Commercial Driver Tips For Post-Accident Behavior
Posted on: 5 June 2017
If you are a commercial truck driver and are involved in an accident with a passenger car, then you must follow these tips to legally protect yourself:
Tip: Call Law Enforcement and Don't Leave Until They Clear You to Do So
As a commercial truck driver, you should always call law enforcement if you are involved in an accident and request that they come to the scene and make a report. If the accident was minor and the police are not available to come to the scene, then you should file a report on their website. If you have called law enforcement, then do not leave the scene until they clear you to do so.
Tip: Write Down a Complete Report of the Accident
One of the most important things you can do after your accident is to sit and write a very detailed report of what happened. Your accident report should include each of the following:
- accident's time, date, and location
- weather at the time of the accident
- property damage
- physical injuries
- the cause of the accident
- contact information for everyone involved including witnesses
- car insurance policy information
- driver's license numbers
It is important to write down your accident report as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that your memory is still as accurate as possible about what happened.
Tip: Use Your Cell Phone and Take Lots of Photos of the Accident Scene
Once you have verified that no one is injured and in need of your help, then you should take out your cell phone and take as many photos of the accident scene as possible. Your attorney will use these photos later to help them win your case if it goes to court.
Tip: Don't Argue or Be Confrontational with Anyone at the Accident Scene
Even if you become very angry or agitated after you are involved in the accident, you need to keep your cool at the scene. Don't argue or become confrontational with anyone at the accident scene. This behavior could be recorded and used against you in court.
Tip: Consider Installing a Dash Camera for a Recording of Future Accidents
Finally, to be proactive for any future accidents, you should consider installing a dash camera in your truck. The dash camera will record future mishaps and will provide an accurate report of what has happened without any human opinions or memories being involved.
Get in touch with a trucking accident injury attorney to learn more.
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