18 Wheeler accidents can be devastating as we have seen on the news this week with the tragic Fort Worth 18 wheeler accident that took lives way too early. Families and friends are left asking questions such as “could this have been avoided?” and “why?”
And if you or a loved one has been involved in an car accident involving an 18 wheeler, then it’s important to think about a few things when you are working through the tragedy. First, you want to make sure that you are justly compensated for your loss. Second, you want to make sure that steps are taken to help prevent this type of accident from happening again, especially if one of the other driver’s were in the wrong (drinking alcohol, doing drugs, driving too fast, texting and driving as examples).
So here are a few things to think about if you or a loved one is involved in an 18 wheeler accident:
- Make sure the police do a thorough investigation of the accident scene.
- Make sure there is an accident report.
- Make sure an accident reconstruction expert is able to document the scene as quickly as possible.
- Make sure you get everyone’s contact information (other drivers, witnesses, etc.) that can testify on behalf of a loved one down the road.
- Take pictures. The police should also take photos, but I would recommend also taking pictures.
- Communicate any injury, no matter how small, to a law enforcement official or medical official at the scene (even something small can turn out to be a much larger issue down the road).
- Communicate any observations that you may have had (odor of alcohol on the other driver’s breath, saw them texting right before the accident, etc.)
- Document what company the 18 wheeler driver works for.
- Get insurance information from the 18 wheeler driver (company, policy #, phone #, etc.)
These are just a few examples of some of the things to think about right after an accident.
Attorney Bryan P. Hoeller is a former prosecutor and Fort Worth trial attorney that specializes in personal injury litigation, car and truck accident cases, state and federal criminal defense, and DWI defense. For help, he can be contacted at 877-208-3382.
