Trucking Accidents

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Quick Info: Truck Driver Accident Procedures

When you compare the weight of an 18-wheeler (147,000 lbs. maximum in Florida) to that of a passenger vehicle (approximately 4,000 lbs.), it is no wonder that accidents involving trucks can lead to catastrophic injuries and death. Yet, everyday truck drivers risk their lives to complete their routes. Truck accidents are subject to much stricter procedures than those involving just passenger vehicles. The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) actually create regulations for truck drivers and trucking companies and will monitor and even audit those companies involved in certain accidents.

For truck drivers, be sure to follow these truck driver accident procedures to protect yourself and your legal rights.

Truck Driver Accident Procedures

Check for Injuries

Evaluate yourself and any other passengers for injuries. If the accident is serious enough, failure to act quickly could result in someone’s death or a debilitating injury. If you can safely get out of the truck, see if anyone else involved in the accident is injured, but only offer assistance if you have proper training.

Call for medical assistance, even if it appears no one is seriously injured.

Secure the Scene

Place reflectors around your truck, so other drivers can proceed with caution.

Contact Law Enforcement

Call 911 as soon as possible to request that an officer come out to investigate. An official police report provides a neutral party’s evaluation of the accident that can indicate liability. This is an incredibly important document to your case.

Request a copy of the accident report from the police officer. If for some reason you are not able to, you can access these records at any time by contacting the police department.

Keep in mind that if the accident qualifies as a reportable accident under the DOT’s standards, you also need to complete and file a DOT accident report.

Get Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, have an evaluation done by the medical personnel on scene. Sometimes symptoms, ailments, or injuries do not immediately appear, but within days or weeks you could feel the effects of the accident.

Having medical documentation of your injuries is crucial to your case. If you are unable to be treated on scene, go to a doctor’s office or hospital, preferably on the day of the accident. Having a thorough check done will help you when it comes time to prove that your injury is related to the accident.

It is also important that you follow all medical recommendations and attend any follow-up appointments. Failing to do this gives the other party reason to believe that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.

Document the Scene

Do not rely solely on the police report as documentation of the accident. Use your cell phone to document the scene by taking pictures of:

The accident scene
All vehicles involved, including the damage to the vehicles
Weather conditions
Street signs and road names

Marks on the road
Bodily injuries and
Anything else that paints a picture of the scene

In this type of accident, it is better to have too much information than not enough.

Exchange Necessary Information with Others at the Scene

Be sure to get the essential information of everyone involved in the accident. This includes:

Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses
Driver’s license numbers
License plate numbers and
Insurance company names and policy numbers

If there are witnesses at the scene, collect their contact information too, as they may offer key statements for your case.

Contact the Dispatcher

Notify your dispatcher of the accident and follow any protocols that your company has in place.

Do Not Admit Fault

No matter whom you are speaking with, choose your words carefully and avoid hinting at any fault. Something as simple as “I’m sorry” or “that came out of nowhere” can be detrimental to your financial recovery.

Speak with a Truck Accident Lawyer

To protect your rights, consult with an experienced semi accident lawyer. Your attorney can speak on your behalf, so you do not provide any detrimental statements when communicating with insurance companies or attorneys for opposing parties.

A truck accident lawyer can also help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim, so you do not feel the financial strain of being in an accident.

Is There a Trucking Accident Lawyer Near Me?

At Lady Law Group, we provide legal assistance to truck drivers in South Florida and Miami. When you call us, you will speak directly with a lawyer. We help our clients from beginning to end, ensuring you have what you need to recover. Speak with a truck accident lawyer in Miami, Florida, by contacting the Lady Law Group today.