What to do if I’m in an accident with a U-Haul truck in Louisiana? Call 911, gather evidence, seek medical care, and talk to a New Orleans U-Haul truck accident lawyer if you are in an accident with a U-Haul truck in Louisiana.
U-Haul trucks can be large, difficult to drive, and poorly maintained vehicles that, when striking another car, can cause serious injury and property loss. To protect your right to compensation and get the care you need, follow these steps.
Call 911 to Report the Incident
Calling the police is one of the most important things to do if you are in an accident with a U-Haul truck in Louisiana. You should inform dispatch if you need medical care and provide your exact location, being as detailed as possible about what is happening. Calling 911 allows you to get the legal help you need by your side.
It also allows you to start documenting what occurred. The police will gather evidence and contact information from all involved. That helps you to establish your case later when you need to do so.
After calling the police, ensure you get out of the way of further injury and then wait for them to arrive. Do not leave the scene of the accident. Once police officers arrive, tell them any facts you have about the accident, but do not speculate or offer any suggestions about what could have happened. Minimize any information about being “sorry” or considering yourself to blame.
Get Evidence of What Happened
The next important step is to capture any evidence possible at the time of the accident. You should not put yourself in harm’s way, but when it is safe to do so, use your phone to capture information that could help you build a stronger claim later. Some examples of the photos and videos to take include:
- The damage to both vehicles
- Your injuries
- Damage to any property or structures nearby
- The road condition
- The location of the accident and the traffic signals nearby
- The license plate of the truck
- Debris in the roadway or surrounding the area
This information may be critically valuable to you later as you work to build your claim. It may demonstrate that you are not at fault and may also help to document the losses you suffered at the time. Video and photos can be among the most valuable types of evidence available to victims in these critical times. Talk to a New Orleans moving truck accident lawyer today.
What to Do if in an Accident with a U-Haul Truck in Louisiana: Gather Witness Information
Witnesses are any person who was at the scene of the accident or saw what occurred. The more information you have about the incident, from multiple parties, the easier it will be for you to prove your losses and hold those who hurt you accountable.
When speaking to witnesses, always be polite and accommodating. They do not have to tell you anything, but they are going to provide you with very valuable information that can help you build and maintain your claims. Ask for their name and contact information as a starting point in this process. After an accident, you may not be able to capture all of the details, which is why getting their contact information is so important.
This should include any party that is willing to offer that information to you. This includes other passengers in vehicles, those who stopped to assist, and anyone in the vicinity of where the incident occurred. It is easier to get this information now than to have to track down witnesses later. Be sure to do this and more if in an accident with a U-Haul truck in Louisiana.
Exchange Information with the Driver
Most U-Haul trucks are rented by someone moving or who needs to use them for a limited amount of time. This inexperience in operating the trucks is one of the many reasons that accidents happen. It is still necessary to treat this like any other type of accident when collecting information about that driver.
This should include their name and contact information. You should also request their insurance information. This typically starts with their personal liability insurance, which the state of Louisiana mandates that all drivers maintain, according to their Consumers Guide to Auto Insurance. This information allows you to file a claim later.
In situations where the other driver is willing to, take a photo of their driver’s license. That will help you to track them down later if there is any concern about doing so. It may also be a good time to ask if they have any additional insurance through the U-Haul company they are working with to borrow the truck. A New Orleans truck accident lawyer is here to answer your questions and guide you through a claim.
Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
Now is a critical time to seek attention to any injuries that you have, as it will become a form of documentation of what you endured due to the negligence of the other driver. Go to the emergency room if you can drive, or, in the case of serious injuries, go to the hospital with the ambulance at the scene. Remember that your recovery is an important step in what to do if you are in an accident with a U-Haul truck in Louisiana.
When you get medical care, be sure to inform your responding doctors about the accident and ask them to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation. The key in this situation is to make sure no unknown injuries are lurking that you may not notice right away, such as internal organ injuries, whiplash, or damage to your nerves. Document any aches and pains you have.
Once you get that immediate medical care, your next step is to complete all follow-up care. That means seeing your doctor for a follow-up appointment or going back to the hospital if you develop complications or other injuries. What is most important here is working towards recovery and demonstrating that you are doing everything you can to heal.
Seek Out an Attorney Right Away
Let your U-Haul accident lawyer help you with the rest of the process. When you hire an attorney to notify the insurance company and complete the claims process, you reduce the risk of complications and frustrations in the claims process. You also safeguard your right to fair compensation because your lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights.
Turn to a local Louisiana U-Haul accident lawyer to learn more about your rights after such an accident. The team at Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers is here to fight for you. It is an important step in knowing what to do if you are in an accident with a U-Haul truck in Louisiana.
