How to Handle the Aftermath of a Truck Accident in Arizona
Oftentimes, trucking accidents cause catastrophic damage, especially when a truck collides with a passenger car. When drivers are injured in these accidents, it may be difficult for them to cope in the aftermath. From extensive physical injuries to emotional trauma, drivers and their passengers may be subject to more severe consequences after a semi-truck crash.
If you’ve sustained injuries in a truck accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix accident attorneys at ELG. Our team of truck accident lawyers is here to help. Unfortunately, drivers can’t always avoid truck accidents, so it’s important to know what steps to take after a semi-truck crash.
First Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
The first (and arguably most important) step to take after a semi-truck crash is to seek medical attention. If you’re able to do so, pull your vehicle off to a safe location, and call 911. Let the dispatcher on the line know that you’ve sustained injuries in an accident with a large truck. The dispatcher will send EMT and fire rescue units, as well as police officers, to your location. And since leaving the scene of a truck accident in Arizona is against the law in most parts of the country, including Arizona, it’s vital to get a police report in the aftermath of a crash.
Furthermore, it’s essential to get prompt medical treatment for any injuries you sustain in a truck accident. Even if injuries aren’t immediately obvious, keep in mind that you may have sustained delayed or internal injuries that may not appear until hours, days, or even weeks after your accident.
Contact the Authorities After a Truck Crash
If you do sustain injuries in a truck accident, confirm the safety of all involved and call medical assistance if needed. Don’t leave the scene of the accident and contact the police immediately.
When the police do arrive at the scene, avoid admitting fault or dismissing anybody else’s roles in the accident. Stick to the facts of the crash, and refrain from providing more detail than necessary.
Collect Information at the Scene of a Truck Accident
If you’re able to do so, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the truck accident. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles, get snapshots of surrounding roadways, as well as any skid marks or debris on the road. Note your injuries and the injuries of your passengers. If possible, get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident. Make sure that you’re pulled to the side of the highway as you do this, and keep roadside safety guidelines in Arizona in mind.
Other essential information to collect at the scene of your truck accident includes the names of those involved and contact information. Ensure that you get phone numbers, license plant numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. Don’t leave the scene of an accident without collecting as much information as you can.
Reach Out to a Truck Accident Attorney in Arizona
Even the best drivers can’t always avoid truck accidents. If you’re injured or your vehicle is damaged in a truck accident, contact our Phoenix accident attorneys at ELG. Reach out to our truck accident attorneys at (623) 877-3600 for a free consultation and legal representation today. Though the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be daunting, our attorneys at ELG are ready to help you and your family in your time of need.
