What to do After a Truck Accident

What to do After a Truck Accident

What you do (or don’t do) in the days after a truck accident matters to both your health and your legal case. There are things that you should and should not do after you have suffered an injury in a commercial vehicle crash. The most important thing to do is focus on your health. Medical treatment both furthers the chances that you may make the fullest possible recovery from injuries, and it preserves your right to obtain full compensation for your injuries.  Treating promptly following a crash shows the insurance company you have immediate injuries and also preserves your PIP benefits since you must treat within 14 days following a motor vehicle crash in order to preserve your PIP benefits.  

Alongside your medical situation, you must also contact a truck accident lawyer to work on your legal case. You may be entitled to a substantial amount of compensation, but you must first deal with the difficult legal process. Time is of the essence when it comes to contacting a truck accident lawyer because you can lose access to valuable evidence that is a must for proving your case. Further, hiring a Coral Springs truck accident attorney immediately can give you more peace of mind when you are going through a difficult time. It does not cost you anything to speak to a truck accident lawyer, and you never pay anything unless you win your case.

Speak to a truck accident attorney at Cindy Goldstein Law to learn more about your legal rights and to begin the process of seeking a settlement or jury award. You can speak to a truck accident lawyer by calling us today at (954) 346-5420.

Key Takeaways About Truck Accidents

• Even though you may have suffered an injury in a truck accident, there are things that you must do, both for your health and legal situation.
• You should never delay getting the medical care that you need because it can harm both your health and your ability to obtain full compensation for your injuries.
• You must speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as you can, so they can begin their own efforts to fight for your compensation.
• While you should speak with a truck accident attorney, you should not talk to the insurance company as you may say something that can harm your case. 
• Schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer, so you can begin work on the legal process.

Get Medical Treatment for Your Injuries Immediately

Getting immediate medical care after a truck accident is one of the most important steps you can take to protect both your health and your legal rights. Truck collisions often involve tremendous force, leading to serious injuries that may not be immediately visible, such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or traumatic brain injuries. Even if you feel fine right after the crash, adrenaline and shock can mask pain and symptoms for hours or even days. A prompt medical evaluation ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated before they worsen.

From a legal standpoint, seeking immediate medical attention also strengthens your personal injury claim. Medical records serve as critical evidence linking your injuries directly to the accident. Insurance companies often use delays in treatment as an excuse to argue that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the crash, potentially reducing or denying your compensation. Lastly, a truck accident victim must seek medical care within 14 days following the crash or the claimant forfeits his/her PIP benefits where there is potentially up to $10,000.00 afforded to pay for the claimant’s medical care. 

Additionally, early treatment helps establish a clear timeline of events and demonstrates instant pain and that you took your injuries seriously. This credibility can make a significant difference when negotiating a settlement or presenting your case in court. In short, getting medical care right away protects your health, preserves vital evidence, and helps ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.  In sum, a delay in seeking medical care can dramatically and adversely affect the value of your personal injury claim.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately

Hiring a truck accident attorney immediately after a crash can be critical to protecting your rights, health, and financial recovery. Truck accidents often involve complex factors, including commercial trucking regulations, multiple parties such as the driver, trucking company, and insurance providers, and severe injuries that may have long-term consequences. An experienced attorney can guide you through these complexities from the very beginning.

One of the main reasons to contact an attorney right away is to preserve evidence. After a crash, crucial information such as truck inspection reports, driver logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements can disappear or be altered. Your lawyer can take immediate steps to secure this evidence, ensuring it is available to support your claim.

Another key reason is dealing with insurance companies. Trucking companies and their insurers often attempt to minimize liability by offering quick settlements, shifting blame, or pressuring victims to make statements that can hurt their case. An attorney communicates with insurers on your behalf, preventing you from unknowingly undermining your claim.

Early legal representation also helps document your injuries and losses accurately. Your lawyer can coordinate with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and other specialists to assess damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs.

