What Should I Do at the Scene of a Florida Truck Accident?

No one expects to be involved in a West Palm Beach truck accident; however, in 2010, there were more than 10,000 accidents in Florida that involved commercial trucks.

Within hours of a Palm Beach truck crash, the trucking company’s lawyers begin to formulate a plan to minimize the damages that the company must pay. They may even look for a way to pin the blame on the victim. But, this doesn’t mean you can’t fight back. There are steps you can take immediately after a Florida trucking accident to help protect your claim.

West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer David Glatthorn advises that all truck accident victims take the following steps while still at the scene of a Florida truck crash:

• Contact the Police: Call 911 to let the police know you have been in a truck accident. When the officer comes to the scene, give him the facts about the Florida trucking accident, but do not make any guesses about who was at fault. Let the officer know whether you are experiencing any pain or discomfort. Before you leave, ask how you can obtain a copy of the police report. The police report will help document your case and will help identify the truck driver and the company for which he works.
• Avoid speaking with the other driver: It is ok to ask if the other driver is injured or needs help, but avoid saying anything else, and never say, “I’m sorry.” Your words may be taken out of context and used later as an admission of fault.
• Take pictures: This may seem like strange advice; after all, a West Palm Beach truck wreck isn’t something you are likely to put in a photo album or post on Facebook. But, your pictures can provide important evidence to protect your claim. Use your cell phone to take pictures of:

• The truck and trailer, including any damage and any identifying marks
• The truck and trailer’s tires
• The Vehicle DOT (Department of Transportation) license numbers for the truck and for the trailer
• Your vehicle
• Any skid marks or damage at the accident scene
• Your injuries

Give these pictures to your West Palm Beach truck accident attorney.

You should avoid posting your pictures or any comments about your accident and injuries on social media sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or your blog. Anything you say may be used as evidence against you by the insurance companies.

• Collect information from the other driver and from witnesses. You should get:
• The truck driver’s name, license, and insurance information
• The name of the company for which the driver works
• Names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene

If you or a loved one has been injured in a West Palm Beach truck accident, then contact attorney David Glatthorn as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation. You may think your case isn’t a big deal, but speaking with a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer can provide you with information that will protect your rights. To learn more, request your free copy of David Glatthorn’s book, The Florida Accident Workbook: Tools, Tips & Tactics to Resolve Your Injury Claim or contact David Glatthorn at 888-340-2620.