Being involved in a truck accident can be an overwhelming situation for any driver. Commercial vehicles are large and heavy, and accidents can be serious, even minor ones. While truck accidents aren’t quite as common as car accidents, they do cause more severe outcomes. In this guide, we will provide all the essential steps you need to follow after a truck accident in order to handle it in a safe and professional way.
If you get into an accident with a truck, your first reaction is vital. Taking these basic first steps can definitely prevent further incidents and make everyone safer:
1) Secure the Scene
If you can pull your vehicle to a safe location, such as the hard shoulder or a nearby layby, this is best. You should immediately activate your hazard warning lights to alert other road users.
2) Warning Triangles: Put warning triangles as far as possible behind your vehicle (at least 100 meters), following local traffic regulations.
3) Check for Injuries
Assess yourself and others for injuries. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt. Do not move injured persons unless there is an immediate danger (such as a fire risk).
4) Stay Calm: It’s stressful, but keep your cool. Breathe deep and follow the proper procedures step by step.
When immediate safety measures are in place, take these important next steps:
Wear your high-visibility vest before leaving the vehicle. This essential safety gear helps prevent secondary accidents by making you visible to other road users.
This must be reported immediately to relevant authorities, and dangerous goods protocols must be followed if you transport hazardous materials.
Contact the police and give precise details, including:
Please report the incident to your employer as soon as possible and provide them with the whole story. Eurowag’s cutting-edge fleet management solutions allow dispatchers to monitor your exact location in real time, speeding up emergency response and coordinating more effectively with authorities.
Taking the right action upon an accident is about more than safety, so remember to perform the appropriate procedures! Thorough documentation is essential for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings.
Multiple-angle pictures of the accident scene are very important. These should show the damage to the vehicles and the surrounding road conditions and signage. They should also provide images of the weather at the time of the accident and any relevant traffic signals or road markings that might help illuminate the scene. These photos will be vital evidence for insurance claims and legal processes.
Collect the contact details of all parties involved in the accident and any witnesses. This should include their names, phone numbers, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance information. This information will be essential for insurance claims and any follow-up legal proceedings.
Create a detailed written account of the accident while the events are still fresh in your mind, noting the sequence of events before, during, and after the incident. Complete and accurate documentation is crucial in truck accident procedures, helping to avoid potential legal disputes and complications with the insurance company.
Although an accident is often a traumatic experience, and the priority is to recover, it's essential not to overlook legal and insurance obligations, as well as health and well-being. The following steps are essential to ensure a full recovery and smooth resolution:
Contact the insurance company promptly within the specified time frame, ensuring you submit complete documentation and a thorough description of the situation. Stay proactive by following up on any further requirements they may request.
Arrange for professional inspection and necessary repairs before returning the vehicle to service.
Take care of your health after an accident, as it can be a traumatic experience. Prioritise your physical and mental well-being by scheduling a medical check-up, seeking psychological support, and ensuring adequate rest before resuming your regular duties.
While accidents can't always be prevented, being prepared can significantly improve your response. Eurowag's fleet management solutions provide real-time vehicle tracking and instant communication capabilities, enabling quick and effective incident response. Our system helps streamline emergency procedures and ensures better coordination between drivers, dispatchers, and emergency services.
