Collisions between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks are often devastating for the passenger vehicle occupants because 18-wheelers are so much heavier than cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks. It’s not uncommon for people involved in a collision with a big rig to sustain debilitating and even fatal injuries.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, of the roughly 415,000 large truck collisions in 2015, 3,598 were fatal and many more caused serious injuries. Unless both regular motorists and commercial truck drivers make an effort to reduce the risk of causing a serious accident, these numbers are going to remain fairly steady from year to year.
For example, truckers need to make sure they’re well rested before hitting the road, and passenger vehicle drivers should always exercise caution and avoid blind spots when overtaking tractor-trailers. If you were hurt in a truck accident despite following all the rules of the road, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you incurred.
Contact The Heilman Law Group to discuss your case with a compassionate and experienced truck accident attorney in Jackson. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a case evaluation.
Read on to learn what you should do following a collision with a commercial truck
- Seek Medical Attention
Some soft tissue injuries do not exhibit symptoms immediately after impact, so even if you feel fine, it is essential that you visit a doctor for a thorough exam as soon as possible. Failing to seek adequate medical care will not only jeopardize your health, but it could also compromise your ability to file a successful personal injury claim.
- Call the Police
Because trucks are so large, the spread of debris following a collision can reach a lot farther than most people realize. Call the police immediately following the accident so they can direct traffic away from the wreckage and prevent a subsequent collision. Police will also draft an official accident report and dispatch an ambulance to treat injuries.
- Take Photos of the Damage
If you are physically able to get up and walk around, take photos of the accident scene after police have started directing traffic away from it. Make sure you shoot from multiple angles and varied distances so you capture everything.
- Get the Truck’s U.S. Department of Transportation Number
All companies that rely on commercial vehicles to transport goods or passengers must have a USDOT number. Your truck accident attorney will need this number in order to obtain critical evidence like data from the truck’s event data recorder.
- Gather All Contact and Insurance Information
If multiple vehicles were involved in the collision, gather all of the other motorists’ contact and insurance information. You should also get the contact information of any passengers or eyewitnesses because their testimony could serve to strengthen your claim.
If you were hurt in a truck accident and you want to hold the transportation company accountable, contact The Heilman Law Group. Call 601-914-1025 to schedule a consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Jackson. You can learn more about truck accident claims in Mississippi by visiting USAttorneys.com.
