Protecting Your Rights After an 18-Wheeler Wreck: Steps to Take After a Trucking Accident in Ontario, California
Being in a trucking accident is a frightening thing. In the moment, you may not be sure of what to do. Regardless of who caused the accident, all drivers are required to stay at the scene of the accident until assistance arrives and an exchange of insurance information has occurred. There are certain steps you should take to protect yourself physically, and to ensure that you’ve collected any possible evidence in order to improve your chances of recovering compensation if you suffered any physical injuries or property damage. Our Ontario trucking accident lawyers explain what steps to take after a trucking accident in Ontario, California to protect your rights to compensation.
That’s because, here at the Caruso Law Offices, P.C., our experienced and knowledgeable staff wants to ensure that victims of greedy trucking companies and reckless truck drivers are able to recover the full amount of compensation that they may be entitled to under the law. We have expanded our law office with another office in Ontario, California, dedicating our hardworking staff to individuals in the Golden State to ensure that their rights to compensation are well-protected.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Ontario, California
As mentioned above, there are certain steps you should take when being injured in a commercial trucking accident in Ontario, California. These steps include the following:
- Drive your car to the side of the road to avoid a secondary collision – This step is important as you run the risk of having another vehicle hit your car if your car is in the middle of the road. You should be sure to turn your hazard lights on so other drivers can see you. If too much damage has occurred and the car is not drivable, you and any other passengers in your car should exit the vehicle
- Call for help – You can call for help using either your phone or your car’s emergency button if your car has that function. Regardless of whether or not you feel you suffered any injuries, it is important for there to be a record of the accident.
- Assess yourself for injuries and allow assessment of injuries from paramedics when help arrives – It is important to try to evaluate if you have any injuries that need medical attention. Sometimes, it is not immediately apparent that you have suffered an injury, which is why you should receive a physical exam from a paramedic or other rescuer trying to help you. It is wise to go to the hospital if advised so you can receive proper medical attention. In addition to receiving appropriate medical attention, this will also allow a written record of any injuries sustained which can help your case.
- Exchange insurance information – It is important to recover insurance information as well as the name of the driver and the trucking company in order for your lawyers to know who they need to work with or prosecute against.
- Collect names and contact information of witnesses – If witnesses were at the scene, it is wise to collect their information in the event that your case goes to trial and witnesses are needed.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident – It is important to take photos of the scene of the accident as well as photos of your car and the truck as these photos can be used as evidence.
Finally, the Last And Most Important Step to Take After a Truck Wreck is to Call an Experienced Trucking Accident in Ontario, CA
Call the Caruso Law Offices, P.C. for help with your trucking accident case in California. We have over 35 years of experience and we have recovered over $30 million for victims of serious or catastrophic motor vehicle and personal injury accidents since 2016. To learn more, call our Ontario trucking accident injuries lawyers to schedule a FREE consultation by dialing (505) 437-4301.
Our Ontario, California trucking accident lawyers are originally from New Mexico and are licensed in California now to help more families of tragic truck wrecks. We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. We also have a second trucking accident office in California, serving those in Inland Empire County and San Bernardino County, as well as those who have been catastrophically injured or wrongfully killed through California. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 437-4301 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
