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An 18-wheeler accident can change your life in seconds. Between serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and calls from insurance companies, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. What many people do not realize is that trucking companies often begin investigating a crash immediately, sometimes before injured victims have even left the scene.
Knowing what steps to take after a truck accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your first priority should always be your safety and well-being. Even if you feel fine after the collision, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and spinal damage can take hours or even days to become apparent.
Seeking prompt medical treatment creates a record of your injuries and helps establish a connection between the crash and your medical condition. Following your doctor's recommendations and attending follow-up appointments is equally important.
Report the Accident and Gather Evidence
Call 911 and report the accident as soon as possible. A police report can provide valuable documentation of what occurred and may later become important evidence.
If you are physically able, gather information at the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and visible injuries. Be sure to document the truck's company name, license plate, and U.S. DOT number if possible.
You should also collect contact information from witnesses. Independent witnesses can provide critical testimony if liability becomes disputed.
Understand Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accident claims. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, resulting in catastrophic injuries in collisions.
In addition, multiple parties may be responsible for the crash, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A freight broker
- A cargo loading company
- A maintenance provider
Each party may have separate insurance coverage and legal representation. Identifying all potentially liable parties is an important part of building a strong claim.
Preserve Important Evidence
Evidence in truck accident cases can disappear quickly. Commercial trucks often contain electronic data that may provide valuable information about events leading up to the collision.
This evidence can include electronic logging device records, black box data, maintenance records, inspection reports, and communications between the driver and trucking company.
Because some records may only be retained for a limited time, acting quickly is essential. Preserving evidence early can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
After an 18-wheeler accident, you may receive calls from insurance adjusters within days or even hours of the collision. While these conversations may seem routine, insurance companies are often focused on limiting their financial exposure.
Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers before fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages. Early settlements rarely account for future medical treatment, lost earning capacity, or the long-term effects of serious injuries.
Know Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law
Pennsylvania law contains several rules that can impact truck accident claims. Issues such as comparative negligence, insurance coverage, and filing deadlines can affect your ability to recover compensation.
Although Pennsylvania generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, waiting too long can make it more difficult to secure evidence and locate witnesses. The sooner an investigation begins, the better positioned you may be to protect your claim.
Taking the Right Steps After a Truck Accident
The hours and days following an 18-wheeler accident can have a lasting impact on your recovery and your legal case. Seeking medical care, preserving evidence, documenting the scene, and avoiding premature discussions with insurance companies can help protect your interests.
Truck accident cases are often complex and involve powerful trucking companies and insurers. If you have questions about your rights after a serious collision, van der Veen, Hartshorn & Levin can help you understand your options and determine the best path forward for your situation.
