Being involved in a truck accident can be even more terrifying than an accident with another passenger vehicle. The sheer size and weight of these behemoths can cause massive destruction.

You may be severely injured and still in shock in the aftermath of a truck accident. But what happens next? Here’s what you need to know.

Federal Trucking Regulations and What They Mean for Truck Accidents

All 18-wheelers and other trucks are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Operating vehicles of this size requires specialized training to obtain a commercial driver’s license.

Additionally, truck drivers and trucking companies must adhere to the regulations set by the FMCSA. Among them, they must obey the hours of service regulations, which put a limit on how long truckers can be on the road. They must take breaks to get enough rest, and they aren’t permitted to be on the phone while driving. Truckers and the companies they work for must also adhere to inspection and maintenance requirements. 

All of these rules and regulations are in place to keep everyone safe on the roads. Sometimes, truck drivers disregard the rules. Other times, the trucking company urges them to continue driving beyond their set hours to get a shipment to a destination in time. When these rules are broken and accidents occur, victims and their families should contact an experienced attorney to pursue the case.

Faulty parts, shoddy maintenance, improper loading of cargo, and inclement weather may also play a role. This may mean that liability extends beyond the truck driver and the trucking company.

What You Should Do Immediately After an NYC Truck Accident

After a truck accident, you will most certainly be rattled, but you must follow these steps.

Call 911

The first thing you must do is call 911 to report the accident. If anyone is injured, request an ambulance. The police officer on the scene will file a report that documents the accident. You’ll want to get a copy of it to help in your claim or lawsuit.

Accept Medical Treatment

It may look like a miracle if you seem fine, but many injuries can occur below the surface. When your vehicle is hit by a large truck, the potential for internal injuries is significantly higher. Let the paramedics check you out. Ignoring this step could mean a serious condition is missed.

Capture Evidence

It may be hard to remember everything following a truck accident. Try to get as many photos or videos as you can of the crash site. Capture what your vehicle looks like, the positioning of it relative to the truck, the conditions of the road, and anything else that you can.

Exchange Contact Information

You are required to exchange contact information with the other driver in an accident, and it’s no different when the crash involves a big rig. If your injuries were so severe that you woke up in the hospital, this information can be found on the accident report.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Handling your injuries is an urgent matter. However, you need to let your auto insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible. This is why having an attorney helps as they can handle all communication for you.

Get a Lawyer

After a truck accident, getting a lawyer is one of the most important steps. These types of personal injury cases can get incredibly complicated. Whether you were involved in the accident or you lost a loved one, speak with a truck accident lawyer about what happens next.