Being involved in a truck accident can be a traumatic and life-altering event, especially given the size and weight of commercial trucks. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, knowing how to respond can make all the difference in protecting your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Here’s a guide on what to do after a truck accident, as well as how the experienced truck accident lawyers at Avaness Law can help you pursue justice and hold the negligent parties accountable for your injuries.
What Should I Do First After a Truck Accident?
The first thing you should do after a truck accident is to stay calm and ensure everyone’s safety. If you’re able to do so, check for injuries—yours and others involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s still a good idea to be checked out by a medical professional, as injuries from truck accidents can sometimes be internal or not immediately obvious.
Ensure Your Safety
Ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident should be your top priority. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road, away from traffic. If you cannot move the vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt on until emergency responders arrive. Be cautious about leaving the scene unless it is absolutely necessary, as doing so may affect your legal rights.
Contact Law Enforcement
When law enforcement arrives, they will investigate the accident and fill out a police report. A police report documents key details of the incident, including statements from involved parties, witness testimony, and any potential violations of traffic laws. This report serves as an official record and can be a critical piece of evidence in your case.
Gather Information After the Accident
The more information you gather, the stronger your case will be.
Here’s what you should collect at the scene of the truck accident:
- Truck driver’s information: Name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Trucking company details: Name, address, and contact information.
- Vehicle information: This includes the truck’s license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Witness information: Names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Photos of the scene: Take pictures of the vehicles, damage, skid marks, traffic signals, road conditions, and anything else that may be relevant.
Document the Accident Scene
When documenting the accident scene, be as thorough as possible. Take detailed photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, the position of the vehicles, any skid marks, debris, and road conditions. If there were any traffic signs or signals that may have played a role in the accident, make sure to capture them as well. If possible, take videos of the scene to show the conditions, including weather, lighting, and visibility.
See a Doctor Immediately After the Accident
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, seeing a doctor right away is crucial. Injuries from truck accidents—such as whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries—can sometimes take time to manifest. A doctor can assess your injuries and begin treatment right away, which also helps document the extent of your injuries for your claim.
When Should I Contact My Insurance Company?
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, but do not provide a recorded statement without first consulting a truck accident attorney. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you. Be sure to only provide the basic details—such as the date, time, and location of the accident—and avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the crash.
What Are My Legal Rights After a Truck Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you have important legal rights that can help you recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. As a victim of a truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
A skilled truck accident lawyer at Avaness Law will investigate the circumstances of your accident to determine who is responsible. We will gather evidence, such as truck maintenance records, driver logs, and witness statements, to establish liability. Once we’ve completed the investigation, we’ll carefully calculate your damages to ensure we pursue every penny of compensation you’re entitled to.
We will also handle all communication with the insurance company, to prevent them from pressuring you into accepting a lower settlement than what you deserve.
While you focus on your recovery, our truck accident lawyers will take the insurance company head-on, fighting for the fair compensation you deserve.
Get the Justice You Deserve – Free Consultation Available Now!
At Avaness Law, we know that recovering from a truck accident involves both physical and financial challenges. That’s why we are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Our experienced truck accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights, whether that means negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Contact Avaness Law today to schedule your free consultation and start your journey toward justice and recovery.
