Truck accidents are traumatic and can cause severe damage. Unfortunately, this does not end upon initial impact. After a truck accident, the trucker and other motorists involved must act quickly to protect their health, safety, and rights. Here is what you must do if you are in a truck accident, whether you are a trucker or a driver.
- Stop and turn on your hazard lights. If possible, move your vehicle from the way of traffic.
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Gather contact information of all parties involved in the accident and any witnesses.
- Document evidence of the scene by collecting information such as badge numbers and license plates and taking photos and videos of the crash site.
- Avoid posting or commenting about the accident on social media, as this could appear later in court.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel “fine.”  Better safe than sorry on an injury.
- Do not admit fault, provide statements, or sign paperwork before consulting an experienced truck accident lawyer. A truck accident attorney at Grimes Teich Anderson is ready to speak with you for free as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive maximum compensation for your experience.
Accident Prevention and Safety Tips for Truckers
Accidents happen. Fortunately, many truck accidents can be prevented with the proper training, safety precautions, and maintenance. When it comes to truck accident prevention, preparation is key. A few supplies to keep in your vehicle in the event of a truck accident include:
- An accident report form with a pen or pencil
- A 24-hour first point of contact list at your company
- A smartphone or camera to capture images
- Warning triangles
- A fire extinguisher
Truck Companies With The Highest Rate of Accidents
According to the FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER), the trucking company with consistently the highest number of traffic accidents in the United States is FedEx Ground, with 80 fatal truck accidents from April 2020-2022, the highest in the country, and 911 reported injury accidents. FedEx Ground is followed by UPS, with 67 fatal accidents and 1,053 injury accidents from April 2020-April 2022.
Do Truckers Get Fired for Accidents?
Not all truckers are fired following a trucking accident, but many factors could result in termination. These include driving under the influence, failing to comply with safety protocols and trucking regulations, road rage, and violence. In addition, going over the speed limit, the most common cause of commercial truck accidents, can also result in a truck driver losing their job.
We Protect the Rights of Motorists Across The Carolinas
At Grimes Teich Anderson, our truck accident lawyers are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation for the good people of North and South Carolina. Our reputable lawyers use their combined skills and experience to make a difference in accident victims’ lives and ensure they receive the compensation they’re entitled to by law to get them back on their feet. So if you’ve been hurt or harmed in a truck accident through no fault of your own, our personal injury lawyers are here to help.
Contact us today by submitting a form below or calling our office at 800-533-6845 for a free legal consultation.