck Accident in Columbia, SC

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. When you speak with your insurer, provide accurate details about what occurred and share any documentation you have gathered, such as photos and witness statements. Your insurance company will guide you through the process of filing a claim and let you know what information they need from you.

Understanding Legal Options After a Commercial Truck Accident in Columbia, SC

After a commercial truck accident, it’s important to know your legal options. You might consider consulting a lawyer who focuses on truck accidents. These lawyers understand the specific laws and regulations that apply to commercial trucking and can help you determine the best course of action. They can advise you on your rights, potential claims against the truck driver or their employer, and what compensation you might be entitled to.

Hiring a lawyer can make navigating the legal system less daunting. They can handle the paperwork, communicate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Documenting the Experience

Documenting your experience after a commercial truck accident is essential. Start by keeping a comprehensive record of all medical expenses, including doctor visits, treatments, and prescriptions. It’s important to track repair costs for your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident. If the accident impacts your ability to work, document any lost wages and other financial losses.

Make sure to save copies of all correspondence with your insurance company, including emails, mailings, and notes from phone calls. Keep a log of the dates and details of each conversation. This will help you stay organized and provide a clear history of interactions if any disputes arise.

As we talked about earlier, photographs are a critical part of your documentation. Ensure you have clear images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These photos can serve as powerful evidence if you need to make a claim or go to court.

Additionally, maintain any receipts related to the accident, such as towing fees, rental car costs, and other expenses incurred due to the incident. These records can be used to support your claim for compensation.

Choose Peake & Fowler for Your Injury Claim

At Peake & Fowler, we are passionate about helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Reach out online or call us at 803-788-4370 to claim your free consultation now.