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.

Survey the scene for injuries. Immediately call an ambulance for anyone who is injured. Do not move injured passengers unless it is necessary to avoid further injury.

2. Call the police.

Even if the truck accident appears to be minor, it’s extremely important to call the police immediately in order to file a report.

3. Document ALL injuries.

Very serious injuries are often not experienced immediately after the truck accident. Make a detailed list of all injuries and pain you and other passengers are experiencing, even if it seems to be minor at the time.

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.

Avoid speaking with anyone, other than police, about your truck accident. Do not accept responsibility for the accident and do not blame others.

7. Do not leave the scene of the accident.

Unless you are being transported to the emergency room by ambulance, please remain at the truck accident scene until all other drivers and police have left.
Feel free to share this checklist with others, print and store in your glove box, or import it as text to your cell phone or PDA for quick access at the accident scene. If you have any additional questions or wish to speak to a Michigan truck accident lawyer directly about your circumstances, please call Michigan Auto Law for a free consultation at (800) 777-0028. You can also use the free consultation form. There is absolutely no fee or obligation. It’s best to contact an attorney before you speak with your insurance company or the person at-fault for the truck accident, because if you sign the wrong documents, you may unknowingly relinquish your rights or settle for less compensation than you are afforded.