What to Do After a Truck Accident

The Short Answer:

After a truck accident, your top priorities are safety, medical care, documentation, and legal protection. Move to a safe location, call 911, get checked by a doctor, even if you feel fine, gather evidence and witness info, and consult a trucking accident lawyer in Boston before speaking to insurance companies.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Move to a Safe Location and Turn on Hazard Lights

Your priority after a truck accident should be safety. If your vehicle is drivable and you’re physically able, carefully steer it to a safe area away from oncoming traffic, such as the shoulder of the road, a parking lot, or a nearby side street. Staying in an active lane puts you and your passengers at risk of further injury from other vehicles that may not see the accident in time to react.

Once you’re in a safer location, immediately turn on your hazard lights. These flashing lights help warn other drivers of the accident and reduce the chance of additional collisions. If it’s dark or visibility is poor due to weather conditions, consider using flares or reflective triangles if you have them. Taking these steps can protect everyone involved until emergency responders arrive.

2. Call 911 and Report the Accident

After making sure everyone is safe and the vehicle is out of the way of traffic, call 911 right away. In Massachusetts, reporting the accident is legally required if there has been any injury, death, or significant property damage. But even if it doesn’t seem serious, calling the police ensures there’s a formal record.

When officers arrive, they will document the scene, gather statements from those involved, and prepare an official police report. This report can be a crucial piece of evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later. Be sure to request a copy for your records or ask how and when you’ll be able to obtain it.

3. Seek Medical Attention, Even If You Feel Fine

Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, especially after a traumatic event like a truck accident. Even if you feel okay, it’s wise to get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Conditions like whiplash, internal bleeding, concussions, or soft tissue damage can develop over time and worsen without treatment.

A prompt medical exam protects your health and creates a record that links your injuries to the accident. This documentation may be essential if you need to prove that your injuries were caused by the crash. Whether you’re evaluated at the scene by paramedics, go to the emergency room, or schedule an appointment with your doctor, don’t delay. 

4. Document the Crash Scene Thoroughly

After ensuring everyone is safe and emergency services are on the way, it’s important to document the scene of the truck accident thoroughly. This documentation can help with insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Use your phone or camera to gather the following:

Photos

• Multiple angles of each vehicle’s position
• Close-ups of visible damage to all vehicles
• License plates of all vehicles involved
• Broken glass, skid marks, and debris
• Wide shots of the overall crash scene
• Weather conditions (rain, snow, fog, etc.)
• Road surface condition (wet, icy, damaged)
• Nearby traffic signs and signals
• Streetlights, stop signs, and visibility issues
• Construction zones or road work in the area

Videos (with audio if possible)

• Short walkthroughs showing the layout of the scene
• Commentary on what happened while it’s fresh in your memory

The more visual evidence you collect, the stronger your position will be when dealing with insurance adjusters.

5. Gather Contact Information

Take the time to exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and anyone else involved. Be sure to collect the following:

Information to Collect

• Full name
• Phone number
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance provider
• Insurance policy number
• If the driver was operating a commercial vehicle:
  • Name of the trucking company
  • Employer’s contact information

It’s equally important to speak with any witnesses who may have seen the crash. Bystanders can offer independent accounts that help clarify what happened, especially if fault is disputed later. Politely ask for their names and contact details in case they’re needed for an insurance claim or legal case.

Witness Information

• Name
• Contact details (phone and/or email)

Gathering accurate information at the scene ensures you’re better prepared if questions arise in the days or weeks following the accident.

6. Avoid Admitting Fault

Instead, stay calm and focus on ensuring everyone’s safety. When speaking with the truck driver, witnesses, or responding officers, stick strictly to the facts. Avoid guessing what caused the crash or placing blame on yourself or anyone else. If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to say so. The investigation and any legal analysis will determine liability based on evidence. Keeping your statements neutral helps protect your legal rights moving forward.

7. Notify Your Insurance Company

Timely reporting helps ensure your claim is not delayed or denied based on timing. When speaking with your insurer, provide accurate details about the date, time, location, and general facts of the crash.

However, be careful with how much you say. You should be truthful, but avoid speculating about fault or giving recorded statements without first speaking to a lawyer, especially in cases involving large commercial vehicles where liability can be complex. Insurers may use your words to minimize or deny your claim, so it’s best to keep your responses brief and factual until you’ve received legal guidance.

8. Understand the Legal Landscape

Truck accident cases are often more complicated than typical car crashes because they can involve several responsible parties. Depending on the circumstances, liability might rest with the truck driver, the trucking company, the company responsible for loading the cargo, a maintenance provider, or even the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part. Each of these parties may carry separate insurance policies and legal representation.

In addition to the complexity of multiple parties, truck accidents are also governed by both state and federal laws. Regulations from agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) set standards for driver hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo handling, and more. An experienced attorney can help navigate this legal maze and ensure no liable party is overlooked.

At Jim Glaser Law, we know how overwhelming life can feel after a truck accident, and we’re here to help. These cases often involve multiple parties, federal regulations, and large insurance companies that don’t have your best interests at heart. That’s why it’s so important to have legal representation that knows how to fight back.

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9. Preserve All Evidence and Follow Medical Advice

The moments and days after a truck accident are the most important for building a strong claim. Be diligent about saving all evidence related to the crash. This includes photos of the scene, your vehicle’s damage, medical records, hospital bills, prescriptions, repair estimates, and any written or digital communication with insurance companies, witnesses, or healthcare providers. Keep everything organized in a folder, physical or digital, so nothing gets lost.

Equally important is following your doctor’s treatment plan to the letter. Attend all follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow through with any recommended therapy or recovery steps. Gaps in treatment or failure to comply with medical advice can be used by insurers to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or were caused by something else. Consistent documentation and care not only support your recovery but also strengthen your case!

10. Have Your Vehicle Inspected

Even if your car looks drivable, it may have sustained internal or structural damage that isn’t immediately visible. Schedule a professional inspection by a certified mechanic or auto body shop to assess the full extent of the damage. This step is not only important for your safety but also essential when filing an insurance claim. The inspection report can serve as supporting documentation for repair costs or, in some cases, vehicle replacement. Be sure to save all estimates and invoices for your records.

11. Be Patient With the Claims Process

Unlike typical fender-benders, truck accident claims often involve multiple layers of investigation and negotiation. Because these cases can include commercial policies, federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and extensive damages, they tend to move more slowly than standard car accident claims. It’s normal for the process to take weeks or even months before reaching a resolution. During this time, continue following your treatment plan, documenting all expenses, and staying in touch with your attorney and insurance provider. Patience and persistence can make a difference in the outcome of your case.

Contact Jim Glaser Law Today!

Our team will take the burden off your shoulders by investigating the accident, preserving key evidence, dealing with the trucking company’s insurer, and building a strong case on your behalf. We’ll work to recover the compensation you may deserve for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and the impact the accident has had on your life. You don’t have to face this alone. Attorney Jim Glaser and his team are ready to stand up for you every step of the way.