Strap in because we’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty of dos and don’ts if you ever find yourself involved in a truck accident.

1. DO Remain at the Scene and Ensure Safety

First things first, if you’ve tangled with a truck, keep your cool and stay put. Prioritize safety above all – flip on those hazard lights to warn other motorists and prevent further chaos.

If it’s safe to do so, check on others involved in the accident – making sure everyone’s okay takes top priority. Of course, you also need to call emergency services when anyone is injured – if someone else on the scene has not done so.

2. DO Exchange Information and Report the Incident

If you are not too badly injured, make sure you exchange information with the truck driver, such as their driver’s license, truck number, and insurance details. The more info you can swap with the truck driver, the smoother things will sail later on.

You should report the incident to the police too. Having details of the accident officially jotted down can become golden evidence if any disputes pop up down the line or if you need to prove what went down to insurance companies.

3. DON’T Skip the Documentation Process

As long as you aren’t too badly injured to do so, make sure you stockpile evidence of the accident scene like it’s going out of style – photos of your car, their truck, street signs – the whole nine yards.

When auto insurance companies start grilling you, you’ll be glad you’ve got that documentation arsenal at your disposal.

4. DON’T Neglect Witnesses

The same goes for getting details of witnesses. If there are peeps who saw what went down, you’ll want their words on your side. So, don’t just give them a nod and let them bounce. Grab those digits or any contact info they’re willing to share.

Witness accounts can be major game-changers when it’s your word against the word of a trucking company.

5. DO Seek Medical Attention Promptly

Don’t play superhero; even if you feel like a million bucks after the run-in, get checked out ASAP. Sometimes that adrenaline rush is a sneaky little thing, masking injuries you didn’t even know were there.

Whiplash or internal issues might not send up red flags instantly but they’re no joke.

A doc can scope out any hidden damage before it turns into a major issue. Plus, having an official medical record from the get-go is key for any legal claims you might file later on.

6. DO Contact an Expert Lawyer

Highly skilled truck accident attorneys. Truck accidents can be tricky to deal with legal-wise, and trying to navigate that jungle on your own is not the best idea. Hiring highly skilled truck accident attorneys who know their way around these specific cases is like having a GPS in that jungle.

They’ll help you to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to. They can also flag important legal rights that you might not even know you have and help dodge any lowball compensation curve balls thrown by insurance companies.

An attorney is basically your personal advocate for justice – because you deserve someone in your corner when things go south.

7. DON’T Delay Legal Action

Dragging your feet on getting legal proceedings should be a no-no. That’s because there’s this pesky thing called a statute of limitations, and it’s not your friend if you ignore it. You need to ensure you file your legal claim by the permitted deadline in your state.

So, hit up a lawyer pronto to set things in motion. Don’t let time slip away—it could cost you big time.