5 Things to Avoid as a Truck Accident Victim

If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident, you might be eligible for compensation. However, how much compensation you receive depends on your actions following the accident. According to a truck accident attorney in Raleigh, NC, “making the wrong statement or not having enough evidence, among other things, might lead to […]


December 18, 2024

If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident, you might be eligible for compensation. However, how much compensation you receive depends on your actions following the accident.

According to a truck accident attorney in Raleigh, NC, “making the wrong statement or not having enough evidence, among other things, might lead to many regrets while pursuing damages or medical compensation for the accident.”

It is therefore necessary to avoid these five things if you ever get involved in truck crash.

Admitting Fault or Exonerating the Driver

Any number of reasons can cause a truck accident. Sometimes, one party could be at fault. However, as a victim, after the accident is not the time to admit fault.

Trucks generally weigh approximately 30 times more than an average passenger vehicle. This makes them more difficult to handle on the roads and more dangerous in accidents. A study shows that many truckers do not have enough places to park and rest. If you understand a little bit about the trucking or haulage business, you can empathize with how much work truck drivers do. 

The sheer size of these things makes it easy to blame the truckers (drivers) after accidents, which, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), happen more than 100,000 times a year.

Granted, these truckers operate with a general sense of concern for those they share the roads with, which is why some people who get into accidents involving these monster haulage vehicles want to eliminate blame.

While this is noble, truck accidents cost victims money. As an accident victim, you should never willingly admit fault, share the blame, or exonerate the trucker of the blame.

Taking Time to Report the Accident

Maintaining your composure after realizing how close death was following a truck accident can be challenging. This is why blaming yourself can be detrimental because it creates even more profound emotional scars that many find difficult to recover from.

If you or your loved one is ever a victim of a truck accident, the first step is to not think about who or what to blame so that you are not led down a spiral or even tempted to exonerate anybody for the sake of the damages that are yours to claim.

The next step is always to report the accident to the police.

Fatal truck crashes are only around 5,000 of the over 100,000 accidents a year. This means that a victim is more than likely to escape with harm that will not be enough to hinder them.

Call 911 or an ambulance immediately in this situation.

Failing to Gather Evidence

After calling 911, the police officers and paramedics immediately set to work, trying to clear the scene for the other road users while working to ensure that the victims receive first aid and trauma support if necessary. At this point, they may miss or erase evidence, which you might need to claim damages.

If your injuries permit, take photos of the scene, including the vehicles’ final resting places, skid marks, damaged guardrails, and other documentation. If any witnesses are around, get their names and contact information so your attorney can contact them later for statements. You will also need other documentation like vehicle repair invoices, bills for medical treatment, receipts for prescription medication, pay stubs, documents that show lost income, and police reports and written accounts of the accident.

With these, you have a case for damages.

Ignoring Safety Protocols

This is an essential step in the aftermath of a truck accident.

While waiting for help to arrive at the scene, many victims just stare around when there may be leaking gas waiting to be ignited to explode, or broken shards of glass, plastic or metal that could cause further injuries.

Some even begin to smoke out of stress!

Instead of these, or panicking:

  • Turn on hazard lights to warn every other oncoming vehicle about the accident.
  • Gather any belongings and personal effects.
  • Pay attention so you can take notes of any comments from the trucker that can be used to your advantage.
  • Never stand more than one meter away from the accident scene.
  • Administer first aid to any injured people or personal injuries while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Delaying Medical Attention

It is important to seek medical attention following an accident. Not only will it increase your compensation chances, it will also improve the outcome of any injuries sustained. 

In situations where the victim is livid enough to ignore their safety and take matters into their own hands, the victim will lose any right to a claim.

The victim will also exacerbate any injuries suffered, making the jobs of the paramedics a lot tougher if they manage to get to the accident scene quickly.

Sometimes, an adrenaline rush after an accident can cause the victim to not feel pain. You must be aware enough to recognize this possibility and allow the paramedics to treat or at least check you up. You should also visit your physician at home to document any other issues that will help your claim.

The longer you ignore medical attention, the lower your compensation chances.

Truck accidents can be fatal. It can lead to damages that run into huge expenses. However, doing the right things can help your lawyer get you substantial compensation. 

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