4 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

The steps you take following a truck accident can have a substantial impact on your ability to recover compensation for your associated damages. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were 110,000 injury accidents and 5,149 fatal collisions involving large trucks reported in 2021. Because of the size differences, it is often the drivers and passengers of cars and smaller trucks who suffer injuries or death in such wrecks. If you are injured in a tractor-trailer crash, you may be eligible to pursue damages for your accident-associated losses.

1. Check for Injuries

Following a truck accident, you should assess yourself and other occupants in your vehicle for injuries. If anyone needs emergency medical assistance, and you are able, call 911. After checking those in your car, check to see if the truck driver or anyone else involved in the crash suffered injuries.

Get Medical Attention

Some injuries are not immediately noticeable, or you may think you don’t need medical attention. However, you should see a doctor after a truck accident to ensure you did not suffer internal injuries or other such trauma that may manifest down the line. Doing so ensures you get the treatment you require to avoid complications. It also helps establish a timeline and cause of your accident, which may be useful if you choose to work with a truck accident law firm to pursue damages.

2. Report the Accident

You should notify law enforcement that an accident has occurred. They will respond to the scene and take an accident report. Such reports contain statements from each driver involved, the law enforcement officer’s assessment of the accident and scene, and other information that may prove helpful in the event you choose to pursue a claim for damages.

3. Gather Evidence

Gather evidence at the accident scene to help prove the cause, fault, and effects of the crash. Whether you file a claim with the insurance company or seek damages through a civil case, having documentation to support your case will be essential.

Photographs and Videos

If you are able, take photos and videos at the scene of the truck crash. It may be helpful to have visual documentation of where the accident occurred, as well as the resulting damage and visible injuries. 
To successfully recover compensation in a truck accident claim, you will need to prove the driver owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the collision that led to your injuries. You must also show that you suffered damages because of your injuries. Documentation such as photos and videos can prove essential for helping establish these facts.
Additionally, save all bills and receipts related to your accident, including those for heavy-duty towing services if you had to call them. These expenses can serve as evidence of the financial impact of the crash and help ensure you are compensated for all related costs.

Contact Information

After an accident with a large truck, you should exchange information with the driver. Be sure to get his or her name, phone number, driver’s license number, and other pertinent contact details. Additionally, you should ask for the contact information for the company that he or she works for. In some cases, the trucking company, as well as the truck driver, can be held financially responsible for accident-related damages.
In addition to getting the contact information for the other driver, you should get the details for any passengers not in your vehicle. If anyone witnessed the accident, pedestrians, road workers, or other bystanders, it may also be helpful to have their information. If questions arise over what occurred leading up to the crash or in how the collision happened, you may seek testimony from those who saw the wreck to help support your case.

4. Consult a Truck Accident Attorney

You don’t have to hire a truck accident attorney to pursue a claim for damages after an accident. However, there are benefits to having a personal injury lawyer experienced with these types of cases on your side. While struggling with the aftermath of a truck accident, you may feel rushed to handle your claim so you can move forward. The insurance company may seem like they’re on your side, but they often seek to minimize their payouts to victims. A legal representative will advocate on your behalf and pursue your interests in negotiations or, if necessary, at trial. 
Time is of the essence following a truck accident, and the steps you take may impact your future rights. Therefore, if you’ve been injured in a tractor-trailer collision, don’t hesitate to call a truck accident law firm to discuss your options.