San Angelo Commercial Trucking Collision | What To Do Next

Each year, commercial trucks are involved in a staggering 500,000 crashes in America. And because commercial trucks can legally weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, these wrecks are often devastating, resulting in serious injuries and even deaths. Like many other cities, San Angelo has seen a rise in commercial vehicle traffic recently, and this means that the risk for trucking accidents is also higher. But many people are still unaware of what to do in the aftermath of a trucking accident. That’s why our experts at Carabin Shaw have compiled an overview of what you should do following a San Angelo commercial trucking collision. Read on to learn what to do after a wreck—and what not to do—and find out how to choose the best San Angelo trucking accident lawyer.

After a wreck, panic is an understandable—and common—reaction. But it’s important to try to stay calm, because there are several things you need to do in the aftermath of a wreck, and you’ll need your wits about you. The first thing to do is to remain at the scene until the police and medics arrive.

If it is safe to do so, it is an extremely good idea to take photographs of the vehicles in the position they came to rest immediately after the wreck. If you can, take photographs from all possible angles. These photos will be extremely helpful to your 18 wheeler accident lawyer if you choose to file a personal injury claim later; they can be used to determine what happened and which driver was mostly at fault. Photographs of the crash are also important because they serve as evidence of your damages. If possible, also try to photograph the intersection, significant landmarks, and tire marks on the road. A quick video is also a good idea.

The most important thing after a wreck is to make sure you are safe. Calling 911 will alert the authorities, dispatching medics and the police. If you are injured, go immediately to the hospital. If you are unsure whether or not you are injured, our attorneys strongly advise that you go to the hospital anyway. Refusing medical help is a bad idea, because some injuries are not immediately apparent after a wreck—and if your injuries reveal themselves in the days after your wreck, your refusal to seek treatment can be used against you in court if you decide to file an injury claim.

Even if you think the accident was your fault, our San Angelo trucking accident lawyers want you to know that it’s crucial to avoid apologizing to the other driver—this can be used against you in court later as an admission of fault. Also avoid saying things like, “I’m fine” because these seemingly-innocuous statements may unfortunately be used against you as well.

If you’ve been in a serious wreck, you need to meet with a San Angelo accident attorney as soon as possible. This is because insurance companies will pressure you to settle, but you may be owed far more compensation—and insurers want to offer you as little as possible. Accepting a settlement before meeting an attorney means that you may be leaving money on the table, and you may consequently end up struggling to pay your medical bills.

Here at Carabin Shaw, our San Angelo accident attorneys have 200 years of combined legal experience and have been handling trucking claims for more than two decades. And if you’ve been in a trucking accident in San Angelo, we want to help you.

We offer all new clients a no cost, no obligation consultation with a lawyer, meaning you have absolutely nothing to lose by giving us a call. To find out how an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you, call our office today at (432) 620-0544 to receive a free consultation with a San Angelo trucking accident lawyer.