Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of crashes on Michigan’s roads. The sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles mean that collisions with passenger cars often result in catastrophic injuries for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Michigan, knowing what to do in the aftermath can help protect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation.
Continue reading to learn about what steps you should take after a truck crash in Michigan, including when it may be wise to reach out to a truck accident lawyer for legal help.
At the Scene of the Accident
If your injuries allow you to take action at the scene, there are several things you should try to do before leaving. These early steps can make a significant difference in the strength of your case later on:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance
- Stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives
- Get the truck driver’s name, license number, and insurance information
- Write down the name of the trucking company displayed on the vehicle
- Ask witnesses for their contact details
- Take photos of the damage to all vehicles and any visible injuries
- Note the truck’s license plate number and DOT identification number
The police report created at the scene will serve as a key piece of evidence in your personal injury claim. Make sure you provide the responding officers with an accurate account of what happened, but avoid speculating about fault and apologizing for the crash. A truck accident attorney can later use this report to help establish liability and support your case.
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Seeing a doctor right away is one of the most important things you can do after a truck accident, and you should take this step with or without an obvious injury. The force of a collision with a commercial vehicle can sometimes cause injuries that may not show symptoms for days after the fact.
Getting prompt medical attention creates an official record that ties your injuries directly to the accident. If you wait too long, the trucking company’s insurer may argue that your injuries happened some other way or aren’t as serious as you say they are.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely and keep records of every visit and expense along the way. Your truck accident lawyer can help ensure all medical documentation is properly preserved and organized to maximize your compensation.
Preserve Evidence and Document Everything
Truck accident cases often involve evidence that can disappear quickly if it isn’t preserved early. Trucking companies are required to keep certain records, but that doesn’t mean they’ll hand them over willingly. Some of the evidence that may be important to your case includes:
- The truck driver’s hours-of-service logs
- Electronic data from the truck’s black box
- Maintenance and inspection records for the vehicle
- The driver’s employment history and training records
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
Your truck accident attorney can also send a spoliation letter to the trucking company early in the process, which puts them on legal notice not to destroy any evidence related to the crash. This step alone can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Michigan for a Free Consultation
Truck accident cases in Michigan involve federal regulations and corporate legal teams that are prepared to fight your claim from the start. You may need to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you level the playing field and ensure you are fully compensated for your injuries and related damages.
Contact the truck accident attorneys from Khamo Law at (248) 466-0606 or message us online today to get started with a free consultation.