Truck crashes are scary. If you are in a crash with a big truck, you might feel scared and not know what to do. It's OK to feel this way, but there are steps you can take to stay safe and protect yourself. This guide will help you know what to do right after a truck crash happens and in the days that follow.
Stop And Stay Safe
The first thing to do after a truck crash is to be safe.
- Stop your car, even if the crash seems small
- Turn on your hazard lights so other cars can see you
- Move to a safe spot away from traffic if you can do so safely
- Take deep breaths to stay calm
Safety is the most important thing. Do not try to drive away from a crash. It is against the law and can make things worse.
Call 911 Right Away
After you make sure you are safe, call 911. This will bring both police and medical help to the crash site.
The police will:
- Make a report about what happened
- Talk to people who saw the crash
- Help keep the area safe
When you call 911, tell them:
- Where the crash happened
- How many people are hurt
- How bad the crash looks
The police report will be very helpful later when you need to show what happened.
Check For Injuries
After a crash, you need to check if anyone is hurt.
Check Yourself First
- Can you move your arms and legs?
- Do you have any cuts or feel pain?
- Are you dizzy or confused?
Check Others
- Check on your passengers
- If safe, check on people in other cars
- Don't move anyone who seems badly hurt – wait for medical help
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as you can. Some injuries don't hurt right away but can get worse later.
Set Up Warning Signs
If you have warning devices in your car like triangles or flares, set them up to warn other drivers. This helps prevent another crash from happening.
Put warning signs:
- Behind your car
- About 100 steps away from the crash
- Where other drivers can see them easily
Gather Information At The Scene
While waiting for help, try to collect facts about the crash. This will help with insurance claims later.
Information To Collect:
- The truck driver's full name and phone number
- The truck driver's license number
- The trucking company name and contact info
- The truck's license plate number
- The truck driver's insurance info
- Names and phone numbers of any people who saw the crash
Don't argue with the truck driver about who caused the crash. Just get the facts and let the police and insurance companies figure out who was at fault.
Take Pictures Of The Crash Scene
Pictures are very helpful to show what happened. If you can do so safely, take photos of:
- All cars and trucks involved in the crash
- Damage to all vehicles
- The whole crash scene from different angles
- Any injuries you or your passengers have
- Road signs and traffic lights nearby
- Weather and road conditions
- Skid marks on the road
- Any cargo that spilled from the truck
These photos will help your lawyer and insurance company understand how the crash happened.
Be Careful What You Say
What you say after a crash matters a lot. There are some things you should not do:
- Don't say "I'm sorry" or "It was my fault"
- Don't post about the crash on social media
- Don't talk about your injuries online
- Don't sign anything without talking to a lawyer first
- Don't agree to a quick cash offer from a truck driver or the truck company
The trucking company's insurance might call you. It's best not to talk to them until you have a lawyer.
Get Medical Help
See a doctor even if you feel OK. Some injuries from crashes don't hurt right away.
When you see a doctor:
- Tell them about the truck crash
- Describe all pain or problems you have
- Follow all their advice
- Keep all your doctor visits
- Save all medical bills and papers
Good medical records will help show how the crash hurt you and how much your care costs.
Report The Crash To Your Insurance Company
Call your car insurance company to tell them about the crash. You should do this within 24 hours if you can.
When you call:
- Stick to the basic facts about what happened
- Don't guess about things you're not sure about
- Ask what info they need from you
- Find out what your policy covers
- Take notes about your talk
Your insurance company will help you start a claim for your car damage and medical bills.
Get Your Car Checked
Before you fix your car, you need to know how bad the damage is.
- Have a trusted car shop look at your car
- Get a written list of all damages
- Take pictures of the damage
- Keep all bills for car repairs
- If your car was towed, keep the tow bill
Truck crashes often cause more damage than you can see. Make sure the shop checks your car fully.
Talk To A Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck crash cases can be hard. The trucking company will have lawyers to protect them. You need someone to help you too.
A good truck accident lawyer will:
- Know the special rules for trucks
- Help you deal with insurance companies
- Find out who is really at fault for the crash
- Work to get you money for medical bills, lost pay, and pain
- Handle paperwork and deadlines for you
Many truck accident lawyers give free first meetings and only get paid if they win money for you.
Keep A Crash Journal
After the crash, start writing down what happens each day.
In your journal, write about:
- How you feel each day
- Any pain or problems from your injuries
- Doctor visits and treatments
- Days you miss work
- How the crash affects your daily life
- Costs related to the crash
This journal will help show how the crash has changed your life.
Know The Time Limits
You don't have forever to take action after a truck crash. In most states, you have between 1-3 years to file a legal claim. This time limit is called the "statute of limitations."
Don't wait too long to talk to a lawyer. The sooner you get help, the easier it is to:
- Find witnesses
- Gather evidence
- Get the truck's records
- Build a strong case
Your lawyer can tell you the exact time limits that apply to your case.
Final Thoughts
Being in a truck crash is scary and stressful. By following these steps, you can protect yourself and your rights. Remember that your health comes first, and then make sure to gather information, see doctors, and get legal help if needed.
Truck crashes are different from regular car crashes because trucks are so big and the laws about them are special. Having a plan for what to do after a truck crash can make a hard time a little easier.
At CO Trial Lawyers, we understand how hard this time is for you. We help people in Denver and across Colorado who have been hurt in truck crashes. Call us at (303) 390-0799 for a free talk about your truck crash case. We're here to help you through this tough time.