Suffering an injury in a commercial truck wreck can be a traumatic event. The actions you take immediately after a crash can be important in several ways. Not only can you take steps to improve your chances of fully recovering from your injuries, but you may also be able to recover compensation by bringing a claim with the help of an experienced semi-truck crash attorney. Learn about the first steps to take after a Mankato truck accident, and get in touch with us today.
After a tractor-trailer collision in Mankato, our attorneys can help you understand the steps you can take to protect your health and rights.
Your health and safety must be your top priority after a collision. After being involved in a truck accident, the first thing you should do is move your vehicle away from the crash and off the road. If this is not possible, exit and move to a safe location away from the crash location in case another driver collides with your stationary vehicle.
Your first call after a truck collision should be to the authorities. State law requires that those involved in a serious crash notify law enforcement and remain at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. This is true of collisions involving death, bodily injuries, or significant property damage.
When you dial 911, the police, sheriff, or state patrol will come to assess the situation. If there is a report of injuries, paramedics will quickly arrive on the scene as well. Stay nearby until they arrive; otherwise, you are at risk of facing criminal charges.
If you suffered injuries, you should seek medical care immediately after the semi-truck crash. Even in cases where you feel your injuries are minor, it is a good idea to consult with a physician as soon as possible. Your injuries can worsen quickly, and any delay can set back your recovery and have a negative impact on your personal injury claim.
If you do not require emergency medical care, the next step is to gather evidence at the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Record the truck’s license plate number, driver’s name, their employer, and insurance details. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash.
This information can be crucial in determining fault or proving liability. However, as important as your personal injury case may be, your health always comes first. Skip this step if you cannot recover details from the scene of the crash safely.
In the immediate aftermath of a collision with a big rig in Mankato, you should avoid discussing the accident. It is important to be careful about what you say and who you speak with. Try to avoid entering into a discussion about the incident with anyone other than the police and your attorney. Limit contact with the truck driver or trucking company representatives, because they could use even casual comments against you in the future.
You should also try to avoid speaking directly with insurance adjusters for the trucking company without legal guidance. Their goal is often to minimize compensation payouts or shift blame for the accident onto you. Politely refer any calls or requests for statements to your attorney instead.
These are only some of the first steps to take after a Mankato truck accident. If you have suffered injuries in a crash, our team is here to help. We are based in Mankato and also proudly serve the surrounding areas. Reach out to Maschka Personal Injury today for your free private consultation with one of our attorneys.
