Semi-truck drivers spend
a lot of hours on the road, whether they are making local or cross-country
deliveries. There are certain regulations that are established to prevent
accidents. They may include truck operation guidelines, regular servicing as
well as regular breaks in between deliveries.
However, this does not
always mean that accidents will not happen. As a semi-truck driver, you should
always be ready and prepared for any eventualities and emergency situations.
Herein is a simple but comprehensive guide on what to do if semi-truck accident
happens.
1. FOCUS ON EVERYONE’S
SAFETY
This is the first and
most important step. Following an accident, the immediate thing to do is call
the respective authorities and inform them about the accident. The authorities
will be responsible for dispatching emergency assistance. You should ideally
have a good grasp on administering basic first aid.
It is important to note
that unless there is the possibility of a fire breaking out or risk of further
injury, you should not attempt to move any person. If there is any bleeding,
you may try to stop it by applying firm and prolonged pressure on the wounds.
Allow the authorities to take over medical assistance once they arrive.
2. INVESTIGATE THE CARGO
Once all the affected
people are safe, you should take a close look at the cargo that you were
transporting. If the cargo in transit happens to be potentially hazardous to
people or the environment, proper spill control protocol should be followed to
check for any damages and prevent further spills. Use flares or hazard indicators
to warn other drivers to avoid the affected areas. This is important for
preventing future accidents.
3. CONTACT INSURANCE
AGENCY
Following a semi-truck
accident, you will need to contact your insurance agency as soon as possible.
Some trucking companies require the drivers to first contact them. Semi-truck
drivers who work as freelancers should have proper insurance cover for the
cargo they are transporting as well as injuries and resultant damages.
The insurance cover
should also cater for any lawsuits filed against the truck driver. Your
employer will send personnel to complete the delivery if the good were not
damaged. It is important to cooperate with your insurance agency and answer all
queries related to the accident. It is good practice to take some pictures of
the scene to present to the insurance agency.
4. LICENSE
There are certain
policies regarding driving after an accident. This occurrence may warrant a CDL
qualification review. In order to keep your license, remember to cooperate
fully with the authorities at the accident scene.
You will be free to work
again as long as you adhered to the trucking industry regulations and laws of
the road.