Commercial truck drivers have certain responsibilities after a crash. Most trucking companies have specific post-accident procedures that their drivers must observe, whether they’re employees or independent contractors.
If you were injured in a crash caused by a commercial truck driver, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your losses in a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys can help you secure your rights and fight for maximum compensation after a truck crash.
What Responsibilities Do Truck Drivers Have After an Accident?
Truck drivers have the same essential responsibilities as other drivers after an accident: remaining on the scene, calling for emergency services, and waiting for the police to arrive. However, there are some other specific requirements for truck drivers.
Truckers must report the crash to the appropriate authorities, including their employer or the shipping company they’re contracted with. They should try to move the vehicle out of traffic, if possible, and place warning signs around the rig and trailer.
The trucker should also inspect the cargo and alert authorities if there is a danger, such as if they are transporting hazardous materials and the cargo is leaking. They must also complete specific reports, depending on the cargo and the damage. Other reports that may be required include detailed accounts of the minutes leading up to the accident, including making notes of physical injuries and property damage.
The trucker may also be required to submit to drug or alcohol screening, either on the scene or immediately afterward.
Truck drivers who do not follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association’s (FMCSA) post-crash requirements are in violation of the FMCSA regulations, which could have a significant bearing on your truck accident claim.
Step-by-Step Checklist for Truck Drivers After an Accident
The following guidelines can help both the trucker and the private vehicle drivers involved do the right thing to prevent further injury or a secondary crash.
- Always stop – leaving the scene of an accident could result in a criminal charge.
- Call 911 for police and medical assistance, and follow the operator’s instructions.
- If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on the hazard lights.
- Note any injuries you or your passengers have and relay information to 911.
- Most truck drivers have warning triangles, flares, or other warning devices, which should be set up to prevent secondary accidents.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved.
- Refrain from speculating about the cause of the accident.
The truck driver may also have other employer-specific protocols following an accident, which they should adhere to.
Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys
Have you been injured in a collision with a commercial truck driver? Are you worried about paying your medical bills and curious about your legal options for pursuing the compensation you need? We can help.
The legal team at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC helps accident victims like you demand the maximum compensation they deserve. We have the resources you need to determine whether the trucker was negligent and caused the crash and whether they followed post-accident protocol. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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