Truck wrecks can be incredibly disorienting, often leading to severe injuries, making it difficult to take any action afterward. If you have been injured in a truck crash, you may need to rely on first responders and other bystanders to provide the first offers to help.
The first steps to take after a Merrillville truck accident focus on personal safety. You or someone else should call 911, get to safety if you are in danger of additional injuries, check on the safety of others involved in the accident, and provide first aid to injured people, if necessary. After ensuring these steps, a dedicated truck accident attorney could help guide you through the legal process.
Call First Responders
A truck accident is an emergency, so contact 911 immediately after a wreck. A person could have hidden injuries or simply not feel pain or trauma because of adrenaline or shock. It is important to get checked by paramedics and go to the hospital if EMTs suggest it.
After calling 911, the police will also be dispatched to the accident. Ideally, lawyers want police to respond to the scene since it begins the documentation of the accident and can be helpful in establishing fault. Responding officers should begin documenting and investigating the scene. As a Merrillville lawyer could explain in detail, the police will usually question witnesses, take pictures of the scene, make measurements, and take other steps to document the accident.
Take Photos or Videos of the Accident
It is not always safe to take photos or videos of the accident scene. However, when it is safe to do so, photos are an essential step after a truck crash in Merrillville. Photos capture things words cannot describe and also provide proof of the conditions at the time of an accident.
It is not always possible for safety reasons, but when it is, get photos of the scene before anyone moves their vehicles. It is crucial to capture all sides of the vehicles, even if only one side has damage. Take photos of the license plates. This can help establish which vehicles were involved in the accident. It can also help establish liability and accurately capture the extent of damage.
It is also a good idea to take down information about the other driver’s identity, driver’s license, and insurance. While it is acceptable to write down information from insurance cards or driver’s licenses, getting photos of that information helps ensure that there are no mistakes in obtaining those details.
When documenting the scene, it is helpful to look around and capture images of anything that could have contributed to the accident. Are traffic signs clear and visible? Are there any construction or road maintenance issues interfering with visibility? It is vital to capture any condition that could impact liability.
Seek Medical Attention
First responders who check people out at the scene of an accident are there to assess trauma and the need for emergency medical care. After an accident, adrenaline floods the body, which can stave off the sensation of pain and keep people from noticing injuries. However, these injuries may become apparent by the next day, and even a person who did not think they had any injuries from a wreck could be facing a substantial recovery process.
People need to get follow-up medical care after a Merrillville truck wreck if they experience pain or any other symptoms. Medical treatment can help prevent problems from worsening. It also serves the purpose of documenting those injuries for any potential claims.
Talk to a Merrillville Attorney About the First Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Usually, by the time a person contacts an attorney after a truck wreck, they are no longer at the scene. The lawyer may not be much help in ensuring they choose the proper first steps to take after a Merrillville truck accident. However, at The Law Offices of David W. Holub, we can make sure you take the right steps to preserve your legal rights after a wreck. Call us and schedule a consultation to discuss your options today.