What To Do After A Semi-Truck Accident

Being in a collision with a semi-truck is a life-altering event. Tractor trailers are so large and carry so much weight that most passenger cars don’t stand a chance of holding up against one in an accident. 

So, how do you get your life back on track after having it derailed by a collision with a semi? Continue reading to learn what to do after a truck accident.

1. Check to see if anyone in your vehicle is injured

Whenever you’re in an auto accident, your main priority must be your own safety and that of everyone else in your vehicle. The first thing you need to do, if you’re able to move, is to check to see if anyone in your vehicle is injured. 

If you or anyone else in your vehicle is hurt, remain still and call for emergency medical assistance. You don’t know the extent of the injuries, and moving someone after a car accident could make things exponentially worse. The best thing to do is call for help and try to remain calm until it arrives.

2. Call the police

After you’ve seen to it that everyone in your vehicle is okay, the next step after a collision with a semi-truck is to call 911 to report the accident and request emergency services. Sometimes people like to exchange insurance information and move along without calling the authorities when there are no injuries. However, it’s always best to call the police to the scene to file a full report of the truck accident.

Obtaining a copy of the police report is one of the most critical steps after a truck accident. Police officers document the accident scene, parties involved, and witness statements. This accident report becomes essential evidence for your insurance claim and any personal injury lawsuit. Always request a copy for your records.

3. Take pictures of the damage

It’s also a great idea to take pictures of the scene of the semi-truck accident. Those pictures could help you prove your claim to the insurance company — or the court if your case should go to trial. Following an accident, you should take pictures of the following:

• Your vehicle and the damage it sustained
• The semi-truck
• Skid marks, shattered glass, and car parts on the ground
• Injuries you sustained
• Street signs and landmarks

Collect as much evidence as possible from the entire accident scene. Preserve digital data from the truck’s “black box,” which records speed and braking information and can help determine how the accident happened. Evidence like this can be crucial in proving liability in a truck accident case.

4. Get the info of everyone involved

It’s also vital to get the information of everyone involved in the accident. The more information you have, the easier it will be to fill in all the proper details when filing a personal injury claim. Remember, everyone at the scene is a witness, so get the information of any bystanders or motorists present who might’ve seen the collision. 

5. Seek medical attention

Anytime you’re in an automobile accident, you should seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel any pain immediately following the collision. Sometimes, neck and back pain become more present in the weeks or months afterward. You could have an injury to your back and not have any noticeable symptoms until it’s too late to file a personal injury claim.

The best thing to do after an accident, even if you feel no pain, is to go to the emergency room and get x-rayed. It’s better to be safe now than to be sorry months later.

Be sure to keep track of any medical bills you accrue as a result of the truck accident. If the semi-truck driver is at fault, you’ll be compensated for your medical costs, and possibly more.6.

6. Be Careful What You Say

Stay off social media after a truck accident. Posts, photos, or comments can be used against you by insurance companies or defense attorneys. Even innocent updates may be misinterpreted and weaken your personal injury case.

7. Call a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties — the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and even cargo loaders. Federal and state regulations also apply. It is recommended to contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Consulting with an experienced truck accident lawyer ensures you navigate this complex legal process and seek maximum compensation.

8. Assess Damages & Seek Compensation

Your attorney can help you assess the full extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. They also evaluate future losses such as reduced earning potential or ongoing medical treatment. Seeking compensation for both current and future damages ensures financial recovery and protects your well‑being.

How hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer helps?

The goal of any auto insurance company is to save money. If you talk to them alone after a truck accident, they’ll likely try to get you to settle for much less than you deserve. You should at least consult with a semi-truck lawyer in your area to get a better idea of the compensation owed to you. 

Even though you can deal with the insurance companies on your own, it’s wise to let an experienced personal injury attorney deal with them. The insurer may try to trick you into admitting fault or questioning your own account of events. And even worse, the entire conversation is recorded for their purposes.

Insurance companies are slower to try the tactics on semi-truck attorneys than they do on semi-truck accident victims. Having the right personal injury lawyer handling your claim will help things go much more smoothly for you and will likely also significantly increase the amount of compensation you receive.

Statute of Limitations

Be aware of the statute of limitations in your state. This is the limited time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering damages, so contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

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