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Free ConsultationBeing involved in a traffic collision of any kind is always a traumatic experience, not to mention that it could potentially leave you with life-changing physical, financial, and psychological losses. However, wrecks involving commercial tractor-trailers can often be especially devastating.
Knowing what steps to take after a semi-truck crash can help you respond proactively, even while dealing with the aftermath of the collision. Below are some first steps to take after a Philadelphia truck accident that you should keep in mind if you are ever involved in this type of collision.
Call 911
It may seem obvious now, but after being struck by a negligent truck driver, one thing that many people forget to do at first—or sometimes are encouraged not to do by a trucker who knows they are at fault for the wreck—is contact the police. Not only will this ensure there is an accident report, but it is also required by state law after any traffic collision resulting in significant property damage or physical injury.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
Another thing required by state law after a traffic accident—and accordingly, one of the first steps to take following a truck wreck in Philadelphia—is exchanging contact and insurance information with everyone involved in the crash. Depending on the circumstances, this may include not just the truck driver, but everyone else whose vehicle was caught up in the wreck to any degree—even people whose cars were parked nearby and unoccupied during the crash.
Gather Some Preliminary Evidence
Of course, anyone needing emergency medical attention after a collision with an 18-wheeler should prioritize their physical well-being and not worry about anything else listed here. However, if they are able to do so, truck crash victims can do a lot to help their future civil case prospects by gathering some information at the accident scene—for example:
- Taking pictures of all vehicle damage and the surrounding environment
- Getting contact information from eyewitnesses
Get a Medical Checkup Sooner Rather than Later
Finally, seeking professional medical attention is arguably the most important step after a Philadelphia truck crash, even if the crash did not seem to cause any serious injuries. Failing to get checked out and professionally diagnosed immediately after an accident can lead to subtle injuries getting much worse without treatment. Plus, insurance companies will likely try to use that lack of treatment as a reason to claim that crash-related injuries are not as serious as they are claimed to be; otherwise, the injured person would have sought treatment for them right away.
A Philadelphia Attorney Can Further Explain the Steps to Take After a Big Rig Collision
No two personal injury claims are exactly alike, and that is especially true for cases built around traffic collisions involving massive semi-trucks. That being said, there are some basic steps to take after a Philadelphia truck accident that will virtually always be helpful when it comes time to file suit over the wreck and demand fair compensation for the harm it has caused.
A qualified legal professional can discuss what you should and should not be doing after your accident in more detail during a confidential consultation. Schedule yours by calling today.
