Commercial truck drivers could become involved in a vehicle accident for a variety of reasons. Dangerous road conditions, the actions of other drivers, and even faulty parts can cause an 18-wheeler accident. Once the driver is involved in an accident, there are certain steps for them to follow.
Contact Law Enforcement and Emergency Services
After the accident, the commercial driver must contact law enforcement and get emergency services. Law enforcement conducts a thorough investigation for the 18-wheeler accident. Emergency services address all injured parties involved in the accident.
The officers collect information from all parties involved and generate an accident report. With 18-wheeler accidents, the investigation process is more complex because commercial drivers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. All commercial drivers must contact law enforcement after a truck accident.
Seek Medical Attention If You're Injured
Commercial drivers who are injured during the accident are advised to remain in their vehicles. Moving around could increase their injuries or place them in life-threatening situations. The emergency medical services will assist injured commercial drivers and take them to the hospital for further assessments. All their injuries must be reported to their employer. Injured commercial drivers may qualify for worker's compensation coverage.
Contact the Trucking Company and Report the Accident
The commercial driver must contact the trucking company as quickly as possible. The trucking company contacts their insurance provider who will conduct an investigation to determine how the accident happened. If their driver caused the accident, the trucking company's insurer must determine why. The truck is evaluated to determine if the cause was mechanical, an unbalanced load, or fault parts.
The driver's log is evaluated by the insurer and by law enforcement. Drivers who choose to drive beyond their driving limits violate federal regulations. If the cause of the accident is exhausted driving, the trucking company and the driver are liable.
If You Aren't Injured Follow Safety Protocol To Prevent Further Collisions
Commercial drivers involved in an accident who aren't injured follow safety protocols. They cannot move the commercial vehicle, but they can turn on their flashers and try to help others move other vehicles out of the flow of traffic. If it is possible to prevent further collisions, it keeps the accident investigation simpler. However, no party should get out of their vehicles if they are injured and should wait for emergency services.
The trucking company's insurer will ask the commercial driver for details about the accident. If the commercial driver was injured, it is recommended they seek legal counsel.
Do Not Discuss the Accident With Anyone
The commercial driver shouldn't speak to anyone about the accident other than their attorney. Attorneys for other parties or the other parties themselves may contact the driver to get information. The information could be used to disprove the driver's claims. It is important for them to allow their attorney to speak to other parties on their behalf.
An 18-wheeler accident could produce significant injuries for the commercial driver and others involved. The first step is to contact law enforcement and emergency services. Law enforcement takes control over the scene, and emergency services manage all injured parties. Commercial drivers who were injured must follow precautions and contact an attorney. An attorney can help them process a legal claim, if necessary, to give them compensation for their injuries and losses.
