Truck accidents can be violent and catastrophic incidents. It is normal to be overwhelmed in the aftermath, but the steps you take might be vital to your injury claim, health, and safety. No matter who or what caused the accident, it is vital to understand what to do next. If you are ever in a Utah truck accident, follow these seven steps.
Remember, one thing you should always do is contact a Utah truck accident attorney. They can investigate the crash and protect your legal rights while pursuing compensation for your losses.
Find a Safe Location
If you can, move your car off the roadway and away from danger. Put the vehicle in park and turn it off. However, you might not be able to move your car out of traffic. If this happens, turn off the vehicle and walk to a safe location. During this time, check yourself for any injuries and photograph them. Once you check yourself for injuries, ensure that any passengers, witnesses, and other drivers are safe.
Call the Police
Calling the police does not necessarily mean you are admitting fault for the accident. There are also times when you are required to call the police after a Utah auto accident. If there is a personal injury, vehicles are blocking traffic, or the damage is more than $1,500, call local law enforcement. If you are unsure whether the situation is an emergency, call the police anyway. Having a report from cops may help your insurer process the claim.
Exchange Information with the Truck Driver
You can do it while you wait for the police to come or once they arrive, but make sure to exchange information with the truck driver. It will be hard to track them down once they leave the accident scene without their information. Make sure you obtain the following information from the driver:
- Name, address, phone number, and email
- Insurance company and policy number
- License number
Truckers may work for another company, so you will want to obtain their employer’s name and relevant contact information.
Document the Accident Scene
Take photos of the accident scene with your phone. Your attorney may use these images to prove who was responsible for the crash and the amount of damage to your vehicle. It will be hard for insurers and the other party’s attorney to argue with photographic evidence.
In addition to photographing your injuries, you should also record your recovery with photos and a journal. It can show how severe your injuries were and how long it took to recover. The evidence may help determine how much compensation you receive.
Also, it will help to obtain information from any witnesses. They may have seen the crash occur and be willing to testify about the incident. Before they leave the accident scene, get their name, phone number, and email.
File an Insurance Claim
After speaking to the police and the other driver, contact your insurance company and file a claim. Only stick to the facts when speaking to the insurance representative. Stay vigilant, keep on top of the process, and ensure you follow up with any additional information they need. You will likely receive a damage evaluation for your car and other injuries. If you disagree with that amount, you should seek an independent estimate. Provide a written letter to your insurer with evidence of why your compensation should be higher.
Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of whether you show external injuries or feel physically fine, always seek medical attention after a truck accident in Utah. You might have internal injuries only a doctor can diagnose. Additionally, your insurance company might interpret not speaking to a medical professional as you exaggerating your injuries, which could cause them to deny your claim.
Speak to a Utah Truck Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were in a truck accident in Utah, contact the attorneys at Feller Wendt. For over 25 years, we have helped accident victims obtain the compensation they need to cover medical bills, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. Call (801) 499-5060 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
