18-wheelers are generally seen on highways, and expressways so that they can reach their destination safely without any hindrance. Hence, accident on 18-wheeler is very common and people often fail to take proper steps after such an accident. Recently the news of an 18-wheeler crash has been reported in Austin, on 28th January which was carrying a huge amount of gasoline. Another, massive accident vehicle and 18-wheeler crash have taken place on Highway 130. So, keep scrolling through the article to know what you can do in such situations.
Know the Consequences
The results of getting hit by an 18-wheeler or a massive 18-wheeler crash are immense. It can lead to great physical losses and even death. On the other hand loss of goods and valuable resources is also a factor in an 18-wheeler accident. The recovery and the legal procedure last for a longer duration in these cases. So, to handle all these adverse situations, you can follow some steps. Follow the next section to know.
What are the Steps You Should Take After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
The steps you should take after an 18-wheeler accident are as follows:
- Step 1: Call 911
If you are hit by an 18-wheeler or your 18-wheeler is crashed and you have somehow managed to hold your sense, the first thing you should do, is call 911. It will direct your situation to the emergency units such as the police, medical team, and ensure that help is on the way to you.
- Step 2: Converse With the Truck Driver
If you manage to stay stable, you should converse with the truck driver about the accident. In addition, you will also collect the necessary details of the truck driver, such as license, driver’s name, etc.
- Step 3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
As soon as you come out from the accident spot, you should seek help from the professional medical team. If you do not have any visible or deep scars even then also you need to visit a clinic as you get a hard shock from the accident.
- Step 4: Evidence Collection
Collecting evidence is also a necessary step after such a massive accident. However, you may not be in the right state of collecting evidence, and do not know the process, so you need to hire a lawyer for that. 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Austin will be the perfect choice for you as they are knowledgeable lawyers who know exactly how to collect evidence and use them for your benefit.
- Step 5: Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer is a must because common people lack the expertise of presenting their demands and problems in front of the court. So, a lawyer is a perfect person who will help you to get justice and compensation as per your requirement.
- Step 6: Refrain from Social Media Posting
After the accident, you should not talk much about your accident in public. It will create an unwanted mess and your whole process of getting compensation may get delayed. Further, wrong people can approach you with meaningless suggestions that will make you even more confused which is not at all acceptable in such a sensitive situation.
- Step 7: Do not Speak With Truck Owner’s Insurance Company
You should also refrain from sharing information with the truck owner’s insurance company. As your physical and mental condition will be unstable at this time, they may use your statement wrongly against you. So, it is better you let your lawyer speak for you so that the situation remains under control and you get your remuneration easily.
Some More Things to Know
An 18-wheeler accident can lead to huge losses and to make up for them you need to be very careful about the insurance process. So, after the accident, you should take care of your car’s insurance coverage, and your accident insurance coverage. Further, you will get compensation from the truck owner also.
In addition, if you are highly injured and can not gather information or proceed to any further legal process, you should rely on the police. They will collect vital information and guide you properly once you get better.
Conclusion
Hope you have got a clear idea about what to do after an 18-wheeler accident. You should be very prompt with your action after the accident as the evidence may get erased eventually. However, if you are an 18-wheeler truck owner and fell in an unfortunate crash, you can also proceed to the legal procedure to get compensation or manage the situation of resource loss.
