Being in a semi-truck accident is scary. Your heart is racing, and you might not know what to do first.
That’s okay. This guide walks you through it, one step at a time, so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you or anyone else is hurt, the most important thing is to call 911 right away.
Everything else on this list can wait a few minutes. Your safety comes first.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Right After the Accident
Check for Injuries and Get to Safety
If you can move safely, get away from moving traffic and move to a sidewalk, road shoulder, or nearby parking lot. Turn on your hazard lights so approaching drivers can see your vehicle.
Check yourself first, then make sure anyone else involved is okay.
Call 911
Call the police, even if the accident appears minor. A semi-truck can weigh up to 20 times more than a regular passenger vehicle, so a crash that looks minor may still result in serious injuries or vehicle damage.
A police report can also provide important documentation when dealing with insurance claims.
Stay at the Scene
Do not leave the accident scene before the police arrive and tell you that you can go.
Leaving the scene prematurely, whether you are the car driver or the truck driver, can create serious legal and insurance problems and may be against the law in certain circumstances.
Gather Important Information
Exchange information with the truck driver and collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene.
In addition to the driver’s name, license number, and insurance details, try to record:
- The trucking company’s name
- The truck’s DOT number, which is a federal identification number typically displayed on the truck
- The license plate number of the truck
- The license plate number of the trailer, which may be different from the truck’s plate
Having this information at the scene can make it much easier to identify the parties involved and handle your claim later.
Take Photos and Videos
Use your phone to document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible.
Take pictures and videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
Evidence from the scene can become important when determining how the accident happened.
Trucking companies may also send investigators to serious crash scenes quickly to document evidence for their side of the case.
Get Witness Information
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their name, phone number, and address.
Having multiple ways to contact a witness can make it easier to locate them later if their testimony becomes important to your claim.
Watch What You Say
Try to remain calm and avoid making statements about who was responsible for the accident. Do not apologize or speculate about what happened, even if you are simply trying to be polite.
Statements such as “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see him” could potentially be taken out of context and used to argue that you were partly responsible for the crash.
See a Doctor, Even If You Feel Fine
Seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident, even if you do not immediately notice any pain or other symptoms.
Write Down What Happened
As soon as you are able, write down everything you remember about the accident.
Include the approximate time, weather and road conditions, what the truck was doing before the collision, what you observed, and anything the truck driver or witnesses said.
Writing these details down while your memory is fresh can help preserve information that might otherwise become difficult to recall later.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
Notify your own insurance company about the accident as required by your policy.
However, be cautious if the trucking company’s insurance adjuster contacts you and asks for a recorded statement.
You do not necessarily have to provide a recorded statement immediately.
You can politely explain that you will respond after you have had an opportunity to understand your rights and, if appropriate, speak with an attorney.
When Should You Call a Truck Accident Attorney?
When the case seems out of your head, meaning you are unable to figure everything out by yourself, this is the time to hire a truck accident attorney.
An attorney has the expertise, knowledge, and skills to deal with insurance companies and help preserve your case through evidence and other important information.
At Finch McCranie, we have a dedicated team to handle truck accident cases. We support you when it comes to booking a free consultation and help you get quick responses from our skilled team.
For more information, contact us today, and we will get back to you soon.
Actions That Could Harm Your Truck Accident Claim
A semi-truck crash can leave you feeling frightened and confused. In that moment, it is easy to make a decision that could later affect your claim.
The trucking company and its insurer may begin investigating quickly, so be careful about what you say, sign, and do after the collision.
Be Careful Not to Accept Responsibility
You may apologize because you are shocked or concerned about someone else.
However, an insurer could present your words as evidence that you accepted responsibility.
When speaking with the police, witnesses, or truck driver, share only the facts you remember.
Do not guess about the cause or claim responsibility. Let the evidence and investigation establish what happened.
Keep Conversations Calm and Factual
Arguing with the truck driver will not establish who caused the collision. It could create confusion or lead to statements that are later taken out of context.
Stay calm and exchange the necessary information. If the trucking company’s insurance adjuster requests a recorded statement, consider speaking with a truck accident lawyer before providing one.
Review All Paperwork Before Signing
An insurer may offer a quick settlement before the full effects of your injuries are known.
Accepting the payment could require you to sign a release that ends your right to seek further compensation.
Carefully review any settlement agreement, release, or medical authorization.
Do not sign a document you do not understand. A lawyer can explain how the paperwork may affect your rights.
Remain at the Crash Site Until You Are Cleared to Leave
Stay at the scene until law enforcement says you may leave, unless emergency medical personnel take you to a hospital.
Remaining there allows officers to document the collision and prepare an official report.
It may also give you time to collect driver information, identify witnesses, and photograph the vehicles if you can do so safely.
Why Semi-Truck Accidents Get Handled Differently
A semi-truck accident usually isn’t just a bigger version of a car accident, it’s often a more complicated one, too:
- More than one party can be responsible. The driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, or even a parts manufacturer could all have played a role.
- Trucking companies move fast. Many have a rapid-response team that heads to serious crash scenes to start their own investigation right away. That’s a big reason it helps to document what you can, as early as you can.
- Injuries tend to be more serious. Because of the size and weight difference between a semi-truck and almost anything else on the road, injuries from these crashes are often more severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a truck driver file a claim after a semi-truck accident?
Yes. Being the driver of a semi-truck does not automatically mean you are responsible for an accident. If another driver, trucking company, vehicle defect, unsafe road condition, or another factor contributed to the crash, the injured truck driver may have grounds for a claim.
Why are semi-truck accident cases often complicated?
Truck accident cases can involve multiple parties, including drivers, trucking companies, vehicle owners, manufacturers, and insurance companies. Determining who may be responsible often requires reviewing accident evidence, insurance coverage, trucking regulations, and the circumstances surrounding the collision.
What should a truck accident attorney investigate?
An attorney may review the accident scene, police report, photographs, witness statements, vehicle damage, available records, and other evidence to determine how the crash occurred and whether another party may be liable.
What compensation may an injured truck driver seek?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, an injured truck driver may be able to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Should I speak with an attorney if I believe the truck accident was my fault?
It may still be worthwhile to discuss the accident with an experienced truck accident attorney. Liability is not always clear immediately, and a thorough review of the evidence may reveal that another party contributed to the collision.
How can a truck accident attorney help after a serious crash?
An attorney can investigate the accident, identify potentially responsible parties, communicate with insurance companies, preserve relevant evidence, and explain the legal options available based on the specific circumstances of the case.