Commercial truck accidents are far more common in Florida than many drivers realize. In fact, the state ranked third in the nation for the most truck accidents in 2022. According to research from Truckinfo.net, over 168,000 truck accidents occur annually across the United States, with around 32% involving injuries and approximately 3% of commercial truck accidents resulting in fatalities. In 2022 alone, Florida experienced 9,243 large commercial truck accidents, placing it just behind Texas and California respectively. These large commercial vehicle accidents had severe consequences, with 3,193 resulting in injuries and 261 tragically ending in fatalities. This data on commercial truck accidents highlights the significant risk that they pose to other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians on Florida’s roads.
Commercial truck accidents can be a whirlwind of chaos as they unfold, making it difficult for drivers to know what steps to take in the moment. Being prepared and knowing what to do beforehand can help you stay calm, act decisively, and avoid losing crucial evidence or inadvertently breaking the law in the aftermath of the accident. That’s why our nearby team at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk has compiled a list of the most important things to do when you’re in an accident with a commercial vehicle. By following this list, you can protect your rights, and your health, as well as ensure the best possible outcome for your situation.
I Was Hit By A Commercial Vehicle – What Do I Do?
When you are hit by a commercial vehicle, there are several key steps you must follow to ensure your safety, health, and legal rights. These actions are crucial not only for ensuring that you address any injuries you may sustain, but also for protecting your right to pursue compensation for damages you may have incurred. By following these key steps, you can help prevent further harm and ensure that the accident is properly documented, which is vital for pursuing a successful claim.
Move To Safety As Soon As Possible
After being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is important to prioritize your safety and the safety of others. If you find yourself in the roadway, move yourself and others out of traffic as soon as possible to prevent further danger. If you can, you should also move your vehicle to prevent further accidents from happening as well.
Make sure to also assess yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call emergency services immediately if there are apparent injuries. Taking these steps ensures not only your immediate safety but also helps to prevent any further injuries or accidents from occurring.
Do I Have To Call The Police When A Commercial Vehicle Hit My Car?
In Florida, as well as most other states, you are legally required to report any accident involving a commercial vehicle to the police. This means that if you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, bus, or any other large commercial vehicle, you must notify law enforcement immediately, regardless of the accident’s severity. Whether the accident simply involves minor property damage or more serious injuries, reporting the accident is not just a legal obligation but also an important step in ensuring that the event is properly documented through a Tampa police report, which can be essential for any future insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if there are no apparent injuries after an accident involving a commercial truck, it’s still important for you to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The impact of such accidents can cause injuries that may not be immediately obvious, such as internal injuries, whiplash, or concussions, which can develop or worsen over time. Being promptly evaluated by a medical professional will help identify and treat any hidden injuries before they become more serious or even life-threatening. Additionally, seeking medical attention immediately after the accident provides important documentation of any injuries caused by the accident, which is crucial if you need to pursue a car accident claim for compensation at a later date.
Gather As Much Evidence As Possible
After being hit by a commercial vehicle, part of protecting your right to compensation is collecting evidence at the scene. Start by taking photographs of the accident scene, making sure to capture:
- The positions of the vehicles
- Any visible damage
- Skid marks
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs
These images can provide a clear picture of the accident and help establish who is at fault.
Additionally, gather information from the other drivers involved, including:
- Their name
- Contact details
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance information
If the vehicle is part of a larger company or fleet, make sure to also write down the company’s name and any identifying numbers on the truck, including their DOT number. Witness statements are also valuable, as they can help to replay the accident and assist in determining who is liable. Therefore, if there are any bystanders, ask for their contact information and a brief account of what they saw.
It’s also essential to document your own injuries, even if they seem insignificant at the time. This includes any bruises, cuts or scrapes, or other injuries. Also keep a record of medical treatments and diagnoses, as well as any symptoms that develop later. By collecting all of this evidence, you will be proactively building a strong case for compensation for your injuries and damages.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Since Florida is a no-fault state, it’s important to contact your insurance company after being hit by a commercial vehicle to seek compensation for your medical bills and property damage. Under Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, your own insurance policy will typically cover your medical expenses and certain other losses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident, however, there are limits on these policies. By promptly reporting the accident to your insurance provider, you can begin the process of filing a claim under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage in Florida. This step is important to pursue the necessary compensation for your immediate medical needs and any other covered losses.
Don’t Speak To The Commercial Vehicle’s Insurance Company Or Sign Any Documents They Provide
After an accident with a commercial vehicle, it’s important to protect your rights by being cautious about who you speak with and what you sign, especially when it comes to their insurance agents or lawyers. If a representative from the commercial vehicle’s company approaches you at the scene and asks you to sign documents, decline doing so. These commercial companies might take advantage of your vulnerable state, hoping you’ll sign paperwork that essentially absolves them of liability. Always remember that you should never sign any paperwork from commercial company agents or lawyers without consulting a heavy-duty truck accident attorney first.
Similarly, it’s important to avoid speaking directly with the commercial vehicle’s insurance company. After the accident, the driver’s insurance agency might contact you for your version of the accident, but their primary goal is to limit their liability by using what you say against you. They may try to confuse you, twist your words, or get you to admit fault, and the conversation is likely being recorded so that it can be used later. Politely decline to speak with them, take down their contact information, and inform them that you’ll be in touch at a later date. It’s best to consult with your own legal representative before engaging with the insurance company.
Speak With A Truck Accident Lawyer At Our Firm
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your right to compensation after being hit by a commercial vehicle is to consult with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers near you at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases, and have a great deal of experience negotiating with their insurance companies. We can help you navigate the often-challenging legal complexities that follow these types of accidents. Our team is dedicated to fighting for your right to full and fair compensation for not just your injuries but your emotional pain and suffering as well, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of during this difficult time. While we handle the legal aspects of your claim and protect your interests, you can focus on what matters most—healing from your injuries and recovering as best you can.