Unfortunately, accidents happen. A rising percentage of these accidents involve one or more large-scale trucks.
The percentage is so high that one out of every eight traffic fatalities involves a trucking collision. Keeping focused and remembering protocol is often hard during an accident. There are a few things that you should keep in mind if you are involved in a trucking accident.
Seek Emergency Assistance
Seeking emergency assistance and turning on your hazard lights should always be the first steps you take after an accident. More than likely, you will need to call 911 to file a police report and to get the proper authority dispatched, even if there is little to no damage. Emergency personnel will help with blocking the wreckage and calling for extra help should it be needed. If you are in a safe spot, you should avoid moving the vehicle until the authorities arrive. If someone in the accident is hurt, you should not move them if it is not necessary, block them from additional harm, and wait for a professional. When assistance arrives, you should quickly tell them everything you remember about the accident.
Check All Cargo
After you seek help and know that everyone is safe, you should check the cargo load. Check for any breakage spills and report any hazardous material immediately. After completing a report, you should call your company to inform them of the incident.
Document the Scene
For insurance claims, document the accident scene with a camera, if possible. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the roadways, your surroundings, and any personal property damage to turn in to your insurance company. Your insurance agent may want to file a claim. Also, get a report number for future reference.
Exchange Personal Information
After clearing the accident, exchange your contact information with anyone else involved in the accident. Include your full name, phone number, address, insurance company, and license plate number. Both parties’ insurance companies will use this information to get in touch with them if there is a claim filed.
Witnesses
You should take down the contact information of any witnesses to the incident in case your insurance agent should need more information.
Cooperation
In any vehicular accident, cooperation is a must. Typically, blame gets put on the big rigs and truck drivers simply because they are large-scale vehicles. Cooperate with all police officers and first responders. Be prepared to provide copies of mile and rest logs.
Seek Additional Medical Attention
After being cleared from the accident scene, seek medical attention from a doctor to examine you for any internal injuries from the accident. Document the injuries in case you need these records in the future.
Driving over the road often is stressful and can lead to accidents. Partnering with a trucking company that is a non-forced dispatch company, such as Landstar, can help relieve some of that stress. Hauling when and where you want can often cut the risk of accidents to a minimum.
Secrest Direct Inc. and Non-forced Dispatch. This web page is written by the staff of DUV, an Independent agent for Landstar Ranger. While we are part of the Landstar family, the views on this and the following pages are solely the views of the writers at DUV.
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