Sideswipe accidents occur when the side of one vehicle collides, or “swipes” against, with the side of another vehicle. This type of accident usually occurs when vehicles are merging or changing lanes. Being sideswiped by a vehicle can be scary and may lead to things such as you losing control of your vehicle or being pushed into another lane of traffic. One can only imagine how anxiety-inducing this may be when two normal-sized vehicles are involved, but can you imagine being sideswiped by a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other oversized truck? Unfortunately, this does happen.
If you have been sideswiped by a truck, you may be hurt, scared, and overwhelmed. Then, you see the truck drive away from the accident scene. Panic may set in as you wonder what you should do. While we hope you never find yourself in such a situation, it is important to be prepared for these events. Preparation can help you protect yourself, your passengers, and your legal rights afterward.
Steps You Should Take After a Side-Swipe Truck Accident
You have been sideswiped by a truck. The truck leaves the scene. The driver may have been scared of the consequences of sideswiping you. They may have been driven by adrenaline to just keep driving. Whatever the reason, you are left at the accident scene with the other driver leaving you behind without stopping. What do you do? Well, let’s first start with what not to do. Do not try and chase after the truck. It may be tempting, but it is more likely to create further harm. You risk hurting yourself, other drivers, and pedestrians when engaging in a chase. Stay put.
Make as many notes as possible about the truck. Did you get its license plate number? Did you get a partial license plate number? Write it down. Were there any identifying logos, names, or colors on the truck? Did you see its make or model? Write this down too. If you managed to get any pictures of the truck, this also can be valuable. This is information and evidence that will help track the truck down to hold them accountable for the sideswipe accident they drove away from.
Call 911 to begin the immediate search for the truck. If you or any passengers are injured, emergency medical personnel will also be dispatched to the accident scene. Law enforcement can begin looking for the truck that fled. You can also provide them with the details of the truck you noted and the circumstances of the accident. An official accident report will be generated as a result. If there were any witnesses to the accident, make note of their names and contact information. Witnesses may have noticed something about the truck, its driver, or the accident that you missed. There may also have been nearby businesses with security cameras that captured the accident on tape and noted identifying information about the truck.
You should also be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you did not receive emergency medical care, still make a point to go get checked out by a doctor. Injury symptoms may take time to fully present, but seeking immediate medical attention can help ensure they are properly evaluated and treated not to mention the importance medical records will play in any injury claim you bring.
Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have been injured in a sideswipe hit and run with a truck, you may very well feel like your life has been turned upside down. Let the dedicated personal injury team at Pringle & Herigstad work to enforce your legal rights to compensation while you focus on healing and getting your life back on track. Contact us today.
