It's not always the driver that is at fault when an 18 wheeler accident occurs. Car drivers can be at fault, too, especially if they are negligent and do not follow traffic laws. Again, even if you were in the right place on the road, it doesn't mean that you did everything right to avoid a collision with an 18 wheeler truck. Here are five important steps to take after an 18 wheeler accident.

1. Stay Calm and Call 911 Immediately

Accidents with big trucks happen quickly, and the results can be devastating. The last thing you want to do is panic, lose focus and possibly make things worse. When involved in an 18 wheeler accident, the first thing you should do is to call 911 and get help. Regardless of how small or large the damage from the accident was, help is needed to take care of the scene. The sooner help arrives, the less chance there will be that another car or truck driver will collide with you.

2. Check for Injuries

Check yourself and any other occupants in the car for obvious signs of injury. Ensure that you are not bleeding or burning, look out for broken bones, and check your skin for rashes or open wounds. If possible, get professional medical help to ensure that you haven't suffered any serious injuries.

3. Take Pictures and Collect Evidence

After 18 wheeler accidents, the scene is usually chaotic, with cars pulled apart and debris spread everywhere. It can be very hard to keep track of all the details needed for insurance claims if it's not done immediately after an accident. It would help if you took pictures of everything that needs to be documented. Make sure to take photos of:

• The accident scene
• Any damage to your car and the 18 wheeler truck, and how it happened
• The road where you were hit
• All skid marks on the road made by both cars

The same goes for taking pictures of all injuries, as well as photos of yourself or other passengers in your car. Collect all the names of witnesses, the police officers on the scene, and make sure you get contact information from the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.

4. Call an Attorney

Even if you are not seriously injured, calling an attorney after an 18 wheeler accident is still a good idea. Whether or not the other driver was at fault for the crash is something that your insurance company and the courts will decide. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know what things affect car accident claims, how long they take to resolve, and how much you should expect to receive in the end.

5. Wait for Your Claim to Be Processed

Now it's time to wait for your claim to be processed. If you have a personal injury attorney, they will take care of everything and make sure that your interests are considered. Even though you can call an attorney at any time after an 18 wheeler accident has occurred, the sooner you contact them, the better it is for your claim.

According to Valiente Mott, the average driver will file a vehicle collision claim every 17.9 years, meaning if you began driving at 16, you might be involved in at least three accidents throughout your lifetime. This is why it's best to understand the steps needed after an accident and always be prepared.