An Amtrak train en route from Charlotte to New York smashed into a tractor-trailer that was immovable at an intersection. Witnesses report the driver of the rig was unsuccessfully trying to make a left turn when the train ploughed into the truck. The impact caused the train to derail, forcing the locomotive and baggage car off the tracks causing debris to scatter. Approximately 55 of the more than 200 passengers on the train were injured as a result of the collision.
What To Do After A Truck Accident
Because of the size of these types of vehicles, the injuries suffered during a truck accident tend to be severe and, sometimes, fatal. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a truck accident, contact an experienced and knowledgeable Charleston truck accident attorneyright away to preserve any rights you may have to compensation.
Beyond seeking legal representation, certain actions must be taken to help ensure a case is not jeopardized inadvertently.
- Stay calm and assess the scene – while it may be difficult, panicking after an accident can hinder logic and rational judgment. Before anything else, if you and/or any passengers have suffered serious injuries 911 should be contacted immediately.
- Document, document, document – once you have confirmed that everyone is stable, take this opportunity to take photos or videos of the scene including damage to any automobiles or trucks, skid marks or other clues as to what happened, and any other visuals that may be important.
- Get information – from the names and contact information of any witnesses to the scene to the basic insurance, license plates, and contact information of the other driver, don’t leave the accident before gathering material.
- Make sure an accident report is completed – especially important if you are not the one at fault, ensuring that an accident report is filled out by law enforcement, and it includes vital information about the incident, will be further evidence in your case.
Truck Accident Attorneys in Charleston
Each year across the nation, thousands are severely injured or killed in crashes involving trucks. Suffering from injuries resulting from a truck accident is difficult enough; don’t try to navigate the legal process alone. The skilled and experienced attorneys at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC have been representing truck accident victims for years, and can provide legal guidance.