What to Do After a Truck Accident
The actions you take in the hours, days, and weeks after a truck accident can dramatically affect your recovery—both physical and financial. This guide walks you through every step.
Being involved in a commercial truck accident is traumatic. In the chaos that follows, it's hard to know what to do. But the decisions you make can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
1 Immediately After the Accident
Prioritize Safety
Your first priority is safety. If you can move, get away from traffic and the damaged vehicles. Commercial trucks may be carrying hazardous materials, so distance is important.
Call 911
Always call 911, even if the accident seems minor. Police documentation is crucial for your case. Request medical assistance—truck accidents often cause severe injuries that aren't immediately apparent.
Don't Admit Fault
It's natural to apologize or say "I'm sorry" after an accident. Don't. These statements can be used against you later. Simply exchange information and let investigators determine fault.
💡 Tip: If the truck driver or their employer offers you cash or a quick settlement at the scene, decline. This is a red flag that they know they're liable.
2 Document Everything
If you're physically able, gather as much evidence as possible. This information becomes invaluable when building your case.
📸 Photos to Take:
- • Damage to all vehicles
- • Your visible injuries
- • Skid marks and debris
- • Road conditions
- • Traffic signals/signs
- • Weather conditions
- • Truck's DOT number and company name
- • Truck's license plate
📝 Information to Collect:
- • Driver's name and license
- • Trucking company name
- • Insurance information
- • USDOT and MC numbers
- • Witness names and contacts
- • Responding officer's name/badge
- • Police report number
3 Get Medical Attention
This cannot be stressed enough: See a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Truck accidents cause massive force impacts that can result in injuries that don't show symptoms for hours or days.
Common Delayed Injury Symptoms:
- • Headaches (traumatic brain injury)
- • Neck/back pain (spinal injury)
- • Abdominal pain (internal bleeding)
- • Numbness/tingling (nerve damage)
- • Mood changes (concussion)
- • Sleep disturbances (PTSD)
When you see the doctor, make sure to:
- ✓ Explain that your injuries are from a truck accident
- ✓ Describe ALL symptoms, even minor ones
- ✓ Follow their treatment plan exactly
- ✓ Keep all follow-up appointments
- ✓ Save all bills and receipts
4 Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company's insurer—not for you. Their job is to minimize payouts. Here's how to protect yourself:
❌ Don't Give Recorded Statements
You're not legally required to provide one, and anything you say can be used to reduce your compensation.
❌ Don't Accept Quick Settlements
Early offers are designed to close the case before you know the true extent of your injuries. They're almost always far below what you deserve.
❌ Don't Sign Medical Authorizations
These give insurers access to your entire medical history, which they'll use to attribute your injuries to pre-existing conditions.
✓ Do Contact an Attorney First
Let your attorney handle all communications with insurance companies. They know the tactics and can protect your interests.
5 Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases are complex. They involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and aggressive corporate defense teams. An experienced attorney can:
- Preserve critical evidence by sending spoliation letters to prevent destruction of black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records
- Identify all liable parties—the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance companies, and manufacturers
- Handle all negotiations with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future medical needs and lost earning capacity
- Take the case to trial if the insurance company won't offer fair compensation
Remember: Consultations are free, and truck accident attorneys work on contingency—you pay nothing unless you win. There's no risk in getting professional advice.
Get the Help You Need Today
Every day you wait is a day the trucking company builds their defense. Don't face them alone.