When you hit another car, the result isn’t usually catastrophic damage to both vehicles. However, a semi-trailer truck accident is much different. These large trucks have a front end that lifts or lowers to make loading and unloading cargo easier.
The part of the semi-trailer called a fifth wheel is essential for connecting the truck to a trailer so that it can be easily towed. When these heavy pieces of equipment get involved in an accident, the results are often disastrous. Here are some steps you should take after a semi-trailer truck accident occurs.
Take legal action immediately
If a semi-trailer truck driver caused the accident, you should take legal action as soon as possible. To learn more about how you can hire a lawyer, click here and start getting the help that you need.
This can be difficult if you’re dealing with extreme pain and trauma, so start looking into your legal options as soon as possible. There may be a time limit associated with taking legal action, so you should contact an attorney as soon as you can.
Ensure the safety of those involved
First and foremost, you must ensure the safety of everyone involved in the accident. This will include the semi-truck driver, other drivers and passengers, and bystanders. If there is a fire, or you see the tanker leaking fuel or chemicals, leave the scene immediately to avoid getting injured.
You should call the fire department immediately if someone is trapped in a car. You can also ask a passerby to call for help. If someone is unconscious, you should try to keep them calm and check for breathing. If no breathing is present, you should administer CPR.
If their breathing is fine, but the air quality is compromised by dust, smoke, or dangerous chemicals, for instance, they may need a powered air purifying respirator papr to protect them whilst waiting for assistance.
Get immediate medical attention for those injured
A traumatic brain injury is one of the most serious injuries associated with semi-trailer truck accidents. This is because the impact of the truck hitting another vehicle can send its cargo flying through the air and into nearby vehicles. This creates a risk of brain injury to anyone nearby.
You should get immediate medical attention for any head injury. If you were injured in a semi-truck accident, you should get medical attention right away. This includes both visible and hidden injuries. Visible injuries include cuts, bruises, and broken bones.
Hidden injuries, such as neck sprains and spinal cord injuries, may not be apparent at first. You should go to the emergency room if you are injured and feel that medical treatment is needed.
Check to see if others are trapped
After making sure that the safety of others is ensured, you should check to see if anyone is trapped in their vehicle. If so, you should call for help immediately.
You can ask a passing motorist for help, or you can attempt to free the trapped person by removing the roof of the car. After you have done this, you should try to keep the victim calm and administer first aid if necessary.
If there are people still inside a burning vehicle, you should not attempt to free them. Instead, you should try to move them away from the car as quickly as possible and then call for help.
Exchange information and take photos
After ensuring the safety of everyone involved in the accident, you should exchange information with the drivers of other vehicles and obtain the information of all drivers involved in the accident.
This can help you get your compensation more quickly if the accident is your fault. You should also take photos of the accident scene. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles, the roadway, and any nearby buildings. This evidence can help you rebuild your case in court if you are involved in a semi-truck accident.
It’s also helpful if you’re trying to track down the owner of a truck whose name or company you don’t know. You can use the information in your photos to find the owner in online registries.
Submit a police report
Immediately after the accident, you should go to the nearest police station. You should inform an officer of the accident and obtain their report.
You can use this report in insurance claims and any future legal action. The officer may only fill out a brief report if the damage is minor. However, if the accident results in injuries or significant damage, the officer will write a report you can use as evidence in future lawsuits.
Clean up after an oil spill
People often use semi-trailer trucks to transport oil, chemicals, and other hazardous materials. If the tanker ruptures during an accident, it can create a significant environmental hazard.
There are several steps you should take if this happens. First, you should put on protective clothing, including rubber gloves and a respirator. You should then use a broom and shovel to collect the spilt substance.
Next, you should contact your local environmental protection agency and provide them with information about the spill. They will let you know whether the substance is toxic and how to clean it up. Finally, you should contact the trucking company that was using the truck. They may be able to help you clean up the spill.
Conclusion
A semi-trailer truck accident can result in severe injuries or death. These accidents often result from distracted driving, excessive speed, and driving under the influence. If you or a loved one is injured in a semi-trailer truck accident, it is important to ask for help.
There is a lot to do after an accident, and it can be hard to determine next steps. The sooner you take action after an accident, the sooner you can receive compensation for your injuries.
