The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that in 2014, 3,978 large truck and buses were involved in fatal crashes. The number of injuries resulting from these accidents were about 95,000 in 2004, a number that dropped to 60,000 in 2009. That 37 percent decline, though, was followed by a 55 increase from 2009 to the year 2014.
So if you drive a truck, you’ll need to constantly prepare for the possibility of getting involved in a road accident. Here’s what you can do when that happens:
Call the police.
If you’re on a major road, you can count on the police arriving minutes after your call. If you’re farther out, on a deserted, lonely highway, you’ll need to allot a few more minutes until they get there.
Seek out medical assistance.
Get yourself checked out. You might have more than a sore shoulder or have internal injuries to deal with. It’s easy enough to miss the signs. Make sure to get a full physical. You can breath easier, knowing everything checks out.
Get the other driver’s information.
Make sure you get the other driver’s information. Having a name and a contact number helps but make sure to include the driver’s license number as well along with the driver’s plate number, insurance provider as well as policy number. If you’ve been brought to the hospital for treatment right after the accident—you might have been unconscious on the scene or are badly injured—then the police should have the contact details you need.
Get help.
Hire a trucking accident lawyer in West Chicago for legal assistance. From processing and filing your claim to ensuring you have the kind of help it takes to win your case, hiring legal help is an excellent way to ensure you get the compensation and peace of mind you need.
