In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, it’s a scene of chaos, confusion, and fear. Your adrenaline is pumping, you may be in shock, and it’s hard to think clearly. But the steps you take in these first few minutes and hours can have a significant impact on your health and your ability to get fair compensation for your injuries.
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. No one is ever prepared for a moment like this. I want to provide you with a simple, clear checklist of what to do after a truck accident. Think of this as a guide to help you protect yourself in a difficult and stressful situation.
Your Post-Accident Checklist: Steps to Protect Yourself
1. Prioritize Safety Above All Else
Your number one priority is your health and safety. If you are able to, move your vehicle to a safe location off the main roadway to avoid a secondary collision. If your car is not drivable, or if you are injured, stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and turn on your hazard lights. Do not attempt to get out of your car on a busy highway.
2. Call 911 Immediately
No matter how minor the accident seems, you should always call 911. There are two main reasons for this. First, you need to have police and emergency medical personnel respond to the scene. The police will create an official report of the accident, which is a vital piece of evidence. Second, you need to be evaluated by paramedics, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. Some serious injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not have immediate symptoms.
3. Document, Document, Document
If you are physically able, use your smartphone to document everything. You cannot take too many pictures. Take photos of:
•The position of all vehicles
•The damage to all vehicles
•The license plates of all vehicles
•Any skid marks on the road
•The surrounding area, including any traffic signs or signals
•Any visible injuries you have
•The truck driver’s license, insurance card, and any identifying information on the truck itself (the company name, DOT number, etc.)
4. Exchange Information, But Don’t Argue
Get the following information from the truck driver:
•Name and contact information
•Driver’s license number
•Insurance company and policy number
•The name of their employer (the trucking company)
It is crucial that you do not argue with the truck driver or apologize for anything. Keep your interactions brief and factual. Anything you say can be used against you later.
5. Identify Witnesses
If there are any other people who stopped at the scene, ask them what they saw. If they are willing, get their name and phone number. Independent witnesses can be incredibly valuable to your case.
6. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, you need to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Adrenaline can mask the pain of serious injuries. Going to the emergency room or your primary care doctor creates a medical record that documents your injuries and links them to the accident. This is essential for your personal injury claim.
7. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Do not talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before you have spoken to a lawyer. The insurance company will have a team of investigators and lawyers working to protect their interests within hours of the crash. You need someone on your side, fighting for you, just as quickly. An attorney can immediately send a spoliation letter to preserve critical evidence, like the truck’s black box data, and handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: The truck driver asked me not to call the police. Is that okay?
A: No. You should always call the police to create an official record of the accident. A driver who asks you not to call the police is a major red flag.
Q: I don’t feel hurt. Do I really need to see a doctor?
A: Yes, absolutely. Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the accident. Delaying medical treatment can not only harm your health, but it can also hurt your legal claim, as the insurance company will argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Q: When should I contact a lawyer?
A: As soon as possible. The trucking company is already building its case against you. The sooner you have an attorney on your side, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and preserving the evidence needed to win your case.
We Can Take It From Here
I know this is a lot to remember, especially in a crisis. The most important things are to stay safe, call 911, and see a doctor. Once you have done that, let us take the burden off your shoulders.
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, we can handle every aspect of your case, from the initial investigation to the final settlement or verdict. To learn more, please visit our homepage or our main truck accident service page. When you are ready, contact us at (608) 784-4370 for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the difficult road ahead.