Whether you call them semis, big rigs, or 18-wheelers, these trucks are the biggest and the most dangerous things on the road. They make up most of the interstate and unfortunately account for many of the accidents that happen as well. In an 18-wheeler accident, it is extremely important to collect as much evidence as you can before leaving the scene. Once the police secure the scene, and you are declared to be okay by the EMT’s, then you should get in touch with a reputable personal injury attorney in Cedar Rapids, IA to discuss your personal injury case. Read on below for a few of the top things that you should do right after an 18-wheeler accident has occurred.
Call the Authorities
The very first thing you should do is call the police. As soon as they get there, they will take over and process the scene. If you are okay, it still isn’t alright to leave the accident scene. Once the scene is cleared, and you are free to go, then you can get in touch with a personal injury attorney in Cedar Rapids, IA to make an appointment.
Try to Remain Calm
The biggest thing to do in an 18-wheeler accident is to stay calm. While you are going to be scared, staying calm and not getting into an altercation with the other driver is extremely important. A fight at the accident scene can seriously hurt your chances in court.
Take Photos if Possible
Anything that you can document with your camera phone is a good idea to capture. However, if law enforcement tells you to put the phone away, make sure to do so. There will be official pictures of the scene that can be used in court as well.
Get Medical Attention
In the shock of the 18-wheeler accident, you might not realize that you have injuries. Just because the EMT’s clear you don’t mean that you might not have problems in the morning or even down the road. Make sure to get checked out at the emergency room or go to your doctor as soon as possible the next day. You only have so much time to seek medical attention in an insurance claim, and you are playing with your life if you don’t.
These are just a few of the things to do right after an 18-wheeler accident. For more information and help with your case, contact the professionals at Currie and Liabo today.