Long hours and long roads, whether you drive locally or across the country, the fact of life for a CDL driver is that you spend many hours on the road and an accident may be inevitable. There are many things to be aware of and to consider when operating a commercial vehicle. There are also many ways in which to stay safe out on the road. Good old-fashioned rest and relaxation helps, but accidents do happen out there and very often it is not the fault of the CDL driver. It is very helpful to prepare yourself with what to do if you are a CDL driver in a truck accident. Below you will find some helpful tips.
Call Authorities:
After a CDL driver accident, the first thing you should do is to make sure everyone involved is okay. You should then immediately notify authorities to the scene. Use your best judgment to assess physical injuries in anyone involved in the accident. If anyone is in immediate danger, act quickly to help. If no one is in immediate danger let the appropriate authorities handle medical attention. While on the scene, make sure not to say anything that could be used against you later on or admit/blame fault.
Take Notes and Take Pictures:
After any accident, you should always attain the other driver’s vehicle registration, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance company name and policy number. Anyone at the scene that would be able to help say what happened must be accounted for. Any witnesses to the accident will help immensely, especially if the accident is not your fault, so make sure to take down his/her contact information.
If you have a smart phone and/or camera, photograph the scene exactly how you see it. Make sure not to move your truck before you’re able to take any pictures. Having photos of the accident can prove to be one of the most important factors in how the case will pan out.
Notify Your Employer & An Attorney:
After these crucial first steps, you will need to contact your employer. Your employer will then notify the insurance company. Following the accident, your insurance company may have several questions about road conditions and may need to see your mile and rest log.
Consult with an experienced Truck Accident Lawyer to make sure that your rights are preserved and that you are treated fairly throughout the process. You may or may not need to take legal action, or defend yourself. Speaking to an attorney offers you additional peace of mind.
If you or a loved one is in need of guidance or representation, Chicago Injury Attorney, David Kremin has decades of experience helping victims and their families through situations just like this.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Do not rely on the above information as all cases are different and different laws apply to different cases. Consult an attorney in your area for further guidance. This firm is not professionally responsible for any consultation until attorney-client contract is signed by the client and the attorney. If you were injured in an accident please call one of our attorneys at David K. Kremin & Associates, and we will give you a free consultation. We never charge unless we collect for you. Please call 1(800) ASK-A-LAWYER or 1(800)275-2529, askalawyer@aol.com, www.1800askalawyer.com.