Trucks are responsible for the most horrific accidents on New York roads. Due to their size and weight, collisions can crush smaller vehicles, causing devastating injuries and significant property damage. For this reason, truck drivers must have sufficient insurance to cover serious crashes, according to the New York Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
If you have been in an accident with a truck, then your medical bills are likely exorbitant. You may not even be able to return to work. If your collision was the result of another driver’s negligence, then a New York City injury lawyer from Jaroslawicz & Jaros, L.L.C. can help you pursue damages from the at-fault driver. Call 212.227.2780 to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, read on to learn four steps to take immediately after a truck collision:
- Call the Police
It is pivotal that you contact the police prior to leaving a truck accident scene, as long as you are medically able to do so. The officer will write a police report that contains details about the accident. This report may support your claim if it demonstrates that the other driver was liable. You will need a copy later, so save the report number.
- Gather Contact Information from Witnesses
The majority of accidents have several witnesses who may be willing to testify about what happened. Like the police report, these testimonials may support your claim, but unlike the officer, witnesses can provide a firsthand account of the scenario that led to the crash, which may involve reckless or negligent behaviors from the at-fault driver. This is why you should record the contact details of any eyewitnesses at the scene.
- Record License Plate and DOT Numbers
It is important that you write down the truck’s license plate and DOT numbers. You can find DOT numbers on rigs and trailers. This information will help you pinpoint the truck’s owner. This is important because in these cases, there may be several defendants, including the truck owner, driver or the company that manages the fleet. If the officer receives incorrect information from the driver for the police report, then your recorded license plate and DOT numbers will help identify the truck and locate those responsible.
- Photograph the Scene
In the Digital Age, almost everyone has a camera on their phones. Images can support your claim in several ways - from demonstrating the level of destruction to proving that the other driver was liable. If you are medically able, snap as many photographs of the scene as possible. Take pictures of every vehicle involved and focus on capturing the damages. Also, take shots of any debris lying in the road. Medical attention should always be your first priority. Let a health professional examine you immediately after leaving the scene, even if you do not think your injuries are serious. Many injuries only become evident several days or weeks later. If your accident happened in New York, then a New York City injury attorney from Jaroslawicz & Jaros, L.L.C. may be able to help you recover health-care costs, lost wages and other damages. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at 212.227.2780.
