Accidents that involve large commercial trucks, including tractor-trailers, semis, and other big rigs can be devastating. Injuries that result from these accidents can be extensive or even fatal. This is no surprise given that a fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh twenty to thirty times as much as a passenger vehicle. Unfortunately, truck accidents are all too common in California. While we hope you never have to experience a truck accident, if you are involved in one, there are some steps you should take whenever possible:
- Report the Accident. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important that you try to remain calm and collected. After you gather yourself, and you are safe and able to do so, be sure to contact law enforcement immediately. Although most truck accidents are serious, even minor accidents must be reported to law enforcement.
- Seek a Safe Location and Medical Attention if Necessary. If you think that you or someone involved in the accident is in need of emergency medical attention, be sure to report this when you call 911. Also, do not leave the scene after you’ve dialed 911. Even if you did not sustain injuries, you must stay put until law enforcement arrives to document the accident.
- Collect Information and Evidence. If you are able to do so, try to gather as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. This is particularly important in the event that you decide to file a lawsuit for compensation in the future. Be sure to obtain the names and contact and insurance information for those involved in the accident, and for anyone who might have witnessed the accident. In addition, write down license plate numbers and take as many photographs as you can. It is also a good idea to jot down some notes about the accident as soon as you can so that the details and sequence of events are still fresh in your mind. Finally, request a copy of the police report, or a report reference number, from the officer who responds to the accident.
- Seek Medical Treatment. While many truck accidents require emergency medical treatment, even if you’ve sustained minor injuries, you should make an appointment with your health care provider. You never know if that bump on your head is a major concussion or the bruise on your stomach is indicative of internal bleeding.
- Retain an Experienced Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer. Whether you’ve notified your insurance company about the accident or not, it’s important that you leave any discussions or negotiations to an experienced personal injury attorney. You shouldn’t sign or agree to anything until you’ve consulted with your lawyer. Call the Law Offices of Matthew L. Taylor as soon as possible after your accident in order to protect your legal rights to compensation.
At The Law Offices of Matthew L. Taylor, We’ll Help You Obtain The Compensation You Deserve
If you’ve been injured in a serious trucking accident in California, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Rancho Cucamonga Truck Accident Lawyer as soon as possible. Call the Law Offices of Matthew L. Taylor today at (909) 989-7774 to schedule your free consultation.
Matthew L. Taylor is an attorney based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. In addition to being an attorney, he has also acts as a Superior Court Receiver and Partition Referee and is a licensed real estate broker (DRE #02189284) in California.