Truck drivers operate on the clock, which means they must get from point A to point B in a timely manner. Although the federal government has instituted strict safety regulations, including imposing limits on how long truck drivers can operate within a 24-hour period, the fact remains that vehicle accidents involving commercial trucks are a common occurrence on American roads and highways.
Because of the significant weight of a freight truck the result of an auto crash can be serious or even life threatening injuries. You can also experience an accident with a delivery driver that is nothing more than a fender bender. This could happen on a parking lot or in line of vehicles waiting to pay a highway toll.
You will think about a flurry of things after any type of vehicle accident, but there is one thing that should stand out: What do you do if there is no police report in an accident with a delivery truck?
Reasons for No Police Report
Most state laws do not require the drivers involved in a car accident to file police reports for an accident that unfolded on private property. This not only includes the driveway leading up to your home; it also includes a parking lot of a local grocery store. Another factor to consider is stress, as an accident with a truck can trigger considerable stress and anxiety.
You might become distracted because of an adrenaline rush and forget to call a law enforcement agency. In an accident involving a delivery truck, the driver has to follow the accident reporting protocols established by the company.
How to Proceed without a Police Report
How you act after a vehicle accident will determine the likelihood of an insurance claim receiving approval by your carrier. In the case of an auto crash with no police report, the burden of collecting evidence falls directly on your shoulders.
Your insurance company will want to examine photographs of the accident scene that includes images of the road condition and the extent of any property damage. If you endured any injuries, you should take pics of the injuries and send your auto insurer photocopies of your medical records. It is also a good idea to take pictures of the surrounding area to detail the type of weather you encountered before and during the accident.
In addition to gathering physical evidence, you also need to interview witnesses to the crash. This should be done right after exchanging contact and auto insurance information with the other driver. Time is of the essence, as you want accounts of the accident to be as recently stored in memory as possible. Moreover, witnesses to a vehicle accident will remain at the scene for just a short time.
Work with a Personal Injury Lawyer
You can count on a delivery driver to have the legal support of the company. This means you should hire a personal injury attorney to ensure you reap the benefits of every statute that applies to auto accidents. Most personal injury attorneys schedule free initial consultations with new clients.
Additional Resources
- I Can’t Pay My Bills After an Accident With Western Express*
- How Long Will it Take to Settle Claim Against Western Express*?
*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Western Express, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
