Truck accidents can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and long-lasting emotional trauma. In Pennsylvania, where busy highways and truck routes intersect, truck accidents are unfortunately common. When a truck accident occurs, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your health, safety, and legal rights. The steps you take in the moments following an accident can significantly impact the outcome of any claims or lawsuits that may follow.

Here’s a guide on what to do immediately after a truck accident in Pennsylvania to ensure that you’re protected.

1. Prioritize Safety and Get Medical Help

After a truck accident, your immediate concern should be safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and, if possible, move to a safe area away from traffic, especially on busy roads or highways where there’s a risk of additional accidents.

If anyone is injured, including yourself, dial 911 without delay. Even if the injuries seem minor at first, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, as some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Contacting emergency services ensures that law enforcement and medical personnel can assess the situation, provide necessary treatment, and document any injuries that could be significant for potential legal proceedings later on.

2. Contact the Authorities

Pennsylvania law requires that accidents involving injury or significant property damage be reported to the police. After calling 911, wait for the police to arrive and file a report. The report is essential as it will document critical details about the accident, such as the time, location, involved parties, and potential causes.

When the police arrive, provide them with accurate information but avoid admitting fault. Anything you say at the scene can be used against you later, so it’s important to stay calm and stick to the facts. Request a copy of the police report when available, as it may be used later in your personal injury claim.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able to do so, take the time to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene of the accident. Evidence will be key in proving liability if you need to file a claim or lawsuit. Here’s what you should try to collect:

• Photographs: Take clear, detailed photos of the scene, including damage to vehicles, truck parts (such as the tires or cargo), road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Photographs can serve as valuable evidence to support your claim.
• Witnesses: Speak to anyone who witnessed the accident. Get their names, phone numbers, and a brief statement about what they saw. Witness testimony can be crucial in establishing liability, especially if there are conflicting reports from the parties involved.
• Truck Information: If possible, note down the truck’s license plate number, the trucking company’s name, the truck driver’s name, and any identifying information. This could help track down the responsible party for your claim.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Document weather conditions, road conditions, and any other factors that may have contributed to the accident. These details may be relevant when proving fault in your case.

4. Avoid Making Statements About Fault

It’s easy to be emotionally charged after a truck accident, but avoid making statements about fault, even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident. This includes apologizing or admitting any part of the blame to the truck driver or other parties. While it may seem like the right thing to do in the moment, such statements can be used to weaken your case later on.

The trucking company’s insurance adjusters and their attorneys will look for any opportunity to shift blame or reduce their liability. Stay focused on documenting the facts and let your attorney handle the negotiations and legal details.

5. Report the Incident to Your Insurance Provider

After ensuring safety and addressing any immediate concerns, it’s crucial to inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Since Pennsylvania operates under a no-fault insurance system, your own insurance will typically cover your medical expenses and some damages, regardless of who caused the crash.

However, in cases involving truck accidents with severe injuries or extensive property damage, it’s likely you’ll need to seek additional compensation beyond your own policy. While it’s important to notify your insurance company, it’s wise to consult with an attorney before providing detailed information to them. Insurance companies often act in their own best interest, and anything you say could potentially be used to reduce or deny your claim.

6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

Truck accident cases are often far more complex than typical car accidents. With the involvement of commercial vehicles, trucking companies, and multiple insurance parties, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. A skilled personal injury lawyer with experience in truck accidents can help protect your rights and ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the parties responsible for the accident.

An attorney can investigate the accident, collect additional evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and even pursue legal action if necessary. The trucking industry is heavily regulated, and a lawyer can help you determine whether any trucking regulations were violated, which could strengthen your case.

7. Keep Detailed Records

After the accident, it’s important to maintain detailed records of everything related to the incident. This includes:

• Medical records: Keep track of all medical treatments, doctor visits, and any ongoing health issues resulting from the accident. Detailed medical records are essential for showing the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with your treatment.
• Repair estimates: If your vehicle was damaged, keep copies of any repair estimates or receipts. If you needed to rent a car while your vehicle was being repaired, keep those receipts as well.
• Correspondence: Save any letters, emails, or phone records related to your case. This includes communication with your insurance company, the trucking company, and any witnesses or experts involved.

8. Avoid Signing Anything Without Legal Advice

In the aftermath of a truck accident, you may be contacted by insurance companies, including the truck driver’s insurer, who may offer a settlement. Be cautious about signing any agreements or accepting early settlement offers before consulting with an attorney.

Insurance companies often offer low settlements to quickly close cases, but this amount may not fully cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. An experienced lawyer will ensure you understand your options and help you pursue a fair and adequate settlement.

Conclusion

A truck accident can be a life-altering event, and the steps you take in the aftermath are crucial to ensuring your recovery and protecting your legal rights. From seeking medical attention and documenting the accident to contacting an attorney and keeping track of your expenses, each action can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help guide you through the legal process. At Kingbird Legal, we have a team of dedicated attorneys ready to help you navigate the complexities of a truck accident claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.