Any type of car collision is alarming and can be a shock to everyone involved. It is easy for drivers to get caught up in the dramatic event and forget about gathering the facts for an insurance claim or legal case. In the event that a driver is involved in a tractor trailer vs. car collision, the following protocol will assist drivers in handling the situation and getting all of the information that they will need:

  • Assessing any injuries – First and foremost, drivers must confirm that all parties are uninjured. If there are any injuries drivers should call the police. Only after the police have been called should drivers consider taking photos of their injuries for their records, however this should only be done once help is provided to any injured parties. Photos and police statements will help build an auto accident case, should the driver need to retain a Hudson Valley personal injury attorney.
  • Examining vehicles for damage – Both parties are expected to assess their vehicles and determine what damage was done. Again, photos serve as solid evidence for insurance claims or in the event of any legal action. People should determine whether it’s safe to drive their vehicle away from the scene of the collision or if they need to wait for police and a tow-truck to arrive for assistance.
  • Exchanging contact information with the other driver – Drivers must ensure that they get all of the information needed for their insurance claim and their attorney, if needed. The information that is needed includes the other drivers full name, phone number, address, email address, license plate number, and insurance information. Drivers also owe the other party the courtesy of providing this information about themselves as well.
  • Speaking to witnesses – If there are any witnesses to the auto accident or people that arrived on the scene afterwards, drivers may wish to them and ask if they’re willing to provide their contact information in case it is need for insurance or legal purposes. If anyone filmed any footage of the scene or took any photos, drivers may offer their email address and ask that copies be forwarded to them.
  • Contacting insurance providers – Drivers must contact their insurance company within 30 days, and ensure that they also contact the insurance provider of the other party to confirm that they have also submitted a claim. Drivers can never be sure that the other party will follow through on making a claim so it’s wise to take matters into their own hands and make the call themselves.
  • Following procedure – A tractor-trailer vs. car collision may not seem like a big deal at the time but no matter how insignificant it seems or what the other driver is saying, drivers should always adhere to the appropriate procedures. In the event of an auto accident it’s important to follow all of the correct protocol so that drivers can protect themselves by having as much information as possible for their Hudson Valley attorney or insurance provider.