What to Do if You’re Involved in a Truck Accident

Getting into any kind of vehicle accident is terrifying, but when a truck is involved, everything is magnified. The force, the damage, the injuries – it’s on a whole different level. In the moment, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That’s completely normal. But what you do in those first minutes, hours, and days after a truck accident can make a huge difference in your recovery, both physically and financially.

You don’t need to have all the answers right away. You just need a game plan to protect yourself and set the foundation for moving forward. 

Here’s what to focus on if you find yourself involved in a truck accident.

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Your first priority should be safety. If you’re able, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. Call 911 immediately – even if you think the crash wasn’t that bad. Truck accidents can cause hidden injuries that don’t show symptoms right away, and you’ll want emergency responders there to assess the situation.

If the vehicles are causing a hazard and it’s safe to move them, do so. If not, stay put, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for help to arrive. (The scene needs to be secure before anything else happens.)

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine at the scene, adrenaline can mask some injuries. Always, always get checked out by medical professionals after a truck accident. Internal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage aren’t always immediately obvious, and the sooner you catch them, the better your chances for a full recovery.

Getting medical attention also creates a record of your injuries, which will be critical if you end up needing to file a claim later. Skipping this step can hurt both your health and your case.

Document the Scene (If You Can)

If you’re physically able, start gathering evidence at the accident scene before it disappears. Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, skid marks, road conditions, and anything else that could help explain what happened.

It’s also highly recommended that you exchange information with the truck driver, including their name, employer, insurance information, license number, etc. Keep the conversation simple and avoid arguing or discussing fault. (Let the evidence and professionals sort that out later.)

If there were witnesses, try to get their names and contact information as well. Their statements could be incredibly valuable if liability ever becomes a point of contention.

Be Careful What You Say

It’s natural to want to be polite after an accident, but avoid saying things like “I’m sorry” or speculating about what caused the crash. These comments can be twisted and used against you later.

Stick to the facts when speaking to police, medical personnel, or insurance adjusters. Give a clear, honest account of what you experienced, but don’t volunteer extra information you’re not sure about. And when it comes to the trucking company’s insurance reps, it’s best to have an attorney handle those conversations.

Understand That Truck Accidents Are Different

Truck accidents aren’t handled the same way as ordinary car crashes. There are unique elements that have to be understood and handled with a certain level of attention to detail. 

“Truck accidents differ from other motor vehicle accidents in several ways,” Mette Attorneys at Law explains. “There are numerous federal regulations that, for the safety of everyone on the road, require strict adherence to various aspects, including the weight of the truck and the maximum time the driver can operate on the road. Also, due to their size and weight, truck accidents have a disproportionate ability to render serious injuries and death when compared to other types of accidents.”

This means the investigation process is much more complex. It’s not just about driver error – you might be dealing with issues like equipment failure, improperly loaded cargo, or violations of federal safety standards. Multiple parties could be at fault, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even the manufacturer of a faulty part.

Because of these complications, it’s essential to have someone on your side who knows how truck accident cases work and can protect your interests from day one.

Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Cautious)

You’ll need to report the accident to your insurance company fairly quickly, but be careful about what you say. Stick to the basic facts and don’t guess about things you’re unsure of.

Insurance companies are primarily concerned with minimizing payouts. If you say the wrong thing, you could accidentally give them an excuse to reduce your claim or deny it altogether. Before providing a detailed statement or accepting any settlement offer, it’s a good idea to consult with an attorney.

Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer 

Truck accident claims are notoriously complex. Between multiple layers of insurance coverage, trucking regulations, and high-dollar settlements, these cases are way beyond the average fender bender.

An experienced personal injury attorney can take the pressure off you. They’ll handle communication with insurance companies, investigate the accident thoroughly, preserve critical evidence (like the truck’s black box data), and build a strong case on your behalf.

As you move forward with your recovery, let your attorney do the heavy lifting for you. This will allow you to focus on getting better and moving on with the next chapter of your life.