A collision with a big rig is a traumatic experience for anyone because it happens so fast, and the sheer amount of force behind the truck is enough to leave you disorientated. These crashes often cause severe damage and long-term injuries, so taking care of yourself and your family is important if you are in a collision. Unfortunately, many victims do not know the first steps to take after a Bothell truck accident due to the shock and trauma they experience afterward. While prioritizing yourself and your family’s health is number one, it is also important to retain legal representation from a devoted truck accident lawyer at Libbey Law Offices to help you and your family recover compensation for your injuries.
Call First Responders After a Crash
Feeling shocked, confused, helpless, or even angry after a collision is perfectly normal. However, pausing, taking a breath, and carefully considering the steps to take in the aftermath of a crash can be helpful.
The first step is to call the police or other authorities to report the accident, including the location and number of vehicles involved. The police need to know this information so they can send as much help as they need to the scene. It is also important for the crash victims because the accident report is a critical piece of evidence.
When the police receive an accident report, they also contact emergency medical crews to head toward the location. When they arrive, the next step is to seek medical attention from them immediately. Protecting the health and safety of everyone involved in the crash is of utmost importance. and Even if a victim appears to be fine, trained medical professionals may identify internal injuries that would otherwise go undetected. Additionally, the resulting adrenaline rush from a sudden collision could prevent the body from recognizing that it is damaged, so seeking a thorough evaluation from the emergency medical team is essential.
These are the initial things to do after a truck crash in Bothell. After this, victims have other steps they could take to help themselves when pursuing compensation for their injuries.
The Next Steps to Take in a Truck Accident
Unfortunately, a person’s injuries may be so severe that they lose consciousness or require immediate transportation to the hospital. If they are able to do so, the next step after a collision is to document as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photographs of the scene and damage to the vehicles, as well as making notes about the environment, such as the time of day, weather conditions, road conditions, and anything else leading up to the crash. If witnesses are present, gathering their contact information for their account of the incident could serve as valuable pieces of evidence.
The next step is to begin the insurance process, which includes contacting the victim’s insurance carrier about the accident and collecting the truck driver’s insurance information. Often, an insurance claim goes more smoothly with more evidence and documentation, such as the information gathered in the previous step.
While it can be difficult to think about these actions in the wake of a truck collision in Bothell, they could provide vital pieces of information in a claim for compensation for injuries from the accident. This is especially true if a skilled personal injury attorney possesses the information.
The Last Step to Take After a Truck Accident: Contact an Attorney in Bothell
After completing the first steps to take after a Bothell truck accident, the last thing to do is contact an experienced lawyer to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but the only way to know for sure is to talk with an attorney.
A dedicated truck accident lawyer at Libbey Law could take over the process so you can focus on your recovery. Contact us to get started on your claim.