What to do if you have been involved in a trucking accident
What to Do When You Are Involved In a California Semi-Truck, Van, or Big Rig Trucking Accident
If you are involved in a semi-truck, van, dump truck, fire truck, or big rig trucking accident, there is certain information and steps you can take to help protect your interest. As California truck accident lawyers, we recommend you do the following and obtain the following truck accident information:
- A copy of the police report
- The police report number
- Vehicle DOT (Department of Transportation) license number for the truck (rig / cab)
- Vehicle DOT license number for the trailer (usually different)
- Any names or identification on the cab
- Any names or identification on the trailer
- Driver information, including license and insurance information
- Insurance information for the truck owner and trailer owner (if available)
- Whether any skid marks are present from the truck, and if so, their length
- The condition of the truck’s tires
- Contact a truck accident attorney ASAP
- Take photographs, if possible
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses
- Get the names and contact information of any one taking pictures or questioning witnesses or participants
- Get examined by medical physician (doctor)
What NOT to Do When You Are Involved In a California Semi-Truck, Van, or Big Rig Trucking Accident
If you have been involved in a California truck accident, in addition to retaining an excellent California trucking accident attorney, we recommend you:
- DO NOT give any statements without consulting a attorney (if you need to give a statement to the police, just state the facts, do not speculate, including admitting to any fault)
- DO NOT sign any papers, especially agreeing to any settlement or compensation
Many times, injuries do not fully manifest themselves until long after the occurrence of a trucking accident (or any other accident).
