Trucks are massive vehicles that can cause extensive damage and injuries when they collide with passenger vehicles. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck in Illinois, it’s important to understand how to protect your safety and your rights after the crash occurs. This article provides guidance on navigating roadside safety in the aftermath of a truck collision in Illinois.
Move Out of Danger
The first priority after a truck accident is to get to a safe location. If your vehicle is still drivable, pull off the road and onto the shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights and move away from traffic. If your car isn’t drivable, stay buckled up inside the vehicle with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives. Only exit the vehicle if you smell gas or see smoke or fire.
If you can safely do so, place roadside safety triangles or flares behind your vehicle to alert other drivers of the accident scene. Avoid walking in traffic lanes and stand away from the vehicles involved in the crash.
Call for Help
Once you are in a secure location, immediately call 911 to report the accident. Provide the exact location of the crash and request medical assistance if anyone was injured. Be prepared to provide your name, a description of the vehicles involved, and basic details about how the accident occurred.
If you are unable to make the call yourself, ask a witness or passerby to notify the police on your behalf. Law enforcement must respond to the scene to investigate and document the accident. An officer will likely want to interview you and the other parties involved.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you don’t have obvious injuries, it’s crucial to get evaluated by a doctor after a truck accident. The impacts involved in a collision with a heavy truck can cause internal damage and delayed symptoms. Adrenaline may also mask pain immediately after the crash. Getting prompt medical attention can identify any hidden injuries and get treatment started right away.
Ambulances are often dispatched to serious truck crashes. Otherwise, arrange for someone to drive you to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic. Healthcare providers can check for concussions, internal bleeding, fractures, and other issues. Make sure to get copies of your medical records documenting any diagnosis.
Document the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the scene from two to three different angles before the vehicles are moved. Make sure they show the position of the cars, skid marks, debris, and roadway damage. Take additional photos of your injuries or vehicle damage as well. All of this visual evidence can help demonstrate how the crash occurred and which driver was likely at fault.
Write down your recollection of events immediately while your memory is fresh. If there were eyewitnesses, get their contact information so your attorney can follow up with them. Their accounts could be crucial.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
An experienced Illinois truck accident lawyer can advocate for your rights and help you navigate the claims process after a serious collision. An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation, preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and determine the liability of all parties involved. They can also help calculate damages related to your injuries, vehicle damage, lost income, and other expenses.
Truck crash cases involve complex laws and regulations specific to commercial carriers. An attorney familiar with these rules can build the strongest possible case for full and fair compensation. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf while you focus on recovery.
Don’t hesitate to contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at Monge & Associates for a free consultation by calling (888) 477-0597. With 32 offices located in 19 states, including Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri, our attorneys are available to provide experienced legal guidance regarding your roadside rights and options after a truck collision in Illinois.