When you are in an accident with a logging truck, it can be difficult to keep up with everything you’re supposed to be looking out for. Here is a list of the five things you should keep an eye out for after the accident.
1. Injuries
The first thing you should do is to check yourself for injuries. Make notes of any injuries you sustain or any injuries sustained by other drivers involved in the accident. When making note of your injuries, you will also want to make sure the police officer notates this fact in their report. That way, the insurance has it on record for the claims process. Make sure photos of the injuries are taken when possible, whether it’s by you or at the hospital when getting medical attention.
2. Vehicle Debris
If you are able to do so, take photos of any debris on the roadway that came from the accident. If you are unable to take photographs of the scene, make a mental note of where you find the debris so you can tell your insurance representative. They will want as much detail as they can when filing a claim on the accident. You might also want to consider having someone else take a photo and sending it to you somehow. That way, you can send a copy of that photo to the insurance representative. The more photos you have of the scene, the better off you’ll be during the claims process.
3 Witnesses
Have you noticed any witnesses to the accident? Make sure to speak with these people to get their story on what happened during the accident. Perhaps they noticed something as it happened that you failed to notice. Maybe they took a photo of the accident as it happened that they would be willing to share with you. This photo could easily help you during the claims process. Make sure to speak with the witness and that they speak with the police officer as well. They could add something to the police’s report that could work in your favor down the line.
4. Explanations from Both Sides
Make sure you also speak to the other driver as well if you are able to. Get their side of the story so you can tell the insurance representative while you are speaking with them. If you are unable to speak with the other driver on the scene of the accident, their contact information will be on the police officer’s report. Leave the contacting up to the insurance representative or your lawyer for them to contact the person. They will have questions for this person that you might not have yourself.
5. Police Report
The police report pertaining to the accident can be one of the more important pieces of evidence. In it, the police officer gives details about the wreck that you might not have yourself. There is a section on the report where the police gives their expert opinion on who they believe caused the accident. The insurance company uses this information to come to their own conclusion during the claims process. Make sure you hand this report over to the insurance company while also keeping a copy for yourself just in case you need it at a later time.
North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Brian Ricci, a North Carolina truck accident lawyer. If you, or a family member has suffered serious injuries resulting from a trucking accident, please give me a call at 800-387-6406 for free, friendly advice.
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