Hit by a Big Rig? Here is the Steps You Will Want to Take Next

Being involved in an accident involving an 18 wheeler or a big rig is different than being involved in a car accident. As such, the steps you take following the accident should also be slightly different. While it is still important to take pictures of the accident scene with your cell phone and obtain witness information, there are a few other things you will need to do. Here are the things you must do after being hit by a big rig and why they are so important.

Report the Accident to Law Enforcement

Following an accident with a big rig, you will want to immediately report the accident and ask for an accident report from the appropriate law enforcement agency. Big rigs are held to different standards than other drivers and you may be unfamiliar with what these standards and laws are. A law enforcement agency knows what these are and can ask to see the trucker’s license, log book and maintenance book to ensure they are in compliance. If they are not, they may be found to have more or the entire fault for the accident.

Obtain the Appropriate Contact Information From the Driver

Following an accident with an 18 wheeler, you will want to obtain different types of contact information and insurance information from the driver. When you are involved in such an accident, you may be able to file a claim against the driver, their employer and the owner of the big rig. These may be three different people, or they may all be the same person. Regardless, you want to ask the driver for contact information for all three of these people, if they are different, as well as insurance information.

Have a Consultation with an Attorney Who Handles Big Rig Accidents

The last thing you will want to do following a big rig accident is have a consultation with an 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney Newport Beach. A car accident attorney may not know the rules and laws that big rig drivers are subjected to, so be sure the attorney you are consulting with has experience dealing with these types of claims. A lawyer can help you get the medical treatment you need, file your claim before the statute of limitations expires and obtain any evidence that they can before it is lost forever.

Following an accident with a big rig, you will want to obtain a police report, get contact information for the driver, the company they are employed by and the owner of the truck, and consult with an 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Newport Beach.

If you have been involved in such an accident. We are here to assist you with your claim and help you determine what compensation you may be entitled to.