What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

Being involved in any traffic accident can be frightening, but a collision involving a large commercial truck can be devastating. Truck accidents frequently result in serious injuries, leaving victims overwhelmed and in pain.

If you were involved in a Virginia truck accident caused by a truck driver, you may be wondering where to turn for help. There are several steps you can take after a tractor-trailer crash to protect your legal rights.

Below, the truck accident attorneys of the law firm of Lichtenstein Law Group PLC review the steps you should take after a truck accident in Virginia. One important step is to have a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer review the details of the accident and discuss whether you have a valid personal injury claim. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options in a free initial consultation.

Make Sure Everyone Is Okay

Under § 46.2-894 of the Virginia Legal Code, you are required to stop and offer reasonable assistance to anyone injured in an accident. Failing to do so would be considered a hit-and-run and could land you in serious legal trouble.

If an accident occurs, stop your vehicle and pull over to a safe location away from the flow of moving traffic. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and then check the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident, if you are physically capable. Call 911 immediately if you or anyone else needs emergency medical care.

Report the Truck Crash

Report the truck accident to law enforcement. In most cases, police officers will be dispatched to the scene of the truck crash. The police can help secure the area and summon emergency services.

After law enforcement officers have attended to the immediate concerns, they will typically begin an investigation of the accident so they can write an accident report. In the report, the officer will include details of the accident, any traffic violations observed, and their opinions regarding who was at fault. Before you leave the accident scene, be sure to ask the police for a copy of the report.

Don’t let a truck driver talk you out of calling the police.

Identify the Parties Involved and Exchange Information

To file an insurance claim after a truck accident, you must be able to identify the parties who are liable for the accident. You’ll want to obtain the contact information of the truck driver and the name of the trucking company along with their insurance company providers. If any other motorists were involved in the accident, be sure to get their names, too.

Although some drivers are owner-operators, many work for trucking companies that may bear some responsibility for the wreck. Finally, it’s a good idea to identify any companies working with the trucking company to ship their cargo.

There are some specific pieces of information you should obtain from the trucker and any other drivers involved, including:

• Each driver’s home address, phone number, and email address
• Insurance company names, policy numbers, and contact details
• License numbers
• Truck make, model, license plate, and other identifying information

The police report should also contain this information.

Document the Truck Accident

Write down everything you can remember about the accident as soon as possible, while the details are still fresh in your mind. This includes the speed and angle of the crash, where the collision occurred, and any factors that contributed to the wreck.

Take photographs of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage, visible injuries, and any skid marks or debris on the road. Save physical evidence, as well, such as the clothes you were wearing when the accident occurred.

If any eyewitnesses are available at the scene, talk to them. Politely ask them for statements about the accident, and request their names and contact details in case you need to follow up with them later.

Seek Medical Attention Promptly

If you did not go to the hospital by ambulance from the scene of the truck accident, you should seek a prompt medical evaluation as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel as though you are seriously injured, a thorough examination at your doctor’s office can establish a formal record of your injuries.

In addition to diagnosing your injuries, your doctor will be able to provide the medical care treatment you need and develop a long-term care plan, if necessary. Be sure to follow your doctor’s prescribed care plan and attend all follow-up appointments. This will help demonstrate to any interested parties that you are taking your health seriously.

Record of Effects of Injuries

Start keeping daily notes of the effects of your injuries on your daily life and the pain and limitations you experience as a result of your accident-related injuries. It is easy to forget these details if you don’t jot them down.

This kind of record, written as you recover from your injuries, can provide helpful evidence to support your claim for compensation for pain and suffering related to the tractor-trailer accident.

Hang On to Proof of Your Financial Losses

An important part of claiming compensation after a truck accident is providing evidence of the financial losses you have incurred. For most crash victims, the majority of these losses come from medical expenses. Maintaining a complete record of your medical bills is important.

You’ll want to hang on to evidence of any vehicle-related losses, such as auto repair bills or proof of damages extensive enough to qualify as a total loss. Your pay stubs and employment records can prove the value of your lost wages. It’s also smart to keep receipts from accident-related incidental expenses such as mileage to physical therapy appointments.

Watch What You Say to Others

Be careful about what you say to others before your truck accident claim is resolved. If you must speak with any insurance adjusters, do not apologize or admit fault, and refuse to provide any recorded or written statements about the crash. It’s best to simply refer the insurance company to your lawyer.

Be mindful of what you share on social media while your claim is pending, too. Do not post any information about the crash or your claim. Avoid sharing photos of yourself. Decline any social media friend or follower requests from unfamiliar or suspicious accounts.

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

The attorneys at Lichtenstein Law Group PLC have the resources and experience to handle complex truck accident cases. We can evaluate the details of the accident and help you understand your legal options to pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact our experienced Virginia attorneys today to learn more about how we can support your recovery in a free initial case review