How to Deal with A Semi-Tractor Trailer Accident

Accidents are, unfortunately, increasingly common. Accidents involving tractor-trailers are one of the most serious that comes to mind when we discuss accident prevention.

A semi-tractor-trailer is a long commercial vehicle with an attached trailer at the back of it. These serious tractor-trailer accidents and the procedure of filing legal claims for them are different than the ones you observe while involved in a regular car accident.

A Quick Guide to Tractor-Trailer Incidents

A tractor-trailer accident can have catastrophic and serious injuries. Oftentimes, the individual involved in the tractor-trailer wreck is severely wounded or killed.

In this article, you will find a brief guide that will help you learn how you can prevent or deal with a semi-tractor trailer accident.

Call The Police

In almost all cases, 911 usually gets called first. However, if the tractor-trailer accident happened on a highway, the person available will transfer your call further to the local emergency respondents or the law enforcement agency. You can let them know how many people are involved approximately so they can send you the required aid and ambulances.

Even if the accident is a minor one, it is suggested you call the police and report the trailer tractor accident anyway. It is one of the best ways to have instant documentation of the accident, as the police maintain accurate records.

Get Medical Assistance

You might be fortunate enough to get away with minor wounds, but you should not take them for granted. Get medical help because there are some injuries that do not show up at the time but have internal effects or symptoms that show up late.

It is crucial to get the evaluation quickly rather than waiting too long. The longer you delay the evaluation, the more difficult it will be to prove a valid injury claim related to the accident.

Document The Evidence On the Spot

Documentation can include contact details of the witnesses, pictures of the tractor-trailer crash, and copies of the police report number. If you decide to try and collect evidence, please be safe when doing so and avoid any dangerous situations.

Get Your Vehicle Assessed

The harm to your vehicle may be minor, however, just like injuries to a person, the damage to the car may not be visible at first glance. Oftentimes, direct impact from a semi-truck can result in structural issues with the car. However, you should not go directly to your local body shop and have your vehicle fixed right away.

Why? The estimates of the repair are important factors for your insurance claims. Every insurance company works differently and the requirements vary for what should be submitted to pay for the loss.

If roadside assistance is included in your insurance plan or you belong to a travel association that provides towing, then have your vehicle shipped to a nearby body shop. It’s important the shop doesn’t do any work until it is sorted and cleared out between you and your insurance company.

You should contact an attorney or contact the insurance company to have your vehicle evaluated. Do not mention your physical injuries or condition or comment on those until after you speak with an attorney.

Connect With A Trailer Truck Accident Lawyer

To get your legal case handled immediately you should call a tractor-trailer accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you in a number of ways, like the settlement amount that you might need to cover your extra expenses like medical aid or lost wages, etc.

Contact Goodnow McKay

The trailer trucks are large, cumbersome vehicles that are difficult to control and can often cause a lot of damage due to their weight and high rate of speed. If you are involved in a semi-truck accident you should know how to deal with it, seek medical assistance, call the police, get your car evaluated, call a truck accident lawyer, and if the situation allows, document the incident. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation to meet with one of our attorneys so that you can move forward and receive the settlement you deserve.