Those involved in a New Jersey tractor trailer crash must know what to do right after that incident to protect their health as well as their financial future. If you were already in a truck accident in New Jersey, do not wait to contact a New Jersey tractor trailer accident attorney to provide you with guidance.
In the ideal situation, you follow these five steps after an accident to get the care you need but also to protect your right to financial recovery of any damages owed to you.
#1: Get Medical Care and the Police to the Location
In a serious tractor trailer accident, it is critical that you prioritize your health and well-being. That means getting out of the way of future injury. Call 911 to request medical care at the scene. The police should also arrive to document what occurred. In a tractor trailer accident, having the police available is critically important. They will work to document the condition of the truck as well as the truck driver to ensure it is clear what caused the accident.
Follow the directions of the police officer and provide factual information about what occurred. If you saw the truck swerving or encountered any signs of driver fatigue, be sure to report that to the officer. Do not admit any guilt in the accident.
Once you take these steps, make sure to get medical care. If you have serious injuries, do not do anything beyond getting to the hospital for care.
#2: Gathering Data at the Scene
In cases where you have the ability to safely get information and document the accident, do so. That will allow you to get more of the information you need to help prove your case. When you can do so, get the following information:
- The name and contact information for the tractor trailer driver.
- A photo of the truck’s license plate.
- A phone of the truck driver’s license.
- Photos of the vehicle accident, including damage to your vehicle and that of the truck.
- Photos of the surrounding area, including any location where there is debris.
- A video showing a view of the entire area, moving slowly so that the viewer can understand what is occurring.
These steps allow you to clearly document what evidence is present. It also allows you to get the necessary information on the truck driver so you can begin to build your case.
#3: Gathering Witness Information
In most tractor trailer accidents, other drivers see what occurred. Many will stop to help. These individuals were likely on the road with you and the truck driver for some time, and that often means they have some insight into what could have occurred. When safe to do so, ask for their name and contact information. The police may wish to speak to them as well.
Even if they do not want to provide that information to you, ask them what they saw. Did they see the driver operating in an unsafe manner? Did they notice what caused the accident to happen?
Getting this information as soon as possible, right after the incident, ensures details are clear. It minimizes the risk of important data becoming lost in the hectic scene. You cannot force someone to provide this information to you.
#4: Contact Your Attorney
Once you get medical care, your next step will be to focus on building your case. Your tractor trailer accident lawyer in New Jersey will be able to provide insight into your rights immediately, and they can begin to build your case with you right away. There are several key ways your lawyer will help you:
- Gather evidence from the accident that could demonstrate fault in your case.
- Medical records or driving records from the truck driver are required to determine if they were able to safely operate on the roadways.
- Calculate the value of your case by considering all of your losses, including economic and noneconomic damages.
Your tractor trailer attorney in New Jersey will work with you to file a comprehensive claim and, when necessary, take legal action in a court of law. The New Jersey statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Do not wait to take action.
#5: Follow Up and Maintain Medical Care
Once you begin working with an attorney, keep up with your medical care and remain in communication with your attorney about what is happening in your case. Keep a log that outlines any losses you have, and be sure to document your mental health throughout this process. All of this can be helpful later when you file a claim for the damages you have.
Call Kwartler Manus After a Tractor Trailer Accident in New Jersey
Learn more about your rights by contacting Kwartler Manus today for a free consultation. Let us help you determine your next steps in getting compensation.