What Should I do After a Truck Accident?

Truck-involved accidents can be especially devastating. A few steps to take after being involved in a truck accident include:

• Exchange contact information and take pictures – if you are able to, post-accident, exchange names, telephone numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. If you have a camera or cellular phone, take pictures of the accident scene from various viewpoints as this may serve you later if a lawsuit is filed. It is also important to collect contact information for any on-scene witnesses to the incident.
• Seek medical treatment for injuries – Even if you feel as if “nothing is wrong”, seek medical intervention. Sometimes injuries present themselves later on. It is best to be proactive and have credentialed medical personnel perform a comprehensive examination to determine the extent of injuries or any medical needs attributed to the accident.
• Request a copy of the police report – The police report should be available to you approximately 10 days after the accident. Make sure to request a copy as it typically includes the interpretation, from both drivers’ perspectives, of how the crash happened.
• Do not apologize for the accident – Do not say anything to the other driver or anyone on the scene that can later be interpreted as an admission of guilt. If a lawsuit is pursued, this could easily be used against you.
• Avoid speaking with anyone from the opposing insurance company – Especially on scene, insurance investigators may ask you questions in such a way that your answers can make you appear to be at fault. Immediately following an accident, you have not had an opportunity to decompress and process what happened. It is not advisable to speak with any insurance representative regarding the event.