Being involved in an Ohio truck accident is a jarring experience. It can be difficult to remain clear-headed in the immediate aftermath of a crash. However, knowing the right steps to take can have a major impact on your ability to recover trucking accident compensation to help with your injury costs.
Call the Police
As soon as you’re in a safe place, you should report the trucking accident to the police. You’re legally required to report any accident in Ohio that results in injury, and you must also remain at the scene until police arrive unless you’re being transported to the hospital via an emergency vehicle.
However, it’s a good idea to request that the police come to file an accident report, even if no one appears to be injured. State the facts of the accident as needed, but don’t speculate or add more information than necessary. If you’re unsure how to answer a question, simply state that you don’t know rather than trying to guess.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of the accident scene. Photos showing the position of the vehicles at impact and the surrounding area can be helpful when building a case for liability. You should also take photos of damage to your vehicle and any injuries. It’s also a good idea to continue taking photos of your injuries after treatment and as they heal.
Get Witness Information
When a truck accident results in severe injuries, taking photos and speaking with witnesses may not be possible. However, if you weren’t badly injured, the more evidence you can collect, the better.
If any other drivers were involved in the crash or stopped to lend a hand, get their names and contact information. A truck accident lawyer can use eyewitness testimony to help support your claim.
See a Doctor
Serious truck accident injuries typically result in being transported by ambulance to a hospital. However, you should always have yourself checked by a doctor after a crash, even if it seems like you weren’t injured or your injuries were minor.
Some types of serious injuries, like traumatic brain injury or organ damage, aren’t immediately apparent but can lead to death in the hours after the crash. Other types of injuries, like a spinal injury, might result in minor pain or soreness initially but eventually have a significant impact on things like your quality of life and earning ability.
Seeing a doctor from the start helps ensure that injuries are promptly diagnosed and treated and establishes documentation showing the truck accident was the source.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer
If you need to recover truck accident injury compensation, you should contact a skilled truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash. Involving a lawyer from the start protects you from insurance tactics designed to reduce your settlement amount.
A lawyer will preserve evidence and get to work building a case. Working with a lawyer helps ensure your finances are protected and that you recover the full compensation you’re eligible for.
Protect Your Finances After an Ohio Trucking Accident
An Ohio trucking accident can take a life-altering toll on your health and finances. It’s important to recognize this from the start and take action. A skilled Ohio trucking accident lawyer helps protect your finances and fights for the injury compensation you need.
