Being a truck driver is a high-pressure job, and having to navigate an accident is among the most challenging aspects of it. As a diligent commercial driver, you must be prepared for the unexpected and know how to mitigate the negative impact of an accident.
In this article, we will go over the process of contacting your insurance company and filing a claim. In addition, we’ll provide some helpful tips for being proactive and minimizing the risk of accidents in the future. Let’s get started!
Tips for Navigating the Insurance Process After an Accident
- Contact your lawyer: Contact an attorney who specializes in truck driver accident cases as they can help you understand your rights and assist you with the insurance process. Truck insurance claims and the litigation process can be very complex; therefore, you want an experienced attorney by your side. Not to mention, being found at fault in an incident like this can be detrimental to the survival of a trucking business.
- Gather evidence: Following an accident, it’s critical to gather as much evidence as you can. This includes documenting the incident with photographs and videos, obtaining the names and contact information of any witnesses, and saving any medical records relating to any injuries you sustained.
- Expect delays and be patient: The insurance process can be lengthy so it could take several months to resolve your claim. Be patient and keep your lawyer and the insurance company informed. Not to mention, failing to share crucial information regarding the accident will only further delay the process, so be sure to present all the facts in the case.
- Know your policy: Examine your insurance coverage to determine what it covers and what it doesn’t. This can assist you in knowing what to expect from the insurance provider and the type of compensation you might expect.
Ways a Truck Driver Can Minimize the Risk of an Accident in the Future
- Perform regular maintenance on your truck: Keep your vehicle in good functioning order by performing regular maintenance. This can help reduce the risk of accidents due to mechanical breakdowns.
- Be well rested: Drowsiness and distracted driving are major causes of truck driver accidents. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure you’re adequately rested. We understand many truck drivers are on tight delivery schedules; however, arriving safely should be of top priority.
- Obey traffic laws: To reduce the likelihood of an accident, follow traffic laws and posted speed limits.
- Take breaks when needed: Take frequent breaks to help prevent fatigue and distracted driving.
Bottom Line
An accident involving a truck driver can have major implications, however, knowing the insurance process and being prepared could help to reduce these. Truck drivers can be better prepared for future incidents by following the procedures indicated in this blog. If you find yourself involved in a truck driver accident, you must contact your attorney right away and gather as much physical evidence as you can get.
InsuranceHub can help make sure that your trucking business is adequately protected in the event of an accident. We have a group of experienced agents who can assist with hot shot insurance, dump truck insurance, and insurance on semi trucks. Give us a call today!
