Truck accidents are fairly common in Oregon, especially on highways such as Hwy 140 or Interstate 84. Both are busy areas that quickly congest when an accident has taken place, potentially leading to even more collisions.
What’s most important is for people to know what to do if they’re involved in an accident with a truck. On highways, it’s vital that you’re able to move your vehicle to the side of the road when possible. If you can, you’ll lower the risk of a secondary impact. If you can’t, then everyone involved in the accident is at risk of being hit by other drivers who may not slow down in time for the crash scene.
After an accident, there are three primary things that you need to do. These include moving to safety, calling 911 and going to the hospital. After you move your vehicles or help victims get to the side of the road when possible, you should wait for help to arrive. If you are moving to the side of the road or there are people who cannot be moved, you should be on the line with 911. The emergency operator will tell you what to do and where to wait for the police and ambulance.
After help arrives, go to the hospital. Even if you feel okay, the reality is that your injuries might be hidden or delayed. Going to the hospital helps protect your interests in case you want to make a claim and will also make sure you get the medical care you need sooner rather than later.