8 Essential Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

The massive size and weight of commercial trucks make them dangerous companions on Phoenix roads. Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries, tremendous emotional distress, and overwhelming financial losses. Fortunately, Arizona law allows injured people to seek compensation for injuries sustained in truck wrecks when another party is at fault.

Knowing what to do after a truck accident is crucial to protect your rights and future personal injury claims you wish to file. The following tips from Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer can put you in the best position to make a strong case demanding maximum compensation for your losses. For personalized legal advice, contact us today for a free consultation with a truck accident injury lawyer in Phoenix.

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Step 1: Ensure Safety and Call for Emergency Assistance

Once you’re out of harm’s way, call 911. The police will secure the accident scene, direct traffic if necessary, and compile a detailed accident report. This report will become a crucial piece of evidence This report will become a crucial piece of evidence for your truck accident claim. Even if the truck crash seems minor, having law enforcement on-site to document the incident is essential. Emergency medical responders can also assess injuries, providing an additional layer of documentation that connects your injuries directly to the collision.

Step 2: Gather Information and Document the Scene

Gather as much information as possible while waiting for emergency services to arrive. The details you collect now could be vital in establishing liability and supporting your personal injury claim Take photos and videos of the entire scene from multiple angles. Focus on capturing:

• The truck’s position
• All vehicle damage
• Any skid marks
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs
• Any visible injuries

Exchange information with the truck driver. Get the trucker’s name, contact information, insurance details, and, if possible, information about their employer. Additionally, document anything unusual you notice, such as open containers of alcohol in the truck’s cab or hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the accident. Each detail you record now will strengthen your ability to make a solid insurance claim later.

If there are witnesses, approach them and ask for their contact information. Witnesses can offer independent accounts validating your version of events, which can be critical if the insurance company raises disputes over who is at fault.

Step 3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you feel unharmed after a tractor-trailer accident, seeking medical attention is a step you can’t afford to skip. Truck accident injuries can be severe Truck accident injuries can be severe, and symptoms don’t always emerge immediately. For example, conditions like internal bleeding or brain injuries can be deadly if untreated, but victims may have no visible signs of trauma right after a crash. Getting prompt medical attention ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed early, potentially preventing life-threatening complications.

Keep detailed records of your doctor visits, prescribed treatments, and any diagnoses related to the trucking accident. Not only do these records confirm the existence and extent of your injuries, but they also link those injuries directly to the crash. This documentation is crucial for semi-truck accident claims. Without proof of injury, you don’t have a case.

Additionally, follow all medical advice and attend every doctor’s appointment and therapy session. Insurance companies scrutinize medical records thoroughly, particularly in truck accident cases, which tend to be high-dollar claims. Missing treatments could weaken your case, making it look like your injuries weren’t as severe as initially claimed.

Step 4: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Once you have received medical attention, it’s time to report the tractor-trailer accident to your auto insurance company. Many insurance policies require timely reporting, so check your policy for its notification deadline.

Ideally, you should consult an experienced truck accident attorney before contacting the insurer. But if you don’t have time to speak with a lawyer before informing the insurance company of the crash, be cautious about what you say. Stick to the basic facts of the accident. Don’t speculate about fault or describe your injuries in detail. Decline to provide a recorded statement or sign any release forms until you speak with an attorney. The insurance adjusters could use anything you say to minimize your compensation.

Your insurance provider will open a claim file and guide you through their process. Be wary — even your own insurer may try to deny your claim or make a lowball settlement offer. Settling early, especially in commercial truck accident cases, could leave you with much less money than you deserve. Before making any final decisions or signing documents, talk with an attorney who can provide personalized guidance based on the specifics of your accident.

Step 5: Consult with a Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are legally complex, often involving multiple parties beyond just the driver, such as the trucking company, vehicle maintenance providers, and manufacturers. Consulting a personal injury lawyer with experience handling truck accident claims in Phoenix can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.

A Phoenix truck accident lawyer can:

• Review your case
• Place a value on your losses
• Identify all liable parties
• Protect you from insurance company tactics aimed at reducing your claim
• Represent you during settlement negotiations
• File a truck accident lawsuit and take your case to trial (if necessary)

Furthermore, a truck accident lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of managing the claims process. By having an attorney on your side, you can feel confident that you are pursuing full and fair compensation rather than settling for less.

Step 6: Deal with Trucking Companies and Insurance Adjusters

After a truck accident, it’s common to receive calls from the trucking company’s insurance adjusters or legal representatives. These individuals are trained to minimize their policyholder’s liability and may attempt to persuade you to accept a quick settlement. While it might be tempting to settle quickly, resist the urge and consult a truck accident lawyer about the fairness of the settlement offer.

Trucking companies and their insurers have teams dedicated to protecting their bottom line. Even if the adjusters seem friendly, their primary responsibility is to their employer, not you. Allow your lawyer to handle these interactions so you aren’t taken advantage of and stand the best chance of recovering full compensation for your injuries.

Step 7: Keep Track of Medical Bills and Other Expenses

Accidents involving large trucks often result in substantial financial losses stemming from medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation, lost income, and property damage. Start a file specifically for your accident-related expenses, where you can store every bill and receipt. Include medical bills and any costs related to travel for treatment, home modifications, or lost wages if you’re unable to work.

A well-organized record of expenses provides clear evidence of the financial impact the accident has had on your life, which can be essential for calculating the total compensation you’re owed. If your case goes to court, these records can support your claim, demonstrating the actual costs of your recovery. Proper documentation also helps your truck accident lawyer place an accurate value on your case and pursue every avenue of compensation.

Step 8: Follow Your Medical Plan and Track Your Recovery

Following your doctor’s advice and keeping up with prescribed treatments are essential steps for your health and your truck accident claim. If you skip treatments or fail to follow medical orders, it could be used against you by insurance companies or defense attorneys, who may argue that you didn’t take your injuries seriously or made your condition worse.

Consider keeping a recovery journal where you document your daily pain levels, physical limitations, and emotional state. This can serve as a powerful tool for demonstrating the long-term impact of the truck accident on your life and can help your lawyer calculate non-economic losses like pain and suffering.