Everything You Need to Do After a Truck Accident in Phoenix

Everything You Need to Do After a Truck Accident in Phoenix

Car crashes are scary enough as is, but when a semi-truck is involved, it can be all the more horrifying. And if you live in Arizona, this can happen very often.
 
In that situation, you must make all the right snap decisions to get everyone the medical attention that they need. However, it is also important that you gather vital information towards building a case down the line.
 
By simply educating yourself on what to do after a truck accident in Phoenix, you can ensure a safer process for everyone. Here are the steps to take after you have been in a truck accident, be sure to follow them to a “T”.
 

1. Call Local Authorities

 
First things first, depending on the seriousness of the truck accident, you may or may not have blacked out from the collision. If that is the case, take a second to gather your thoughts, check for injuries, then check on your passengers as well.
 
After you are aware of everyone’s condition in your car, you should call “911” right away to report the incident. That way, local authorities can be on the scene as soon as possible.
 
Once they get there, they will perform an assessment and report everything that they see. They will do things like gather witness information, accident reports, and inform you of what you should do next.
 

2. Assess Other Parties

 
After contacting the police, safely get out of your car. You need to step away from the scene of the accident. Make sure you are entire party is out of the car before checking on the other parties involved.
 
Once you have moved to their location, be sure to count the number of cars that were involved in the truck accident as well as the number of people.
 
Try to stay on the phone with 911 to inform them of everyone else’s condition. This will help them gauge how much medical attention you and the others will need.
 
As soon as medical assistance arrives, be sure to inform them of any injuries or pain that you are feeling. Their job is to provide as much care as they can at the scene before bringing you into the hospital for further attention (if need be).
 
Even if you have only got a few scrapes and bruises from the crash, make sure to have a medical expert look at you. This will give you a medical evaluation to use as you build your truck accident case.
 

3. Exchange Contact Info with the Other Party

 
Too many people rely on the policemen and policewomen to gather contact information from each respective party. However, if you take that route then you have to wait for the report to be sent to you before handling insurance, building your case, etc.
 
Because of that, it is best to get the personal information of everyone there for yourself.
 
Get everyone’s name, phone number, email, driver’s license, and car plates. You might want to take a picture of their car plate shortly after the accident occurs, just in case they try to leave.
 
Make sure to also get each party’s auto insurance provider, policy info, and number to call. For the truck driver, make sure to get the name and contact information of their employer.
 

4. Take Photos Yourself

 
After you have made sure that everyone has medical attention they need and are safe from harm, it is time to start thinking about your case.
 
Whether the accident was your fault or the truck driver’s fault, you need to gather as many photos as possible. As a result, get a picture of everything that you see.
 
Be sure to capture the vehicle plates of each car, damage that you see on each vehicle, pictures of the people involved, the injuries you have sustained, and the time of day, if possible.
 
Photos are like gold to the case that you are building. They solidify your story and make it hard for people to bend the truth of what happened (although, they will try).
 

5. Gather Witness Information

 
Hopefully, you have a few third party witnesses that stay behind to help sort things out when the police arrive. If you do, thank them for their time and ask them for their name and contact information.
 
While you are there, be sure to get the name of the police officer who is creating the auto accident report. This can help your attorney find more information about the crash. In addition, possibly use the policeman as a witness for your case.
 
The more witnesses that you have to tell their side of the story, the clearer a depiction they can give of what happened.
 

6. Find Shade

 
Being in Phoenix, Arizona, finding shade is always going to be a top priority. If your truck accident occurs in the summer, you will be standing outside in 105+ degree weather.
 
The entire process can take a while, leaving you at risk for sunburn or severe dehydration. If you notice yourself getting too hot, excuse yourself. However, let the police officer know you are going to find a shaded spot to stand.
 
If you find yourself getting thirsty, ask if the EMTs on the ambulance have any water that they can offer you.
 

Hire An Attorney for Your Truck Accident in Phoenix

 
Now that you know the proper steps for what to do after a truck accident in Phoenix, it is time to find the right attorney for your case.
 
Be sure to read this article on the important questions you should ask after any type of car crash.
 
For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page and we will be happy to assist you further!