Yale Haymond Law PLLC’s truck accident lawyer understands the complex aftermath and dangers of truck accidents. The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks make these accidents particularly devastating, and survivors may have overwhelming questions about their next steps. Understanding what to do after a truck accident can protect the person’s long-term health and their legal rights, especially by taking a few important steps immediately following a crash.
At the Scene: Immediate Actions To Take After a Collision
The moments following a truck collision may require quick thinking. Victims should prioritize their safety first and foremost. Preserving evidence may also become crucial later.
If they are able to do so, the victims should assess the injuries among all parties involved. Anyone with serious injuries needs immediate medical attention and ambulance services. Avoid moving severely injured individuals unless an immediate danger exists, such as fire.
Knowing what to do after a truck accident includes thinking about preventing additional collisions, especially on busy highways. If possible, the drivers should relocate their vehicles away from the traffic flow and use flares and bright warning signs to alert oncoming traffic.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Charlotte
In 2024, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 3,153 injuries as a result of vehicle crashes in North Carolina. By law, these situations require police notification to document property damage, injury, or death. Officers document the scene and gather statements, providing an official report that becomes a vital piece of evidence.
Note This Evidence at the Scene
At the scene, evidence collection can include photographing:
All vehicles involved, including the commercial truck
Road conditions
Weather factors
Traffic signs
Debris
Skid marks
Visible injuries
Objective documentation fills in the gaps where memories and statements fail.
Exchange Information Between Drivers and Victims
Professionals like Yale Haymond Law PLLC emphasize that understanding what to do after a truck accident won’t help a claim without access to certain details. Drivers and victims must exchange specific information before leaving the scene, including contact details, driver's license numbers, vehicle registration information, and insurance details.
Gather Medical Documentation
Even when injuries seem minor, medical evaluation remains critical. Crash injuries often manifest symptoms only hours or days after the accident, and delaying medical treatment can complicate recovery. Delays also weaken insurance claims.
Working With Insurance Companies in Charlotte
The final step after lodging claims might be to contact the insurance companies involved (or have the victim’s truck accident lawyers in Charlotte take care of this step). When another party caused the accident, victims must also notify that insurance company or the trucking company's insurance carrier.
After a Charlotte truck accident, attorney guidance can be invaluable. North Carolina victims should also exercise caution when discussing accidents publicly, as insurance adjusters leverage social media for statements that contradict claims.
About Yale Haymond Law PLLC
Now that you know what to do after a truck accident, advice in North Carolina can streamline truck accident cases, including negotiations with insurance companies. Victims and their families may contact Yale Haymond Law PLLC at (704) 800-4357 for more guidance on what to do after a truck accident in Charlotte or the surrounding communities.
