According to federal statistics, truck accidents have been on the rise in recent years. In 2015 alone, there were over 116,000 truck-related accidents across the U.S. Worse, occupants of other, smaller vehicles are at most risk for injury when a truck and passenger vehicle collide. So what can New York readers do if their vehicle is struck by a commercial truck? Safety experts have several tips.
First, the victim should call the relevant authorities, including the police and emergency medical services. Next, they should move their vehicle to the side of the road and set out flares. Third, they should talk with police and exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver. Finally, they should write down all the details they can remember about the crash, including when it occurred and what damage was done. One thing victims should not do is apologize or admit fault for the crash.
Some truck accident victims are severely injured and must be immediately transported to the hospital. However, other victims do not realize they are injured until days, weeks or months after the crash. For example, a concussion may not be diagnosed until the victim starts to have persistent headaches or cognitive issues weeks after the accident. Whether an injury is diagnosed immediately or at a later date, it can lead to a lifetime of health problems.
People who are injured in truck accidents may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver to recover damages. This type of claim could lead to a financial settlement that pays for medical expenses, lost income, property loss and more. If a family loses a loved one in a truck accident, they also have the right to sue the truck driver and their trucking company for damages.
Source: consumersafety.org, “Truck Accidents“, Curtis Weyant, Nov. 17, 2017