What to Do Immediately After a Commercial Truck Accident to Protect Your Claim

Category: Truck Accidents

Article by Tuley Law staff

If you’ve been involved in a serious semi-truck crash, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your legal rights. Our Indiana truck accident attorneys want you to have the best possible chance to collect payment for your injuries—whether you choose us to represent you or not. That’s why we’ve compiled this easy checklist of what to do immediately after the accident and in the weeks following the crash.

Post-Truck Crash Actions to Protect Your Indiana Truck Accident Claim

It’s hard to think straight after you’ve collided with a semi-truck. You may be seriously injured, in shock, or have trouble thinking straight. If you can move, try to stay calm and take the following steps:

Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

• Call 911 immediately to report the crash.
• Ensure everyone involved is safe and gets medical attention, even if injuries initially seem minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Call Law Enforcement

• Request a copy of the police report. Law enforcement officers will document the scene, identify contributing factors, and potentially determine fault, which will be key for your claim.
• Make sure to get the officer’s name and badge number for follow-up.

Document the Scene Thoroughly

• If it’s safe to do so, take photographs of the crash site, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Record the truck’s license plate, VIN, company information, and driver’s details.
• If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.

Get the Truck Driver’s Information

• Get the truck driver’s full name, address, phone number, insurance information, and commercial driver’s license number.
• Record the trucking company’s name, address, phone number, and insurance details.

Contact an Experienced Truck Crash Lawyer to Preserve Evidence

As soon as possible, reach out to a lawyer who has experience in semi-truck accidents. Your lawyer can request trucking company records and other evidence before it is deleted or altered.

Your attorney can also help preserve crucial evidence, such as:

• Truck maintenance records. These records can show if the truck was properly maintained or had mechanical failures that contributed to the crash.
• Black box data. Many semi-trucks are equipped with event data recorders (EDRs) or “black boxes” that capture information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and engine data.
• Driver’s log books. Logs can indicate whether the driver was following legal hours of service regulations or driving while fatigued.
• Electronic logging device (ELD) data. Modern trucks have ELDs that record speed, braking patterns, and driving hours in lieu of paper logbooks. These devices are key to building truck accident cases, as they provide objective data on a truck driver’s behavior.

Follow-Up Steps to Take While Your Truck Accident Case Is Pending

A few days after the truck crash, it’s important to focus on your medical treatment and the progress of your claim. Your attorney will advise you on legal matters, but there are a few things you can do to help your claim succeed:

Notify Your Insurance Company

• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide only the facts without speculating about fault.
• Do not sign anything from the trucking company or their insurers without consulting your attorney first.

Avoid Social Media and Public Statements

• Avoid posting about the accident on social media or publicly discussing details of the crash. Insurance companies and defense lawyers may use this information.

Monitor Your Medical Condition

• Keep track of all medical treatments and follow-up appointments. Document your symptoms, diagnosis, and any ongoing issues related to the accident.

Preserve Any Damaged Property

• Keep any damaged property (such as personal items in the car) for evidence. For insurance purposes, do not discard or repair the vehicle until it has been properly inspected.

Track Your Expenses

• Keep a log of any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in the accident, including medical bills, vehicle repairs, transportation costs, and lost wages.

An Experienced Truck Crash Lawyer Is Crucial

Truck accidents often involve complicated factors, including Indiana state trucking laws, federal regulations, commercial carrier policies, and advanced vehicle technology. Our experienced truck crash lawyers can help you navigate these complexities, secure necessary evidence, and protect your rights throughout the legal process.

If you need truck accident legal help, contact Tuley Law Office today with our online contact form to begin your free initial consultation.

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