Accidents involving large commercial trucks can be devastating, leading to serious injuries and even fatalities. From rollovers to collisions, we have seen a growing number of trucking accidents in the Cumberland. We want to make sure you are both aware and prepared. If you do witness a trucking accident in Tennessee, knowing how to respond responsibly and effectively is crucial.
Your actions in the immediate aftermath of the accident can make a significant difference in ensuring the safety of those involved and properly handling the situation. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to take if you witness a trucking accident in Tennessee.
Steps To Take After You Witness A Trucking Accident
Follow the steps below to help the victims and preserve evidence after a trucking accident in Tennessee.
Call 911
If you suspect individuals inside a vehicle involved in a truck accident have sustained significant injuries and cannot call for help, call 911. Provide the operator with your location and a detailed description of the accident, including any injuries you may have observed.
Prioritize Safety
Pull over to a safe spot near the accident scene if you’re driving. Ensure your vehicle is clear of the accident site to avoid potential hazards. Turn on your hazard lights to signal to other drivers that there’s an accident ahead, especially if it’s dark or foggy.
Take note of any hazards like leaking fluids or damaged power lines. If the truck carries hazardous materials, keep a safe distance and inform emergency responders. If it’s safe, offer comfort to the accident victims until assistance arrives. It’s essential to remain calm and composed while assisting. Panic can escalate the situation further. Refrain from attempting to move an injured individual, as doing so could worsen their condition.
Document the Scene
While waiting for emergency responders to arrive, you can help by documenting the accident scene. This documentation can be valuable later during investigations and insurance claims. Here’s what you should do:
- Take Photos: Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, their positions, and any visible damage.
- Record Witness Statements: If there are other witnesses, ask for their contact information and statements regarding what they saw.
- Note the Conditions: Document weather conditions, road conditions, and any other factors that might have contributed to the accident.
Cooperate with Law Enforcement
It is crucial to collaborate with the police officers, as this aids in determining the circumstances leading to the accident. Provide your full name, contact details, and a concise account of what you observed. Consider taking notes in case you are later summoned to testify in a personal injury or criminal case. Maintaining an impartial stance is important, especially when one or both parties involved may not be truthful about the incident.
Avoid Confrontation
Whether you witness a hit-and-run incident or an episode of road rage, refrain from confronting any of the parties involved in the accident. Instead, document your observations and provide this information to the police and the injured party. If possible, record the license plate number of the individual who failed to stop after causing the accident or engaged in road rage behavior.
Your Account Contributes to Road Safety
While you might hesitate to become involved in someone else’s truck accident, it’s important to remember that it is a civic and legal responsibility. The information you provide can help remove dangerous drivers from the road or secure just compensation for innocent victims.
Why Choose Burnett Law Truck Accident Lawyers?
Choosing the right truck accident lawyer is a critical decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your case. When considering why you should choose Burnett Law truck accident lawyers, several compelling reasons stand out:
- Specialization in Truck Accident Cases: Burnett Law specializes in personal injury cases, focusing on trucking accidents. This specialization means we have in-depth knowledge of the unique complexities and regulations surrounding truck accidents in Tennessee.
- Proven Track Record: Burnett Law has a track record of success in representing clients involved in trucking accidents. Our history of achieving favorable settlements and verdicts demonstrates our competence and ability to deliver results.
- Extensive Resources: Handling truck accident cases often requires extensive resources, including access to accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigative teams. We have the resources to investigate and build a robust case on your behalf.
- Trial Experience: While many cases are settled out of court, we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our experienced trial attorneys have the knowledge and courtroom skills to represent you in litigation.
- Personalized Approach: We take a client-centered approach, meaning we prioritize open communication and personalized attention. We will listen to your unique circumstances, answer your questions, and tailor our legal strategy to your needs.
- Compassionate Support: Dealing with the aftermath of a trucking accident can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. We provide compassionate support to help you navigate the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
How Can Burnett Law Help After A Trucking Accident In Tennessee?
Burnett Law is a respected legal firm specializing in personal injury cases, including those involving trucking accidents in Tennessee. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Tennessee and are seeking assistance, here’s how Burnett Law can help:
Here are some ways in which Burnett Law can help you after a trucking accident in Tennessee:
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: One of the first steps we will take is to investigate the accident thoroughly. This includes gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and available surveillance footage. We will work to reconstruct the accident to determine liability.
- Determining Liability: Establishing liability in trucking accidents can be challenging, as multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and even manufacturers, may be involved. We will carefully assess the facts of the case to determine who is at fault and should be held accountable.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies after a trucking accident can be daunting. We can handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of and that your rights are protected.
- Negotiating a Fair Settlement: Our trucking accident attorneys are skilled negotiators. We will work diligently to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This includes seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages you may have incurred.
- Preparing for Trial: We are prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations. Our attorneys have a strong track record of successfully litigating personal injury cases, and will fight for your rights in court.
If you witnessed a trucking accident in Tennessee or have been involved in one, our truck accident attorneys are here to help. We have over 26 years of experience and are the Official Cumberland County Attorneys. We are dedicated to helping the hurting, and we value community, neighborhood, and work ethic. Contact us at (931) 484-7549 for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog or on this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any specific subject matter. No person should act or refrain from acting due to any content included in the site without seeking legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from an attorney licensed in the person’s state. The Firm expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this blog or website.
