Being involved in a head-on collision with a semi-truck is a terrifying experience. It can leave you shaken and unsure of what steps to take next. In those stressful initial moments after such a serious accident, keeping calm and prioritizing safety is essential.
Your instincts may tell you to flee the scene out of panic or fear of trouble. However, stopping to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved and gathering critical information is vital. The following article provides an overview of important actions that should be taken immediately.
The Concerning Rise in Truck Accidents and Their Deadly Consequences
Truck accidents are unfortunately all too common on roads across America. Every year, thousands of collisions involve large commercial trucks, many resulting in serious injury or loss of life. According to the most recent data from 2022, over 5,800 fatal crashes involved large trucks, marking a nearly 50% increase over the past decade.
Even though they made up only 6% of all cars on the road, trucks were in 10% of all fatal collisions. Even more concerning, the rate of fatal truck crashes per 100 million miles traveled has risen by 24% in the last ten years alone.
Injury-causing truck accidents are even more prevalent. In 2022, over 120,000 crashes involved large trucks where someone was hurt. The total number of injuries from these types of collisions exceeded 161,000 people. As per NSC, the vast majority of injuries, around 73%, befell occupants of other non-truck vehicles. Another 26% were truck drivers or passengers.
The statistics clearly illustrate that truck crashes have deadly consequences far too often. As commercial vehicle traffic continues increasing in the U.S., so too does the risk posed on congested roadways.
Steps to Take After a Head-on Collision With Semi Truck
Make Your Health a Top Priority
After being involved in an accident with a semi-truck, it is important to get your health checked out right away. Even if you feel okay, having a medical professional examine you can help identify any injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
Sometimes, symptoms from an accident don’t surface until later. It’s important to get an evaluation so any injuries can be properly documented and treated. First responders may check you at the scene. But scheduling an appointment with your doctor or going to the hospital ensures a thorough medical screening.
Contact Emergency Services
Once you have ensured your own safety, promptly contact emergency services. Even minor collisions should be reported to allow for proper documentation and response. By dialing 911, emergency personnel such as police and paramedics can be dispatched to your location.
An official report from responding authorities is the most reliable way to create a clear record of the incident details. Important information about all vehicles, property, and individuals involved will be noted. This type of documentation may be necessary down the line for legal or insurance purposes.
Document the Scene with Photos
In addition to seeking medical care, consider documenting the semi-truck accident scene. Photographic evidence can assist in substantiating your claim if needed later on with insurance or legal proceedings. Important things to capture images of include:
- Your vehicle and any visible damage sustained
- The involved semi-truck
- Skid marks, debris in the road, and vehicle parts scattered
- Any visible injuries you have
- Nearby street signs or other landmarks
Avoid Social Media Activity
Recent statistics reveal a staggering global social media presence. As of mid-2024, over 5 billion individuals worldwide actively use social media platforms, representing nearly two-thirds of the global population. The user base continues to expand rapidly, with hundreds of millions of new accounts created annually.
It’s crucial to refrain from posting any accident-related information on social media. Insurance companies and legal professionals routinely monitor these platforms, searching for inconsistencies that could undermine your claim, regardless of fault.
Any online content you share may be used in legal proceedings, including depositions or court hearings. Posts about your physical or emotional state or your perception of how the accident occurred could be used against you. This could potentially reduce your compensation.
For instance, a seemingly harmless update like “Got into an accident with a big rig today, but I’m okay!” could jeopardize your claim, particularly if injuries manifest later. It’s best to maintain silence on social media regarding any accident-related matters.
Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Following a catastrophic truck accident, there may be several financial, emotional, and physical difficulties to overcome. You can seek just compensation for your losses and injuries by going through the legal system with the assistance of an attorney.
A truck accident lawyer will work on your behalf to:
- Assist with insurance claims by negotiating with adjusters to obtain full coverage for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses.
- Gather and review important documentation like vehicle data records, driver logs, reports, and scene photographs that can provide insights into what occurred.
- If liability is in dispute, investigate the parties responsible by obtaining the trucking company and driver’s safety records. Review their inspection histories and other relevant background information.
- Leverage their expertise in commercial vehicle law to build a strong case supported by thorough evidence collection and analysis.
Consulting a Truck Accident Attorney
A collision involving a commercial truck can have serious aftereffects that affect your money and your well-being. A specialized lawyer can assist in seeking compensation for your losses. They’ll collect evidence, navigate the claims process, and provide legal representation if your case goes to trial.
Consider a recent incident in St. Louis from January 2024. At an intersection near downtown, a passenger vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and collided with a large commercial truck.
As per First Alert 4, the passenger vehicle, a sedan, struck the side of the tractor-trailer, resulting in major damage to both vehicles. Emergency responders arrived and transported the two drivers to a local hospital.
As per TorHoerman Law, such cases require thorough evidence gathering, which may include:
- Data from the truck’s electronic logging device
- Mandatory driver log books
- Communications recordings
- Official accident reports
- Road evidence analysis
- Photographic documentation
- Driver history and medical records
- Vehicle inspection records
This list isn’t exhaustive but illustrates the type of information typically collected and examined in truck accident cases. A skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer will carefully gather and examine this information to build a compelling case in your favor.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your auto insurance company can assist with costs while liability is determined. If the truck driver caused the crash, their commercial vehicle insurance will likely be responsible for damages.
Some states have no-fault insurance policies, meaning each person’s insurer covers repairs/medical bills regardless of fault. State laws dictate these payment responsibilities.
Independent truckers often pay $9,000-$16,000 annually for commercial coverage if they have a clean record. As per MarketWatch, rates may decrease by leasing under a larger carrier, typically $250-$450 monthly.
Insurance costs vary between states due to regulatory differences. Rates have risen steadily in recent years. To estimate expenses, obtain quotes from multiple providers. For example, one national company reported commercial policies averaging $736-$1,125 monthly.
Under no-fault, neither party proves fault—instead, each contacts their insurer. This streamlines the claims process, enabling medical treatment and repairs without delay. Contact your provider promptly after an accident for assistance. This way, you can entirely focus on your recovery.
FAQs
1. What should be your immediate response after a crash?
A: First, assess the condition of occupants in all involved vehicles. Check for obvious wounds or indications of suffering. Unless there’s imminent danger, avoid moving injured individuals. If needed, contact emergency services for police and medical assistance.
2. What are the primary risks in a frontal impact collision?
A: Head-on collisions often result in severe physical consequences for those involved. Occupants may suffer from multiple bone fractures throughout their body. Serious cuts and lacerations are common, sometimes requiring extensive medical treatment. In some cases, victims may experience burns, either from friction or vehicle fires. Internal injuries, which can be particularly dangerous, are also a significant risk.
3. Which part of the body typically experiences initial impact?
A: The clavicle (collarbone) is frequently the first area to sustain injury. This is largely due to the positioning of the seat belt, which crosses this bone. During a sudden stop, the body’s momentum causes it to press against the restraint, often resulting in clavicle trauma.
Being involved in such a major collision is physically and emotionally traumatic. Even after the first shock and adrenaline wear off, it’s crucial to accurately record the accident’s details in case you need them later on.
Seeking medical assistance straight away can reduce stress and safeguard your legal rights. Speaking with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney is also essential in the aftermath of such terrible incidents.
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