Finally, having a truck accident attorney from the outset provides peace of mind. You gain an advocate who handles paperwork, deadlines, and legal strategy, allowing you to focus on recovery. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in maximizing your compensation and ensuring your rights are fully protected.

Preserve All Evidence Relating to Your Case

Preserving evidence after a truck accident is key for protecting your legal rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation. Truck accidents are often complex, involving commercial vehicles, multiple parties, and severe damages. Evidence gathered immediately after the crash can make or break a personal injury or property damage claim.

The first step in preserving evidence is documenting the scene. Take clear photos and videos of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual documentation provides an objective record of the accident and can be used to counter insurance adjusters who attempt to minimize liability. However, it may be difficult to document the truck accident because you were being treated for injuries at the scene, making it even more important that you contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Next, gather witness information. Eyewitness accounts can corroborate your version of events, clarify fault, and provide details that may not be captured in official reports. Collect names, phone numbers, and written statements whenever possible.

Medical records are another critical form of evidence. Seek immediate medical care and keep detailed records of all treatments, diagnoses, and recommendations. This documentation establishes a direct link between the accident and your injuries, which is vital for insurance claims or lawsuits.

Additionally, your attorney can demand the preservation of records related to the truck and driver. This includes driver logs, inspection reports, maintenance records, and any communications with the trucking company. These documents can reveal negligence or violations of federal and state trucking regulations.

Finally, avoid discussing the accident publicly or on social media, as statements can be misinterpreted or used against you, even if your social media is “private.” Working with an experienced truck accident attorney ensures that all evidence is properly preserved, collected, and presented. Acting quickly to secure documentation strengthens your case and increases your chances of obtaining the full compensation you deserve.

Do Not Speak to the Insurance Company

Equally as important as what you should do after a truck accident is what you should not do. After a truck accident, it is essential to avoid speaking directly with the insurance company until you have legal representation. While it may seem harmless to answer questions or provide a statement, insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and protect the interests of the company they represent and not yours. Even seemingly innocent comments can be misinterpreted, recorded, and used against you to reduce or deny your claim.

Insurance representatives often contact accident victims quickly, offering sympathy and a “quick settlement” to resolve the claim before the full extent of your injuries and losses is known. They may ask you to describe the accident, explain your injuries, or admit fault. Anything you say can be used to argue that your injuries are minor or that you were partially responsible, which could significantly lower your compensation.

Instead of speaking with insurers, direct all communication to your truck accident attorney. Your lawyer knows how to handle these interactions, provide the necessary information, and protect your rights. They can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that the insurance company cannot take advantage of your statements or lack of knowledge.

Focusing on your recovery and letting your attorney manage the claim is the safest approach. By refusing to speak directly with insurance adjusters, you preserve your legal options, avoid unnecessary pitfalls, and strengthen your case for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and long-term injuries.

Be As Patient as Possible

Patience is one of the most important factors in securing the maximum compensation for your truck accident injuries. After a serious crash, it is natural to want to resolve your claim quickly, especially if you are facing mounting medical bills and lost income. However, rushing into a settlement can result in accepting far less than your case is truly worth. Insurance companies often make early, lowball offers before the full extent of your injuries and long-term needs are clear.

Being patient allows time for your doctors to fully assess your condition and provide a long-term prognosis. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, may require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation. Settling too soon can leave you without the funds to cover future care.

Patience also gives your attorney time to gather strong evidence, consult experts, and negotiate effectively with the insurance company. Building a solid case increases your leverage and can lead to a much higher settlement or trial award.

Hire a Trusted Truck Accident Lawyer Today

While the process may take months or even longer, allowing your attorney to guide you through the legal process will put you in the best position to obtain top compensation for your injuries. In the end, patience protects both your financial recovery and your future well-being.

Hiring a Coral Springs personal injury lawyer can help you maintain your patience. Speak to a truck accident attorney at Cindy Goldstein Law by calling us today at (954) 346-5420.

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Accidents