WHAT TO DO

Don't try to diagnose yourself. Call 911 or visit your doctor as soon as possible. While you might think you are not injured, you might in fact have a serious, life-threatening internal injury and not realize it. That's why it's important to have an emergency medical technician (EMT), doctor, nurse or another medical professional examine you as soon as possible after your crash.

Even if your accident seems minor, don't try to handle your crash on your own. Contact the police immediately and ask them to respond to your tractor-trailer accident. Police will create an official accident report for your crash, which can be critical evidence in your personal injury claim.

Don't simply rely on police to get the driver's contact information. Before the truck driver who caused your accident leaves the scene, make sure you obtain the following important personal information in case you or someone handling your accident needs to contact the driver or the trucking company. We strongly recommend getting the following information: Driver's name

1. 1. • Driver's name
      • Driver's mailing address
      • Driver's phone number
      • Driver's license number
      • Insurance information
      • Trucking company's name
      • Trucking company's mailing address
      • Trucking company's phone number

If someone witnessed your accident, talk to that person immediately. Statements from witnesses can dramatically influence the outcome of your case. Make sure you get the following information from witnesses:

1. 1. • Their full names
      • Their addresses
      • Their phone numbers
      • Brief description of exactly what they saw

The old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" certainly applies in accidents. Photographs of accidents can serve as valuable evidence. Insurance companies often use these photos to determine if or how much to compensate accident victims. If you do take photos, make sure to take ones of the following items:

1. 1. • Physical damage to either vehicle
      • Exact location of accident
      • Nearby street signs, including stop signs or speed limit signs
      • Skid marks on road if present

Don't just take photos. Write down information about your accident. The more facts you have about your accident, the stronger your case. Here are some suggestions of information to write down about your accident:

1. 1. • Exact time of accident
      • Weather conditions at time of accident
      • Lighting conditions at time of accident
      • Direction vehicles were traveling before accident
      • Draw a diagram of accident if possible

Call your insurance company and tell them you've been involved in a trucking accident. Keep your comments brief. You can give your carrier names, locations, dates and other routine facts, but don't discuss fault. In some cases, your own insurance company might not have your best interests at heart, especially if you're a victim of a hit-and-run accident or the other driver doesn't have insurance. It's always better to be cautious. Remember, anything you say about your accident could jeopardize your ability to be fairly compensated.

Call the trucking company that employs the driver who caused your trucking accident. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, ask your insurance company or us to contact them for you. We can find out vital information about the company and the driver, including:

1. • Last time the truck was repaired or inspected
   • Truck driver's accident record
   • Previous safety violations for trucking company or truck driver

Don't wait to contact us. Remember, the trucking company and its insurance company will typically begin investigating within hours after the accident. You need a lawyer as soon as possible on your side, fighting for your rights. We work tirelessly on every truck accident we handle in Virginia. Attorney William P. Davis has been practicing law since 1999 and has successfully resolved many accident cases. Attorney John Weber also has years of experience working with clients on complicated car accidents.

There's no substitute for experience. Make sure your case counts. Contact us today. Call (866) 434-1581 and schedule an appointment.