Getting involved in a traffic incident can be a physically and emotionally overwhelming experience. In the blink of an eye, victims might be left with lasting trauma and monetary loss and little to no way to pay for all their damages through insurance or out-of-pocket. These types of accidents can cause loads of stress to victims. It is important to protect your rights and know what to do if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being injured in a crash. You don’t want to add any more issues if you’re unaware of what to do. In this article, we will briefly discuss the steps you can take after an accident to protect your legal rights in North Carolina.
Stopping and Checking for Injuries
Regardless of your fault in the crash, you should stop at the side of the road at a safe spot away from busy traffic. Removing your vehicle from the road will help prevent any further collisions and allow you to process the incident. It is important to remember that fleeing the site of an accident is a criminal offense punishable by state hit-and-run laws. Once you have stopped your vehicle, you should check yourself and any passengers for signs of physical injuries, such as visible bleeding, loss of consciousness, or apparent fractures. It’s important to make sure you are safe and in a good position before making any sudden movements.
Calling for Help
Once you get yourself and others out of immediate danger, you should call 911. You need to request emergency medical services and report the situation to the police. Health and safety should be your top priorities, and getting emergency medical assistance can be lifesaving. Especially if you or anyone else involved in the incident acquired serious physical harm. It’s important to assess the situation and remain calm. You don’t want to accidentally hurt yourself more if you’re moving around unnecessarily.
Exchanging Contact Information
You should exchange contact information with the truck driver to keep in contact with them after the crash. This includes names, phone numbers, email addresses, license and registration, insurance information, and other details that might be helpful later. If the truck is a commercial vehicle, you should also obtain the name and contact information of their employer. The incident must be reported to them on time. It is crucial to remain calm and non-confrontational and wait for the police to arrive instead of placing blame on anyone prematurely. You don’t want to say anything to the driver that could be used against you.
Collecting Physical Evidence
Depending on your state of health, you should ask someone else to do it on your behalf or try to collect physical evidence yourself. Some forms of physical evidence include photos and videos of the incident site. You should also document vehicles, physical injuries, and brief eyewitness statements related to the incident. Don’t forget to write down the official badge numbers and names of the reporting police officers, along with a copy of the police report. These documents will help you build a strong claim that you can present to an attorney. These are crucial details that you don’t want to miss.
Reporting to Insurance Provider
Your insurance provider needs to be notified as soon as possible after the incident. You should include the physical evidence you collected from the site of the disaster and a copy of the official police report related to the incident to file an insurance claim. Depending on your coverage, your insurance company will provide compensation for your damage or let you know your options to recover your losses. This is valuable information to provide as they need to keep this on your record. They will review what you are owed and make sure you are taken care of.
Consulting a Lawyer
If you got injured in a vehicle collision, you should consult an experienced truck accident lawyer at Riddle & Brantley in North Carolina as soon as you can. Your lawyer will provide expert legal advice regarding the various legal options available to you and guide you through the complicated process of filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver. They will also represent you in court and fight for your legal rights. They understand how the system works and will make sure it works in your favor. Their knowledge is necessary if you want to win your case and receive financial compensation.
Conclusion
Getting injured in a truck accident can be an intensely traumatic experience. Although it is challenging to maintain composure and think clearly, following the above steps after the incident protects your legal rights and ensures protection from infringement from another individual or entity. You don’t want to do anything that puts you at risk of being at fault. It’s important to do the proper research necessary to build a strong claim. Once you have all the documentation, it’s in your best interest to reach out to a strong legal team. They will review your case and make sure you get the justice you deserve.
