What to Do as a Bystander or Witness to a Truck Accident
Witnessing a truck accident is often traumatic, and while you might want to put the entire incident out of your mind entirely, the fact is that you may have valuable information that could help the accident victim obtain the compensation he or she needs to be made whole. The immense size of the semis that share our roads mean that truck accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents out there, and if you’re a witness to one, there are some important steps you can take to help protect the safety of everyone involved and the legal rights of any victims.
If you yourself have been injured by a truck driver’s negligence, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Forsyth County truck accident attorney.
Truck Accident Stats
The National Safety Council (NSC) reports all the following statistics related to truck accidents:
- Large trucks make up 9 percent of all the vehicles on the road and account for 10 percent of all vehicle miles traveled.
- 4,965 people lost their lives in truck accidents in 2020, which is up 31 percent since 2011.
- Those who lose their lives in truck accidents are far more likely to be the occupants of the other vehicles involved.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) shares that the immense size and weight differential between tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles is the decisive factor when it comes to the fatality rate for the passengers of other vehicles.
Put Safety First
If you witness a truck accident, the most important consideration is safety, which includes your own and everyone else’s. If you’re in your vehicle, pull over safely and park, so you are out of the traffic flow (to the degree possible). The next step is to call 911 and provide as much information as you can. If someone needs your help, render aid – the 911 operator may provide you with first aid instructions, which you should follow carefully. Never move an accident victim unless failing to do so puts him or her at more serious risk, such as being burned or hit by oncoming traffic.
Make a Statement to Law Enforcement
By remaining on the scene, you help ensure that you are able to make a witness statement while the details of the accident are fresh in your mind and that you are listed as a witness on the officer’s report. Your eyewitness testimony and contact information can prove exceptionally beneficial to the accident victims involved. By focusing on being as accurate as possible and providing as much detail as possible, you do your part in terms of helping those who are injured obtain a fair outcome.
Seek the Legal Guidance of an Experienced Forsyth County Truck Accident Attorney Today
The trusted truck accident attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland in Forsyth County are committed to skillfully protecting the rights – and just compensation – of all our clients. If a truck driver’s negligence leaves you injured, please don’t delay contacting or calling us at 770-887-1209 for more information today.