What should I do if I’m involved in a trucking accident in Austin, Texas? The I-35 corridor has thousands of trucks traveling through Austin and Travis County 24 hours a day. As an Austin resident, you chances of being involved in an Trucking accidents are extremely high. Trucking accidents require many of the same procedures as automobile accidents. Never leave the scene of an accident or attempt a hit-and-run no matter how upset or scared you become. If someone is injured in the accident you NEED to stop and render aid; NEVER leave the scene of the accident. You can be charged with criminal and civil legal proceedings. Do not attempt to move your vehicle! If there is any doubt about who caused the accident, experts can reconstruct the scene from the position of the vehicles, skid marks, and tire tracks. It’s extremely important to call 911 to protect yourself and the company you may work for in future legal proceedings. Police and accident reports provide and contain vital information which help you in legal proceedings whether or not you are found to be at fault. This gives your attorney official documentation and resources to protect you from being liable for circumstances surrounding the accident. If anyone has been hurt or injured during the accident, do not attempt to move the person! Attempting to render aid shows your due diligence and could limit any potential liability if you are found to be at fault in the court of law.
Police ReportIf you are involved in a trucking accident in Austin, Texas, stick with the facts; do NOT give out any unnecessary information during a police or accident report. You should politely cooperate with the police; do not be confrontational or let your emotions get the best of you and remain as calm as possible. You can be held criminally and civilly liable for what you say. Exercise your constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent. Do not make any statements that could incriminate you regarding the accident like “I did not see the car”, “I was only going five miles over the speed limit”, or anything that might indicate you are at blame for the accident.
Insurance AdjustersIf insurance adjusters arrive at the scene of the accident, do NOT say anything to the opposing party’s adjuster. Exercise your right to remain silent. Only speak with those adjusters that represent you or your insurance company. NEVER MAKE ANY STATEMENTS OR SIGN ANYTHING IN WRITING WITHOUT THE REPRESENTATION OF A QUALIFIED EXPERIENCED TRUCKING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY. Notify your insurance company about the trucking accident; take down the details of the other party’s involved such as their insurance company, name, and address. Make sure you always carry your current insurance coverage with you in your vehicle.
Important Things to doDocument the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved in the trucking accident as well as the vehicle identification numbers. Document any personal details of witnesses that were at the scene of the accident. If you have a camera available, take pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicles. It is always a good idea to carry a camera in the glove compartment or have a cell phone you can take pictures with. Seek medical attention for any future injuries you may have sustained that were not apparent at the time of the accident.
Consult an AttorneyOnce you have done your due diligence after a truck accident; you should consult with a qualified experienced attorney who specializes in personal injury. United States law protects victims who have been injured in a trucking accident or in the event of death. IF YOU OR LOVED ONE HAS SUFFERED AN INJURY OR SERIOUS LOSS AS A RESULT OF AN ACCIDENT, CALL CARABIN SHAW, DAY OR NIGHT. THE CONSULTATION IS FREE 800-862-1260.