Truck Accidents

Truck accidents will leave you reeling. They are incredibly scary situations, and you may be at a loss for what to do next. First thing’s first: make sure that you and anyone in the car with you is safe. Then, if you can, move your car out of traffic and make sure other drivers can see you by turning on your hazard lights and lighting flares if you have them. 

Next, to the following to protect your rights:

• Report the crash. Call 911 immediately, especially if someone is injured or has died during the collision. Once an officer arrives, they will assess the situation and fill out an accident report. Make sure you get a copy of the accident report. It will help if you need to go to court.
• When speaking with an officer. To the best of your ability, tell the officer exactly what happened. Do not embellish or make speculations. If the officer asks if you are injured, say that you are not sure. Do not say no, because injuries often are not apparent until hours after the accident. 
• Identify Other Parties Involved. The truck driver may be at fault, but the company they are driving for may also be liable for any injuries you experience and damages to your vehicle. Identifying marks on signs on the truck can help you hold all potentially liable parties responsible for their role in the collision. 
• Trade relevant information. Get contact information from other persons involved in the accident, including:
  • Names and phone numbers 
  • Driver’s insurance company and policy information
  • Driver’s license number for the driver of the truck 
  • Name and contact information for the truck driver’s employer
• Document the scene. If you can safely do so, take photos of anything that was damaged in the collision. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Also, write everything down that you can remember about the auto accident, including when and where it happened and any potential hazardous conditions. 
• Contact your insurance company. Some insurance policies require that you immediately report the collision. Reporting the accident as soon as possible will help get the claims process started.
• Get medical attention. Truck accidents can jolt your adrenaline and mask any pain you may be feeling from an injury. Unless you are 100% certain that you are fine, we recommend that you go to the hospital or visit your doctor. Even a minor collision can lead to lingering or serious injuries. If you do not seek medical treatment, it could interfere with your ability to receive compensation for your injuries later on. 

File an accident report. If there is more than $1,000 in damages to any one vehicle or person involved in the accident, you need to file a collision report if a police officer has not done so already.