The United States has the largest number of trucks on the road of any country in the world. There are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States and about 10 million trucks on the road. That means that about one in every 30 people in the United States is a truck driver.
Truck drivers are responsible for transporting about 70% of all freight in the United States. That freight includes things like food, clothes, furniture, and building materials. It’s estimated that trucks move about 10.5 billion tons of freight every year.
Truck drivers often work long hours and they are away from home for long periods of time. That can make it hard for truck drivers to stay healthy and fit.
Truck drivers are also at a higher risk for accidents than other drivers. In 2016, there were 4,213 fatal accidents involving large trucks. That’s a 28% increase from the year before. For professional help, click here and know more about coping with these kind of situations.
If you’re a truck driver, it’s important to know what to do if you get into an accident. Here are some tips:
1. Stay calm
It can be easy to freak out after an accident, but it’s important to stay calm. Take a few deep breaths and try to relax. This will help you think more clearly and make better decisions.
2. Check for injuries
After you’ve calmed down, the first thing you should do is check for injuries. If you’re hurt, or if someone else is hurt, call 911 right away.
3. Move your truck to the side of the road
If your truck is blocking traffic, it’s important to move it to the side of the road. If you can’t move your truck, turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers will know to be careful.
4. Call your boss
If you’re a commercial truck driver, you should call your boss as soon as possible. They’ll need to know what happened and they’ll need to start making arrangements for a replacement truck.
5. Call the police
Even if there aren’t any injuries, you should call the police. They’ll file a report and that report could be important if you need to make an insurance claim.
6. Exchange information with the other driver
You should exchange information with the other driver, including your name, address, phone number, and insurance company.
7. Take pictures
If you have a camera or a phone with a camera, take pictures of the damage to your truck and the other vehicle. These pictures could be helpful when you make an insurance claim.
8. Call your insurance company
After you’ve exchanged information with the other driver and taken pictures, you should call your insurance company. They’ll need to know what happened and they’ll start the process of making a claim.
9. Get a tow truck
If your truck is damaged, you’ll need to get it towed. Your insurance company should be able to help you with that.
10. Keep a record
Keep a record of everything that happens, including the names and contact information of the other driver and any witnesses. This information could be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim or go to court.
If you’re a truck driver, accidents are a part of the job. But if you know what to do, they don’t have to be a nightmare. Just stay calm and follow the steps above.
What If You Hire an Accident Lawyer?
After you’ve been in an accident, you might be tempted to hire an accident lawyer. And that might be a good idea. But you should know that there are some risks involved.
For one thing, accident lawyers often work on a contingency basis. That means they don’t get paid unless they win your case. And if they do win your case, they’ll take a percentage of the money you get from the insurance company.
That might not sound like a big deal. But if your case is complicated, it could end up costing you more money in the long run.
And there’s another risk. If you go to court, the other driver’s insurance company will have their own lawyers. And those lawyers will do everything they can to prove that you were at fault for the accident.
If you hire an accident lawyer, you’ll have to pay their fees. But you could end up with more money in the end. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the risk.
What to Expect from Accidental Lawyer?
If you’ve been in an accident, you might be wondering what an accident lawyer can do for you. Here are some of the things you can expect:
1. They’ll help you understand the law
The law can be complicated. And if you’ve been in an accident, you might not know all of the laws that apply to your case. An accident lawyer can help you understand the law and how it applies to your case.
2. They’ll help you gather evidence
If you’ve been in an accident, there might be a lot of evidence to gather. And that can be overwhelming. An accident lawyer can help you gather evidence and prepare for your case.
3. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company
If you’ve been in an accident, the insurance company might try to lowball you. They might offer you a settlement that’s less than you deserve. An accident lawyer will know how to negotiate with the insurance company to get you the best possible settlement.
4. They’ll take your case to court
If you can’t reach a settlement with the insurance company, you might have to take your case to court. And that can be a long and complicated process. An accident lawyer will know how to navigate the court system and get you the best possible outcome.
5. They’ll help you get your life back
After an accident, your life can be turned upside down. You might be out of work and struggling to pay your bills. An accident lawyer can help you get your life back on track.
An accident lawyer can’t undo the damage that’s been done. But they can help you get your life back on track and get the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
If you’re a truck driver, accidents are a part of the job. But if you know what to do, they don’t have to be a nightmare. Just stay calm and follow the steps above.
And if you’re thinking about hiring an accident lawyer, make sure you understand the risks involved. It’s up to you to decide if it’s worth the risk.