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Lexis Nexis

 

Gary W. Starnes Attorney at Law
736 Georgia Avenue
Suite 404 Dome Bldg.
Chattanooga, TN 37402
Phone (800)281-2403
Fax (423) 266-7193
Email: gstarnes@volstate.net

 

Truck Accident Attorney

Chattanooga, Tennessee

What to do After a Truck Accident

 

Have you been in an accident with a large, commercial truck in Tennessee? Here's what to do to protect your rights after a truck accident:

 

First, get yourself and others out of immediate danger. Provide emergency assistance only if you are qualified to do so. When possible, move vehicles from traffic, but remain at the scene.

 

Call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance whenever anyone is injured or trapped. 9-1-1 can also be used to report minor accidents to the Tennessee Highway Patrol or other authorities if the area is not on accident alert.

 

Give a concise and factual statement to the police, noting what you saw and what you did. Avoid commentary and explanation of what you were thinking. Do not make judgments or express emotions about the other drivers.  Do not make guesses about what they were thinking, only tell what they did. Do not admit fault.

 

Get a copy of the police report. Also, write down the report number and the name of the investigating officer for reference in case you lose your copy.

 

Gather information about the truck and truck driver, including:

• License plate number for the tractor and trailer (they will be different)
• Names and identification on the tractor and trailer. Look for the DOT number on the tractor.
• Get information from the truck driver, including name, license number, insurance information, and contact information
• Insurance information for the truck and trailer owners
• Note (and take pictures of, if possible) visible skid marks, the condition of the truck's tires, and other important equipment like reflectors, lights, and underride guards. Did cargo shift or come loose? Note details about the cargo, how it was secured and if securement seems to have failed.

 

Get names and contact information of any witnesses and all drivers involved in the accident.

 

Get names and contact information of others gathering information or taking pictures.

 

See a doctor for evaluation of injuries, even if you think you're just a little stiff.

Contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

 

Here's what not to do:

• Do not put yourself or others at risk.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident until police arrive, unless specifically instructed by emergency response personnel.
• Do not give a statement to other drivers or their insurance companies without first consulting an attorney.
• Do not admit fault.
• Do not sign anything other than the police report.

 

This is probably the first time you've been in an accident with a large truck, but many commercial trucking companies employ accident specialists who are used to handling this situation and performing "damage control." Damage control means shifting blame off their drivers and onto others, maybe even you.

 

To protect your rights, contact a truck accident attorney with experience handling this kind of case, like Gary Starnes, Attorney at Law. Please call or email him today for a free consultation in Chattanooga, Teneessee.