If you were involved in a collision with a truck, what you should do at the scene of a truck accident may include:
- Calling 9-1-1 to report the accident and indicate if you or anyone else was injured and requires emergency medical treatment
- Moving your vehicle to a safe location, if possible
- Exchanging information with the at-fault driver
- Documenting the accident with pictures, if possible
- If you did not leave the accident scene for emergency treatment, seeking medical attention for any injuries as soon as possible
Taking these steps can help make sure you receive the medical care you need and protect your rights should you decide to pursue compensation for your damages from the responsible party later on.
Accept Emergency Medical Care
If you need emergency medical care, call 9-1-1 so that an operator can dispatch an ambulance and emergency service technicians to the scene of your crash. These responders can stabilize your injuries until you arrive at the hospital for extensive medical care.
Even if you do not need to leave the accident scene for emergency medical care, it is important to be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. A doctor can diagnose and begin treating any injuries you may have, and their record of your injuries may serve as evidence in your case that you were hurt in the truck accident. Without such evidence, a plaintiff may be able to argue that your injuries came from some other source.
For a free legal consultation with a what should i do at the scene of a truck accident? lawyer serving Columbus, call 614-963-2808
Call Police to the Scene Immediately
Even if you are not requesting an ambulance, call the police to the scene to document the details of the collision. Ohio Revised Code (ORC) § 5502.11 makes a crash report mandatory when:
- Anyone is injured
- Anyone is a fatality
- Damage is more than $1,000
An official crash report may become an important part of the evidence in your case that either you or your lawyer may use to establish the responsible party’s liability.
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Exchange Information with the Other Involved Driver
At the scene of the accident, exchange important information with the other involved driver or drivers. Exchanging information ensures you can identify the at-fault driver and their insurance company later if you decide to file a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit.
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the information you exchange should include:
- Name, contact information, and birthdate
- Contact information of vehicle owner, if different
- License plate and driver’s license numbers
- Year, make, and model of the other vehicles in the accident
- Contact information for the insurance companies of the other drivers in the accident
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Take Pictures if Possible
Another thing you should do at the scene of a truck accident is to take photos of your injuries and damage to the vehicles. Like your crash report, pictures can help tell the story of the accident and may be used as evidence in your case.
If your injuries prevent you from taking pictures, ask a friend, family member, or bystander to take pictures for you.
In addition to pictures, try to obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
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Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Case
If you or a lawyer representing you are able to prove negligence, you may be able to collect compensation for your injury-related financial expenses and losses.
Depending on the details of your case, the recoverable damages may include:
- Current and future costs of medical care
- Injury-related lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Physical disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- And more
Call the Fitch Law Firm LLC Today
If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Columbus, Ohio, the Fitch Law Firm LLC may be able to help you file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. We can also handle all communications, deadlines, and paperwork in your case when we represent you.
For a free, no-obligation consultation on your case with a member of our team, call the Fitch Law Firm LLC today at (614) 963-2808.
If you qualify, we may be able to take your case on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required. In this arrangement, you are not obligated to pay us attorney fees until and unless you recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.
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