Accidents involving large trucks often lead to serious injuries and major property damage. When you suspect the truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the situation can become even more concerning. A lawyer, like a truck accident lawyer, knows that driving under the influence is a serious offense, and commercial drivers are held to stricter standards than other drivers. If you believe impairment played a role in your crash, it’s important to take the right steps early on.
Call Law Enforcement Right Away
If you’re involved in a crash with a commercial truck and you think the driver may be under the influence, call 911 immediately. Let the dispatcher know there has been an accident and that you suspect impaired driving. When officers arrive, they can assess the situation, speak with the driver, and decide whether sobriety testing is needed. Law enforcement will create an official report that includes their observations. This documentation may become important if legal action is necessary later.
Look For Signs Of Impairment
You don’t need to accuse the driver directly, but pay attention to how they behave after the accident. If they seem unsteady, have slurred speech, avoid eye contact, or smell of alcohol or drugs, those could be signs of impairment. You can share these observations with the officer on scene. Remember to avoid confrontation. It’s not your responsibility to prove anything in the moment. Just focus on your safety and give law enforcement the details they need.
Get Medical Care As Soon As Possible
Even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first, it’s still important to get checked out. Large trucks have the weight and force to cause hidden injuries that may worsen over time. If you do need ongoing treatment, medical records will support your claim that the crash caused your injuries. Delaying treatment could not only make your recovery harder, but it might also raise questions when you later seek compensation.
Gather Information And Evidence
Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, the truck, and anything else that may help show what happened. If any witnesses saw the driver behaving oddly or swerving before the crash, try to get their contact information. Their statements may be helpful later on.
Also, write down anything you noticed about the driver’s behavior before and after the crash. Small details can make a difference.
Report The Crash To Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the accident and provide them with all the information you have. If you suspect the truck driver was impaired, you can mention that, but keep your report factual and straightforward. The investigation will determine what happened.
If the driver was under the influence, it could affect liability and how damages are covered.
Talk To A Lawyer With Experience In Truck Accidents
Accidents involving impaired commercial drivers often involve more than just a personal injury claim. There may be issues with the trucking company, violations of federal safety rules, and questions about how the driver was hired or supervised.
These cases can uncover serious violations by both the driver and the company. Having legal guidance can make it easier to understand your options and protect your rights.
Don’t Accept A Quick Settlement Without Legal Advice
If the trucking company or their insurer reaches out quickly with a settlement offer, you may want to pause. These offers often come before the full extent of your injuries or expenses are clear. Accepting one too soon could leave you responsible for costs that should have been covered.
A lawyer can help you review any offers and determine if they are fair based on the facts of your case.
Follow Through With Treatment And Keep Records
Stay consistent with your medical treatment and keep copies of bills, test results, and doctor notes. If you miss work or lose income, track that as well. These records help show how the accident affected you and are useful if a claim or lawsuit moves forward.
Attorneys like those at Barry P. Goldberg can attest that a crash with a commercial truck is always serious, but when impaired driving is suspected, it adds a new level of concern. Taking the right steps from the beginning helps protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to seek fair compensation. Stay safe, stay calm, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you believe the truck driver should never have been behind the wheel. Contact a law firm for help today.