The injuries and damages caused by truck accidents can be significant. Trucking companies aggressively fight these claims to avoid losing money. Insurance companies have special teams that respond within hours to a crash site to begin an investigation. Knowing what to do after a truck accident is crucial to protecting your rights. Our Bismarck truck accident attorneys discuss steps to take to protect your rights after a truck accident in Bismarck, ND.
How Dangerous Are Large Truck Accidents in Bismarck, ND?
Commercial truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous. North Dakota had the highest percentage nationwide of large trucks involved in fatal traffic crashes as a proportion of all vehicles. On average, 9.6% of all vehicles involved in fatal traffic crashes were large trucks. North Dakota reported that 22.9% of vehicles involved in fatal crashes were large trucks.
The NDDOT reported a heavy vehicle-related crash every seven hours in 2023. Out of the 1,179 truck accidents, there was a fatal accident every 15 days that year.
According to the NHTSA, over 70% of fatalities and injuries in commercial truck accidents are occupants of other vehicles. Because of the weight and size of a large truck, a passenger vehicle is easily crushed or destroyed. The result is catastrophic injuries for the occupants of those vehicles.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Bismarck, ND
Your injuries may prevent you from taking each of the following steps after a truck accident. Taking as many of the steps as possible can help you win a truck accident claim.
Remain at the Accident Scene
Try to move to a safe location if your injuries allow you to do so. Truck accidents can result in explosions and fires. Call 911 to report the crash and request emergency services and police officers.
If you are able to talk with the police, tell them the facts as you know them. If you are unsure, do not guess. It is essential that you do not admit fault or say anything that could be misinterpreted as admitting fault. You could be accused of contributory fault, which could reduce how much your case is worth.
Ask Eyewitnesses and Bystanders for Help
Collect the names, addresses, and phone numbers of everyone at the accident scene. Eyewitnesses may provide crucial information that can help prove how the truck accident occurred and who was responsible for causing the crash.
Proving fault is a required element of a truck accident case. If you cannot prove another party caused the crash, you may not receive money for your injuries and losses.
Collective Evidence at the Accident Scene
If you can do so without getting hurt or putting someone in danger, take photographs of the accident scene. You can also make a video using your cell phone. Try to capture every aspect of the accident scene, including evidence that could prove fault for the crash.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment for Injuries
Most truck accident victims require emergency medical treatment. Prompt medical care can improve your chances of recovery. It also strengthens your personal injury case by documenting your injuries after the accident.
Talk to a Bismarck Truck Accident Lawyer Now
Trucking accident claims could be worth substantial money. The insurance and trucking companies do not want to pay large claims. Therefore, they use every tactic available to deny and undervalue claims. Some of their tactics could be unfair and unlawful.
The sooner you retain a truck accident attorney; the sooner you have a legal team on your side to fight back. Your attorney understands how insurance companies and trucking companies fight claims. They also understand trucking regulations that can impact a case.
Learn More During a Consultation with Our Bismarck Truck Accident Attorneys
The trucking company and insurance provider have unlimited resources to fight your claim. Even the playing field by hiring the top-rated Bismarck truck accident attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. We can help you pursue all potential claims for compensation. Contact us today.
