Been in a truck accident?
Thousands of people are devastated every year by catastrophic truck accidents. With 5,472 people dying in large-truck crashes in the U.S. in 2023 alone, it’s obvious these hulking machines are a risk to all of us on the road.
The problem is:
Most people have no idea what to do after a truck accident. They panic, make costly mistakes, and lose their legal rights for life.
Without the right steps, you could lose everything.
Fortunately, this truck accident guide is going to show you exactly how to preserve your legal options after a truck accident so you can protect yourself and your family from financial ruin.
What you’ll discover:
- Why Truck Accidents Are More Dangerous Than Car Crashes
- The Critical Steps You Must Take Immediately
- How To Document Everything The Right Way
- Why You Need Legal Help Fast
Why Truck Accidents Are More Dangerous Than Car Crashes
Want to know something scary?
74.9% of truck accidents involving a collision with another vehicle are fatal. When 80,000 pounds of truck hits your 3,000-pound car, the physics are brutal.
Trucks weigh 20-30 times more than a passenger car. They stop slower. They have huge blind spots. And when something goes wrong… well, you can guess.
The most disturbing stat? 82% of victims in fatal truck accidents were not the occupants of the truck.
But here’s something most people don’t realize…
Truck accidents are preventable in most cases. 32% of truck accidents are due to speeding, and driver fatigue and mechanical failure make up most of the remaining cases.
Check For Injuries First
Your safety comes first. Always.
When you’re in a truck accident, your adrenaline will be pumping and you might not feel pain right away. But that doesn’t mean you’re not injured.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you’re able, call 911 immediately even if everyone seems fine. Some injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, and spinal damage don’t have symptoms right away.
Don’t be a hero. Get medical attention even if you don’t think you’re hurt.
Why? Insurance companies love to argue that you weren’t hurt at all if you don’t go to the doctor right away.
Here’s something else to remember:
While you’re tending to medical emergencies, trucking companies are already mobilizing their legal defense teams. That’s why experienced Oregon truck accident lawyers always advise clients to start documenting everything from moment one. Your legal rights are at stake right after the crash.
Move To Safety (If You Can)
If your vehicle is drivable, carefully move your car to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights.
The trick is…
Only move your vehicle if it’s safe to do so. If you’re on a busy highway or your car is badly damaged, stay in your car and wait for help.
Call The Police
I know it seems obvious. But you’d be surprised how many people skip this step for “minor” accidents.
Big mistake.
You need a police report. Period. Even if the truck driver is being super nice and wants to “handle this between us” — don’t do it.
Police reports provide official documentation of what happened. This becomes key evidence later when you’re dealing with insurance companies and lawyers.
When the police arrive, stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about what caused the accident or admit fault. Just tell them exactly what you saw and experienced.
Document Everything
This is where most people screw up…
They don’t collect enough evidence at the scene. But this evidence could be worth thousands of dollars in your case.
Take photos of all vehicles involved, the accident scene, your injuries, the truck’s license plate and DOT number.
Get contact information from witnesses. Witnesses vanish fast after accidents.
Take photos of the truck driver’s commercial license and insurance information. You’ll need this later.
Get Medical Attention & Contact Legal Help
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 24 hours.
Injuries from truck accidents often take days or even weeks to show symptoms. If you don’t go to the doctor soon enough, insurance companies will argue that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.
Here’s the biggest mistake truck accident victims make:
Waiting too long to contact a lawyer.
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators on standby. They’ll be hard at work to protect their interests from day one.
You need someone fighting just as hard for your rights. Experienced legal professionals know the complex regulations governing the trucking industry.
Time matters because evidence disappears fast.
Preserve All Evidence
Evidence in truck accident cases can vanish faster than you think.
Trucking companies might repair or sell the truck involved in your accident. They might delete electronic logging data or driver records.
That’s why you need to act fast.
A good lawyer will send preservation letters to the trucking company, demanding they keep all evidence related to your accident.
This includes the truck’s black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, employment files, and company policies.
Don’t try to do this yourself. Trucking companies know how to make evidence “disappear” while staying technically legal.
Keep Detailed Records
From the moment your accident happens, start keeping detailed records of everything.
Document:
- All medical appointments and treatments
- Time off work and lost wages
- Pain levels and how injuries affect your daily life
- Conversations with insurance companies
- All expenses related to the accident
It sounds tedious, but these records will become the foundation of your case. The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your claim.
Don’t Accept Quick Settlement Offers
Trucking companies often try to settle quickly for a fraction of what your case is worth.
Why? Because they know that once you accept a settlement, you can never come back for more money later — even if your injuries turn out worse than expected.
The average cost of a fatal truck accident is $7.2 million. Non-fatal accidents average $148,279. These companies have deep pockets and insurance coverage.
Don’t let them lowball you.
Know Your Time Limits
Every state has deadlines for filing truck accident lawsuits. Miss the deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever.
That’s why timing matters.
Most states give you between one to three years to file a lawsuit, but there are exceptions. Some claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines.
Don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you start the legal process, the stronger your case will be.
Fighting Back Against Big Trucking
Trucking companies have unlimited resources to fight your claim.
They have teams of lawyers, investigators, and experts working to minimize their liability. They’ll dig into your medical history and do everything possible to avoid paying fair compensation.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t have to face them alone. With the right legal team, you can level the playing field and get the compensation you deserve.
Taking Control Of Your Situation
Truck accidents change lives in an instant. The physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress can feel overwhelming.
But by taking the right steps immediately after your accident, you can protect your legal rights and give yourself the best chance at full recovery.
Don’t let trucking companies take advantage of you during your most vulnerable time. Know your rights, document everything, and get experienced legal help fast.
The actions you take in the first few days after your accident could determine the rest of your life. Make them count.
William Gall is a seasoned attorney specializing in civil litigation and family law. With a legal career spanning over two decades, William has built a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to justice. In addition to practicing law, he is a prolific writer, contributing regularly to various legal blogs where he shares his insights on current legal trends, case law, and best practices. His articles are well-regarded in the legal community for their thorough research and practical advice, making complex legal concepts accessible to both legal professionals and the general public.