It’s a scenario no one wants to imagine: you’re driving down the highway, perhaps on your daily commute or a long-awaited road trip. Suddenly, the unthinkable happens — a massive 18-wheeler veers into your lane. In a split second, your world turns upside down.
Truck accidents are no ordinary fender benders. When a 40-ton behemoth collides with a passenger vehicle, the aftermath can be devastating. Not only are you dealing with potential injuries and vehicle damage, but you’re also thrust into a complex web of insurance claims with multiple parties, legal questions, and mounting bills.
But being prepared can make all the difference. That’s why knowing what to do after a truck accident isn’t just helpful — it’s crucial.
In the chaos following a crash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Should you call the police? Move your vehicle? What about gathering evidence? And how do you protect your rights when you’re up against a trucking company with teams of lawyers at their disposal?
These are the unique challenges that set truck accidents apart from typical car crashes. The stakes are higher, the injuries often more severe, and the legal landscape far more complex.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take after a truck accident. Whether you’re reading this as a precaution or you’re facing the unfortunate aftermath of a collision, our goal is to equip you with the knowledge you need to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your future.
Remember: in the world of truck accidents, being informed isn’t just an advantage — it’s your best defense. Let’s dive in together and explore step by step what you need to know.
1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
The moments immediately following a truck accident can be chaotic, but your priority should always be safety. Here’s what you need to do:
- If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road to prevent further accidents.
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Check yourself and your passengers for any obvious injuries.
Once you’re in a safe spot, it’s time to call 911. This isn’t just a good idea — sometimes it’s a legal requirement. In Georgia, for instance, you must report any accident involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500. Given the size and weight of 18-wheelers, most truck accidents will easily meet this threshold.
When you call 911, clearly state that you’ve been in a truck accident. Provide your location as accurately as possible and answer any questions about injuries or the number of vehicles involved. Be ready for the responding officers to create an official accident report. This document is typically the first official record of what happened and can play a significant role in future legal proceedings.
2. Check for Injuries
After ensuring everyone’s immediate safety and calling 911, it’s time to stay calm and wait for professional medical help to arrive for a more thorough injury check. Here’s why this step is so important:
- Adrenaline can mask pain, meaning you might be injured without realizing it.
- Some injuries — particularly those involving the neck, back, or head — may not show symptoms immediately.
- Prompt medical attention can prevent minor injuries from becoming more serious.
3. Document the Accident Scene
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, document the accident scene from multiple angles. Here’s how:
1. Take Photos
Use your smartphone to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The overall accident scene, including road conditions and traffic signs
- Your visible injuries
- The truck’s license plate and any company information on the vehicle
2. Gather Information
Collect and write down:
- The truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details
- Names and badge numbers of responding police officers
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
3. Make Notes
While the details are fresh in your mind, jot down:
- The exact time and location of the accident
- Weather and road conditions
- Your recollection of how the accident occurred
4. Obtain the Police Report Number
This will make it easier to get a copy of the report later.
Remember: you’re not trying to prove fault at this stage. You’re simply gathering as much information as possible. Be thorough but don’t interfere with police investigations or emergency medical services.
Also, while it’s important to exchange information, be cautious about discussing the details of the accident or admitting fault. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what happened.
4. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
While you wait for police to arrive, obtain the truck driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and license plate number. You should also get the driver’s employer’s name and contact information because accidents involving commercial vehicles may include multiple liable parties — yet another reason why it is so important to know what to do after a truck accident.
5. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible following the accident. It creates an official record in the form of a medical report, documenting your injuries and linking them directly to the accident. This can be vital for insurance claims or legal proceedings. For example, if you delay seeking treatment, insurance companies might argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
Keep in mind that your well-being is more important than any potential settlement. Don’t put off medical attention in hopes of increasing a future payout — it could backfire and leave you with inadequate compensation for your injuries.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
After you’ve documented the scene and received appropriate medical care, it’s time to contact your insurance company. Here’s why this step is crucial and how to handle it:
- Prompt reporting: Most insurance policies require you to report accidents promptly. Failing to do so could jeopardize your coverage.
- Provide only the basic information: Give your insurer the basic facts about the accident, but avoid going into detail about faults or injuries at this stage.
- Be cautious of early settlement offers: The trucking company’s insurance provider may reach out quickly with a settlement offer. While this might seem tempting, it’s important to remember:
- These early offers are often lower than what your claim might be worth.
- You may not yet know the full extent of your injuries or damages.
- Accepting an offer could waive your right to seek further compensation.
Pro tip: If you’re contacted by the trucking company’s insurer, be polite but firm. Let them know you’ve received their offer, but you’ll need to consult with your attorney before making any decisions.
This brings us to our next crucial step…
7. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer
Before you make any decisions about your case or accept any offers, it’s vital to speak with a truck accident attorney. Here’s why:
- Specialized knowledge: Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accidents. They involve federal regulations, industry standards, and potentially multiple liable parties. An attorney with relevant truck accident experience understands these nuances and leverages their knowledge to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
- Proper valuation of your claim: A skilled attorney can help you understand the true value of your claim, considering factors like:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care needs
- Protection of your rights: Your attorney will ensure you don’t accidentally say or do anything that could harm your case.
- Negotiation skills: If a settlement is appropriate, your attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Remember: most reputable truck accident attorneys offer free initial consultations so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
8. Gather and Preserve Evidence
In addition to the police records, medical records, witness statements, and accident scene photos you’ve already collected, truck accident lawyers have the resources to conduct their own investigations. For example, they can consult with accident recreation specialists to provide third-party, unbiased testimony that supports your account of the events leading to the accident responsible for your injuries.
With the additional support of a truck accident lawyer on your side, you might uncover evidence that would have otherwise been inaccessible, further strengthening your claim and increasing your chances of fair compensation.
Speak with a Truck Accident Attorney Today
By following these steps — ensuring safety, documenting the scene, notifying your insurance company, and contacting a truck accident lawyer — you’re setting yourself up for the best possible outcome after a truck accident. While the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
With the right approach and support from an experienced truck accident lawyer, you’ll know exactly what to do after a semi-truck accident.
Weatherby Law is a personal injury lawyer with specialized truck accident experience. We will protect your rights while fighting for the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on what’s most important: your recovery. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION
