If you are involved in an accident with a truck there is a good chance that there will be injuries. If the injuries are such that you are rendered unconscious or you are otherwise incapacitated then medical decisions will be made for you by the first responders. If you are not injured to the point where you need treatment, there are a few things that you should attempt to do after an accident with an 18 wheeler.
Right after the accident there is a good chance that you will be disoriented, confused and frightened. As important as details are, the first thing to do is get out of harm’s way and seek medical attention if necessary. There are other things that you should attempt to do; hiring a truck accident lawyer in Iowa City IA area is one of them, the lawyer will come in handy in the near future when you are attempting to settle the claim.
Once someone involved in the accident or someone else on the scene has called the police who in turn will arrange an ambulance and removal vehicles, an attempt to document the accident as much as possible should be made. Get the personal details of everyone involved, this includes the truck driver, any passengers in the truck and any people who were witnesses to the accident. As it is a truck, there will be identification on the vehicle; get the DOT numbers from both the tractor and the trailer and the license plate numbers. If at all possible try to get the insurance details from the truck driver and while you are at it, have a good look at the condition of the truck, especially the tires.
Once you leave the scene you should see a doctor whether you think you are injured or not, get the results of the examination. Take time to sit down and record everything that you have gathered and everything you can remember and then contact a truck accident lawyer in Iowa City IA.
What you must avoid is making any kind of a settlement. Trucking companies try to cut their expenses and exposure by getting the insurance company to make a quick offer to settle, this will never be in your interests and this is where your truck accident attorney can advise you. Never admit fault, never sign anything and do not wait to get your attorney to file a case.
