What to Do at the Truck Accident Scene

Truck accident victims frequently tell lawyers that they regret not being better prepared for what to do at the scene of an accident in Michigan. This outline briefly reviews the most important steps recommended by the truck accident attorneys of Michigan Auto Law, whether you’ve been broadsided by a semi-truck, you’ve been injured in a hit and run truck accident or you’ve been in a head-on collision with a big rig. Our law firm has the expertise and experience to guide you through the process of recovering following a traumatic commercial truck accident.

1. Stay calm and assist injured passengers.

2. Call the police.

3. Document ALL injuries.

4. Write down as much information as possible.

It is important to document as much information as possible at the accident scene, because it’s very common for the driver who caused the accident to change his or her story along the way. Additionally, errors may appear in the police report and documentation by the individual involved can be instrumental in correcting mistakes. If you can, make note of the following information:

• All injuries that you or your passenger(s) experienced from the truck accident
• The exact location where the truck accident occurred
• The time, weather conditions and direction other vehicles were traveling at the time of the crash
• A description of how the accident occurred
• License plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the accident
• Nature of any damage to vehicles that existed before the semi-truck accident
• Nature of any damage to vehicles that occurred as a result of the accident, including whether any vehicles had to be towed from the scene
• Statements by other drivers admitting responsibility for the accident
• Statements by other drivers or passengers indicating they were not injured as a result of the accident
• Name, badge number and phone number of all police officers who arrive at the truck accident scene
• Name, address, phone number, driver’s license number and expiration date, registration and insurance information of all other drivers involved in the accident
• Name, address, phone number and insurance information of all owners of any vehicles involved in the accident; because the driver and owner of the vehicle may not be the same person
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of all witnesses who observed the truck accident and/or arrived at the accident scene
• Your observations as to whether any drugs or alcohol contributed to the accident, describe the behavior of those under the influence and insist on a breath test if you suspect alcohol is involved
• Any traffic tickets issued by police at the accident scene

5. Photograph the scene.

Personal injury lawyers recommend you take pictures of the truck accident scene in Michigan, if you can do so safely. Remember, most good law firms also have private investigators that can be sent to the accident scene as well. If possible, take photos from multiple angles and locations. Be sure to photograph:

• Vehicle damage
• Injured drivers/passengers
• Skid marks on the roadway next to a measuring stick, shoe or other object so that the size of the marks can be estimated.
• The roadway or intersection where the accident occurred

6. Cooperate with police, but speak with an attorney before accepting responsibility for the accident.

7. Do not leave the scene of the accident.