Trucking Post-Accident Procedures

Accidents can be extremely stressful. Here are some tips to keep in mind that can help you protect yourself and make the accident scene and claim process easier. 

1. Stay calm. This may be the hardest step, but it is also one of the most important. Losing your cool will only make matters worse. 
2. Stop and assess the situation. Check if anyone in your vehicle is injured. Put on a high visibility vest and make sure it is safe to exit your vehicle. Turn on flashers and place warning devices promptly. Then, check on the condition of the people in the other vehicles.
3. Get yourself and your vehicle off the road. It’s important to get off the road and out of traffic to help prevent additional accidents from occurring.  However, only move your vehicle if it is safe to do so. Don’t risk further injury to yourself or others if conditions aren’t safe or a vehicle isn’t drivable.
4. Call law enforcement/emergency services. Be prepared to report where the accident occurred, if anyone is hurt, and what happened. This will also ensure that the accident is legally documented and the investigation process can begin. Law enforcement may dispatch emergency services, such as an ambulance, fire truck, or tow truck. Properly describing the scene will help make sure appropriate services are rendered.
5. Do not admit fault! If you aren’t at fault but say so at the scene of the accident, that may be used against you later. Even if you believe you are at fault, it is better to leave the fault-finding process in the hands of the authorities and insurers. 
6. Exchange information with the other drivers. This is an essential step in the process. Collecting the right information upfront can help the claim process with your insurance company go smoothly. The following information should be obtained:
   • Names and addresses of all drivers and passengers
   • Makes and models of the cars involved
   • Auto insurance information of the drivers
   • Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
   • Responding police officer’s name and badge number
7. Document the accident. Photos and videos can help your insurance company assess the damage and work faster for you. If the scene is safe, use your phone to take photos and video of the area, including vehicles, debris, and skid marks. If there is a dash camera in your vehicle, make sure the video is properly stored as soon as possible. 
8. Call your insurance company. Get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. They can start working for you immediately and help you get your life moving forward. They may send a damage appraiser to check out your vehicle, direct you to a repair shop, or ask you to get an estimate for repairing damages to your vehicle. Making this call as soon as possible can help get your vehicle taken care of and your business running again.
9. Ensure you follow FMCSA regulations on post-accident drug and alcohol testing.

So, in the unfortunate event you find yourself involved in an accident, remember to stay calm and follow the above steps. If you are insured with Acuity, you can rest assured that we will handle your claim with topnotch service. Our claims team provides you with a single point of contact throughout your claim experience and takes pride in their 95% claims satisfaction rating. If you aren’t already insured with Acuity, get an auto insurance quote online in just a few minutes today!

For more information, check out Acuity’s Trucking Insurance page.