It is hard to fully understand what can happen after an 18-wheeler car accident. Living through it is very tough. Unfortunately, there are many such accidents happening on highways and roads. Even so, nobody really expects to be involved in one.
Keep in mind that an 18-wheeler cannot stop as fast as a regular vehicle. Also, when there are sudden traffic changes, it is close to impossible for such a large truck to react. Remember that 11% of motor vehicle accident deaths are a result of a collision with a large truck. Also, 97% of deaths in a collision between large trucks and passenger vehicles were passengers of the smaller car.
Why Do 18-Wheeler Accidents Happen?
It is close to impossible to list all 18-wheeler accident causes. However, in many cases, it is the drivers and the truck companies that push very hard. The problem is that when drivers get really tired, they cut corners, or improperly load trailers, collisions could happen. The other important common causes you should be aware of when looking at truck accidents are:
- Drug use
- Inattention
- Driver intoxication
- Driving while the weather is dangerous
- Little driver experience
- Poor training
If you want to learn about more possible causes, you can check out this link: https://richardharrislaw.com/truck-accidents/.
What Should You Do After The 18-Wheeler Accident?
The big problem is that every single situation will be different. However, there are some things that you can always do after the 18-wheeler accident. Remember the following actions:
- Start by making sure that every single person involved in the accident is safe. If possible, look at the other people too, not just those inside your vehicle. When you believe you are injured, you have to get medical attention. In fact, you should get that medical attention even when you do not think you are injured.
- Always call 911 following the 18-wheeler accident. Request that an ambulance comes to the scene since it is always better to be safe.
- Obtain the information of the trucking company and the driver (or the employer of the truck driver).
- Talk with people that are witnesses, when they let you, record them, and obtain contact information.
- Record videos and take photographs. Make sure to record and photograph both the scene of the accident and the damages that appeared on the vehicles. If any injury is visible, it should also be documented. This is because the visual proof is very useful. Consider the fact that insurance carriers and trucking companies often arrive at the scene of an accident very fast. And, evidence can disappear, which is not what you want.
- Obtain a copy of the registration, insurance, and license of the driver.
- In the event that your car is equipped with a dashcam, make sure to save the video so it is not recorded over.
- Avoid discussing anything with insurance companies before you hire a truck accident attorney to offer you guidance.
At the end of the day, it is vital that you only discuss what you will do with the truck accident attorney. This is because the other parties involved will most likely want to take advantage of you.