What to Do After a Truck Accident in Tennessee

When you are in a truck accident in Tennessee, it is critical that you know what to do to protect your rights and to get the medical care and attention you need. Note that in every situation, prioritize your health and well-being, as well as that of others.

Yet, by following a few specific steps, you can ensure you get the care you need now and also document the losses you have well enough to hold those who caused your injuries accountable. To help you see what you should do in the ideal situation, consider the following steps, which include speaking with a truck accident attorney in Nashville, TN.

Get Medical Care First

Move yourself out of the way of further injury and then call 911. This not only helps you to obtain an ambulance to care for emergent injuries, but it also encourages the police to arrive to help. That aids in starting the documentation to prove who is at fault in the case. When possible and safe, check on others involved. Do not leave the scene of the accident until police arrive.

Get the Information of All Involved

The next step in the process is to gather information that could help you later. This includes the name, contact information, and insurance information of the other party involved. This information should be readily exchanged between you and the other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to provide your information to them as well.

It also helps to capture the license plate or details from the truck itself. Later, it may be possible to show the truck did not have the required maintenance under the law.

Talk to Witnesses

Witnesses could be other people in either vehicle, as well as a person on the side of the road who saw what happened. While you should focus on your injuries primarily, getting the name and contact information of any witnesses could help your accident attorney later build a stronger case for you if there is a need to do so. Remember that witnesses do not have to provide you with information, and being polite to them matters.

Document the Site and Location

With your phone, take photos of the damage to both cars as well as the surrounding area. Take photos of your injuries as well. It is a good idea to record a video of the surrounding area demonstrating the layout of what occurred. Move the camera slowly to capture all of the details possible.

Avoid Making Assumptions

At this point, you do not want to admit any guilt, nor do you want to make a statement to the police about your beliefs. Instead, only communicate the facts in your case, including stating what you were doing, what you saw prior to the accident, and what happened during the accident. Pay close attention to what the other party says as well. They may admit guilt in their statement.

Get to the Hospital

Even if you seem okay, getting a medical evaluation enables you to document your injuries and losses clearly. It also helps your attorney later to build a strong claim for your losses. The key here is to seek help for injuries and to have a record of what injuries occurred at the time of the accident.

Take the next step once you are safe by calling a Tennessee truck accident attorney. Our personal injury law firm, Selvidge Injury Law, is ready to help you at a free consultation.