First Steps To Take After a Little Rock Truck Accident

Any vehicle crash can be traumatizing, but those involving massive commercial vehicles have a higher potential for being catastrophic. Knowing what to do in the aftermath allows you to protect your safety, health, and interests during the injury claims process.

If a trucker’s carelessness caused you harm, you may hold them accountable with help from a skilled truck crash attorney. Contact our team at Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn, PLLC today to learn about the first steps to take after a Little Rock truck accident.

What Are the Most Important Actions To Take After a Collision?

The first steps you take after a Little Rock truck wreck should prioritize your safety. Call emergency services in the immediate aftermath of a wreck involving an 18-wheeler. These crashes involve huge weight disparities and greater forces, often resulting in severe injuries that can lead to permanent disabilities. If your car is operable and it is safe to do so, move out of the flow of traffic to the shoulder or another nearby area and turn on your hazard lights.

Call Law Enforcement

Contact the local authorities to report the crash and request emergency medical care if necessary. Request an official copy of the police report. Crashes involving commercial vehicles typically require a formal report. Police officers document the scene, take notes, and draw conclusions. This documentation, and any citations or violations included in the report, will be crucial evidence.

Begin Gathering Evidence

This is an excellent time to begin documenting the accident scene. If you are able, take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs and signals, and your injuries. Note the time, location, and any other relevant details, and gather the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Obtain the truck driver’s name, contact details, license, insurance information, and employer information. However, avoid any discussion of the accident or fault. Similarly, reporting a crash to your insurance company right away is necessary, but stick to the basics and avoid discussions until you speak to a legal professional.

Seek Medical Treatment

If immediate care from first responders was unnecessary, the next step is getting checked by healthcare professionals. This is crucial even if you feel okay.

Adrenaline may be masking your injuries, and medical care from a healthcare professional also helps document your injury claim. You can contact our experienced attorney for guidance and more information about what to do after a truck crash.

State Reporting Requirements

In most cases, drivers in Arkansas must report a crash to law enforcement immediately. Under Arkansas Code § 27-53-202, all motorists must notify the nearest law enforcement agency of automobile collisions immediately when they result in injuries, fatalities, or property damage in excess of $3,000. All drivers involved in the incident must stop at the scene or as close to it as safely possible and fulfill their legal duties and requirements.

A driver should remove the vehicle from the flow of traffic if possible. If not, they should leave their car to wait for assistance at a nearby safe location off the roadway. Our knowledgeable Little Rock lawyer could answer any other questions you have about state law, the injury claims process, and the initial actions to take after a truck crash.

Contact a Little Rock Attorney About First Steps To Take After a Truck Wreck

If a reckless trucker caused a preventable crash that resulted in your injuries and losses, you must hold them legally and financially responsible. Knowing the actions to take immediately is vital for protecting your safety, health, and rights during the injury claim process.

Contact us today and schedule a consultation with our team to learn more about the first steps to take after a Little Rock truck accident. We could guide you through the process, defend your rights, and advocate for the best potential outcome.