A truck accident is a sudden and shocking event that can leave victims seriously injured and confused about what happens next. If you suffered injuries in a truck wreck, you may be entitled to compensation if negligence caused the collision. A successful claim starts with the collection of evidence and key facts, but safeguarding your health after a wreck is the most important step of all.
Knowing the first steps to take after a Pasadena truck accident can make a significant difference for your health, safety, and potential financial recovery. An experienced tractor-trailer crash attorney from our firm can guide you through those steps and help protect your rights.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Driver error, fatigue, or other forms of negligence frequently cause truck collisions. However, mechanical failures, manufacturing defects, and other causes can also contribute. Common factors in truck accidents can include:
- Improper training
- Distracted driving
- Aggressive driving
- Defective equipment
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Poor weather or road conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Noncompliance with federal and state driving-hour limits
After a serious big rig collision in Pasadena, one of our skilled attorneys can help prove negligence and damages and provide guidance on what to do immediately after.
First Steps To Take After a Truck Accident
There are several things drivers and passengers should do after being involved in a truck accident.
Check for Injuries and Get Help
Make sure you and any passengers are safe and call 911 if you are able to. Some injuries might not be obvious, so be sure to accept treatment from paramedics on the scene if available. Every minute matters at this stage, so your priority should be staying safe and getting immediate medical treatment.
Collect Information
Try to identify any witnesses to the wreck and get their information. Assist law enforcement in making their reports and obtain any other information you can from the accident scene. Pictures of road conditions, hazards, landmarks, or other features can be useful during a personal injury claim. If you can, take note of any nearby buildings or traffic signals that might have surveillance footage available.
Call Your Insurance Provider
Most insurance companies require their covered drivers to call as soon as possible to report the wreck. You should do so to comply with your policy and make sure the insurer opens a claim. However, avoid making any statements about what caused the crash, how you were involved, or any statements that might admit fault. Insurance companies can use such statements against you later, so just provide basic information. Wait until you meet with a lawyer before giving a more detailed statement to an insurance adjuster.
Contact an Attorney
After receiving medical care, an important next step for truck crash victims in Pasadena is to speak with a lawyer. Our attorneys have experience handling truck accident claims and can help by collecting evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Call a Pasadena Lawyer To Take the Next Step in Your Semi-Truck Wreck Claim
Knowing the first steps to take after a Pasadena truck accident is critical to your health, safety, and success in an injury claim. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a truck crash, a dedicated attorney from our firm can investigate your case and pursue financial recovery. Call Williams Hart & Boundas today to schedule a free consultation.