On April 23, 2023, 3 police officers in St. Louis, Missouri, were injured in a multi-vehicle accident where a semi-truck rammed into the other vehicles sometime around 2:30 am. Gray Television later revealed that the truck driver was arrested on suspicion of DWI – driving while intoxicated. This Missouri road accident would be one of the many that took place over the last few months involving a truck.
Data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) shows that over 15,005 total truck accidents took place in the state in 2022. This is a slight decrease from 2021, when around 15,792 road accidents took place involving commercial vehicles and large trucks. However, the frequency of these accidents has increased, which is rather concerning.
Being involved in a truck accident is the last thing you’d want when you’re out on the roads. Not only is the incident itself unsettling, but the things you need to do afterward can also feel exhausting, even more when you’re just coming out of such an accident. However, doing these things is vital for your own sake, as well as the sake of others on the road.
Here are a few tips you should follow if you’re ever involved in a truck accident in Missouri.
Prioritize Safety
Right after the accident, the first thing you need to do is move yourself to a safe spot away from the site of the crash if you can. Many also recommend moving your vehicle out of the spot as well, but Missouri State Highway Patrol suggests that you document the scene first and then move it.
Check your body for injuries. These include everything from cuts and bruises to muscle pain and fractured bones. If you require urgent medical attention, call 911. By the time help arrives, try to document the scene to your best capability.
Document the Scene
Gathering evidence related to the accident is vital for all sorts of legal matters. Start by taking photographs of the scene itself and the vehicles involved, along with their license plate numbers, skid marks, and other visible damage.
When you’re done taking photos, note down the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident. You should also get the contact details of any nearby witness who can testify in court if needed.
The local police will do its fair share of investigation as well. They will mostly concern themselves with CCTV footage obtained from nearby street cameras and also witnesses present at the scene during the accident.
Contact Law Enforcement and Insurance Providers
Reporting the truck accident to law enforcement authorities is essential. Even if the accident seems minor, it is crucial to have an official police report filed. Cooperate fully with the police and provide an accurate account of the incident.
Contact your insurance company as well, preferably on the day of the accident, to inform them about it and initiate the claims process. Your provider will ask for all sorts of evidence. They’ll also want a police report, which is why reporting the accident to them is crucial in the first place.
Seek Legal Advice
According to TorHoerman Law, the average cost of a large truck crash in Missouri is around $91,000. If a fatality is involved, the cost skyrockets to $3.6 million. A lot of this money goes towards the victims of the accident, which is only possible if the victims seek proper legal advice and act accordingly.
Since St. Louis sees the most number of truck accidents in the state, let’s work out the process of seeking legal advice using this county as an example.
If you’re involved in a truck accident in the county, call a specialized St. Louis truck accident attorney on the day of the accident or after it to present your case. They can help you protect your rights and guide you through the overall legal process. At the same time, their efforts will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, lost wages, mental trauma, vehicle damage, and so on.
Preserve Evidence and Avoid Making Statements
Preserving evidence is crucial for a successful truck accident claim. Avoid repairing or modifying your vehicle until it has been thoroughly inspected by a qualified professional. Preserve any medical records, receipts, or bills related to your injuries and treatment.
You must also be cautious about what you say to insurance adjusters or representatives of the trucking company. Avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements about the accident. It’s best to let your attorney handle all communications to protect your interests.
According to the National Safety Council, it’s not just Missouri; the number of road accidents involving a truck in the US has gone up in the past few years. The chances of people traveling on these roads and getting involved in such an accident of any scale have also gone up.
However, if you find yourself in such an accident involving a truck, be it in Missouri or anywhere else in the US, following the tips discussed above will help you find a way out of this mess and also get compensated for your loss.
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