Truck accidents are commonly catastrophic accidents that result in serious injuries to victims. For that reason, victims should know how to document their injuries and damages and what to do following a truck accident.
To begin with, it is important to secure whatever medical care and treatment victims of truck accident need and should also make sure to document it. Other steps to take include:
- Collect accident reports – police called to the scene of the truck accident will produce an official report of the accident. Truck accident victims should obtain a copy of the police report. If a certified truck inspector is sent to document the accident, the truck accident victim should also obtain a copy of that report.
- Collect photos and witness statements – as much as the victim is able, they should take photos of the truck accident and the damages done. They should also collect contact information from witnesses and witness statements when possible.
- Obtain alcohol and drug testing reports – in most situations when a truck accident results in physical injuries or a fatality regulations require the commercial truck driver be given a drug and alcohol test to determine impairment. Truck drivers who drive while impaired, including by prescription drugs, can cause truck accidents and be liable for the damages and harm they cause.
- Collect electronic logs – regulations require truck drivers to follow certain rules related to how long they can drive in one stretch without sleep and how frequently they must take rest breaks. This information is automatically recorded electronically and transmitted to the trucking carrier. If the truck driver violated those regulations, and was fatigued while driving, they and the carrier may be liable for the damages and harm caused.
There are other steps that may also need to be taken to document the damages and harm the truck accident victim has suffered. A personal injury claim can help truck accident victims recover compensation for their damages which is why it is important to take steps to document the harm they have suffered.