After a truck accident in Alabama, the most important thing you can do is to get to safety. Prioritize keeping yourself and others safe, but also protecting your case. That means, when possible, gather any evidence and documentation that helps demonstrate what happened, what your losses are, and who is involved. Speak with a Birmingham truck accident lawyer today.
Call 911 and Get to Safety
After an Alabama truck accident, pull your vehicle to the side of the road if you can, and call 911. Follow all of the instructions given to you by the dispatcher, especially in taking care of your wounds. When possible, offer help to others who need it.
Under Ala. Code ยง 32-10-1, any time there is a collision between vehicles, all parties must stop and remain at the scene to exchange information. If the other driver flees the scene of the accident, try to capture as much information about the truck as possible.
Get Medical Care at the Scene
When an ambulance arrives, use their services to make sure you are safe. Treatment of any obvious injuries is important, but it’s nearly always important to go to the hospital for continued care. Some injuries, including internal bleeding and some types of head and neck injuries, are not obvious right away, and you may even feel fine. Do not put off going to the hospital. Do so as soon as you can, after gathering as much information as possible.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Take as many photos and videos of the scene as you can. That includes pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the truck. Capture a video of the entire layout demonstrating where each vehicle was at the time of the accident. These details can prove to be critical later.
Gather any information that seems to be important. For example, if you see the truck driver eating while driving, take a photo of it without being aggressive or intrusive. You can also listen to what the driver says they were doing and what was happening at the time. That also helps to demonstrate what happened later.
Talk to the Police
A formal police report will be a critical component to building your case. At the scene of the accident, be sure you tell the police what you saw and experienced. Think about what the driver was doing prior to the accident. Only provide the police with facts without any speculation. If the driver mentions adjusting their navigation or looking at their phone, make sure you tell the police those details.
Gather Witness Statements
The people who stop to help can become valuable resources later. They are often willing to provide their name and contact information and serve as witnesses. You need to ask for those details.
Turn to a Local Truck Accident Lawyer in Alabama for Immediate Help
This is critical as soon as you are safe and getting the medical care you need. The sooner you contact an Alabama truck accident lawyer, the faster they can go to work gathering critical evidence and proving your case.
Avoid speaking to the insurance company without the help of your attorney. Instead, let them handle all aspects of the case on your behalf. Your attorney will work closely with you to file a claim and hold those who hurt you accountable. Request a free consultation.