Steps To Take If You Are In A Truck Accident With An Impaired Driver

Impaired driving is dangerous. Impaired truck drivers can cause catastrophic damage. Unfortunately, although drivers are not allowed to operate trucks while impaired by drugs or alcohol, many do not follow the law.

Being in a truck accident with an impaired driver can be devastating and traumatic. It can be hard to manage the aftermath after getting into a truck accident with an impaired driver. However, you should know that the steps you take after being in a truck accident with an impaired driver can significantly impact your chances of recovering monetary damages. Therefore, you must take steps to protect yourself. In this article, we look at what you can do after a truck accident with an impaired driver to increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.

Indicators of an Impaired Driver

Before looking at the steps you can take to protect yourself if you are in a truck accident with an impaired driver, it is vital first to discuss how you can tell if a driver is impaired. So, how can you tell a truck driver is impaired? The following are some indications of an impaired driver;

• Difficulty following other vehicles on the road
• Almost hitting an object, vehicle, or curb
• Tailgating
• Slow response to traffic signals
• Swerving
• Quick acceleration or deceleration
• Turning illegally or abruptly

Steps To Take if You Are in a Truck Accident With an Impaired Driver

The following are some of the steps to take if you are in a truck accident with an impaired driver:

Contact 911

Immediately after being in a truck accident with an impaired driver, call 911. Ensure that both the police and emergency medical services know about your accident. The police will be able to document any evidence relating to your accident. They will prepare a police report which you can use in your personal injury case. On the other hand, emergency medical services will offer you medical treatment at the accident scene. If you do not receive medical attention at the accident scene, it may be argued that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.

Take Pictures and Videos at the Accident Scene

If you can, take pictures and videos at the accident scene. The pictures and videos you take at the accident scene can help you demonstrate how your accident happened. They can help you demonstrate the trauma you experienced in the accident. Ensure you take, among others, pictures and videos of the weather and road conditions, signs or traffic control devices, and the layout of the road. Also, ensure you take pictures and videos of your injuries. Pictures and videos of injuries taken immediately after an accident can help show the severity of the injuries.

Obtain Vital Information About Witnesses

While the police may talk to witnesses, it is vital that you also talk to witnesses and collect their names and contact information. The police may fail to speak to some witnesses or include all witnesses in their report, so do not take chances.

Maintain Detailed Documentation

Finally, maintain copies of your medical records/bills, repair costs, and lost wages. This will help when it comes to calculating the compensation you are owed.

Legal Help Is Available

After getting into a truck accident with an impaired driver, our experienced and dedicated London truck accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm can help.

Source:

cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/index.html