Steps to Take After a Baton Rouge 18 Wheeler Accident

Like death and taxes, auto accidents are unfortunately a part of life. And because they happen so suddenly, many people are often left wondering what to do next. If you are involved in an 18 wheeler accident in Baton Rouge, the trauma of what you have experienced can make it difficult to think straight. And there are many important actions you will need to quickly take.

At WCW, we want to help you make the right decisions after an 18 wheeler accident. Time is of the essence, and the choices you make can have lasting consequences. The following steps can help you manage this difficult situation, both in the short-term and the long-term. 

What Do I Do?

First thing’s first. You need to check yourself for injuries. They may not always be obvious because the impact of an accident can kick your adrenaline production into overdrive. And this hormone can hide some of the pain you may be feeling from your injuries, including broken bones. Briefly take a few deep breaths and try to calm yourself before acting if you can. 

It’s important to check on any passengers to assess their injuries. If you, a passenger, or anyone else involved in the accident appears to have serious injuries, moving them or yourself is not advised, because it can make those problems much worse. 

The damage caused by 18 wheeler accidents in Baton Rouge, especially on I-10 and other busy roadways, can be devastating. Call emergency services immediately to get help with injuries ASAP. Also, remember that signs of your injuries may show up hours or even days later. When this happens, you need to seek treatment quickly and have it documented.

Look at the scene of the accident to make sure it is clear who is the party at fault. If it’s clear who is at fault, and if your vehicle isn’t totaled, you can attempt to move your vehicle to a safer area—such as the road shoulder or a nearby parking lot—to keep it out of the way of traffic. If this isn’t an option, you may need to turn on your hazard lights, set up flares, or use a flashlight to warn oncoming drivers of the accident.

Contact the Authorities

Next, it’s time to call the police. Try to recall what happened as clearly as possible, and make notes detailing everything from the cause of the accident to the road conditions as soon as you can. This will help you explain the accident to the officer when they make a report. The information in that report will be vital for insurance claims and any case you may later bring against the party at fault. And, when police arrive, be sure to get their contact information and badge numbers as well.

What Happens Next?

At this point, there are still several important actions you need to take before you can leave the scene. The following list highlights what your next steps should be.

• Exchange information with the driver of the 18 wheeler, including driver’s license, insurance, and contact info. However, avoid discussing the details of the accident and who was at fault. Also, if there were other drivers involved in the accident or witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.
• Get photos or video of the scene of the accident, including the damage to the vehicles, license plates, and the conditions of the surroundings.
• Let your insurance company know that you’ve been involved in an accident. All of the information you’ve gathered, including your notes and the pictures you’ve taken, will be especially helpful.

Should I Contact an Attorney After Being Involved in an 18 Wheeler Accident in Baton Rouge?

While this step isn’t required, it’s definitely one you may appreciate later on. Experienced lawyers, such as the attorneys at WCW, can keep you from being cheated by insurance companies. They are trained to help you find legal relief for the many monetary and health challenges you may face after an accident with an 18 wheeler. 

If you’ve been in an 18 wheeler accident in Baton Rouge, contact WCW for a free consultation. And we don’t collect fees unless you win or settle your case. So you can trust the attorneys at WCW to work hard on your behalf.