A truck accident can leave you overwhelmed and unsure of your next steps. These crashes often involve severe injuries, significant losses, and complex investigations. Knowing what to do after a commercial truck accident helps protect your health and can strengthen your legal claim.
Move to Safety and Call 911 Immediately
Your first priority is safety. If you can, move to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights so other drivers see you. Call 911 right away. Maryland law requires reporting serious collisions, and first responders will secure the scene.
The police will prepare an official crash report. The police report can provide important information later, especially if you were injured in a truck accident and need to file a personal injury claim. Stay calm, answer questions honestly, but do not discuss your injuries or make guesses about fault.
Seek Medical Help Right Away
Even if you donāt feel hurt, let paramedics check you. Symptoms of truck accident injuries may not appear for hours or days. This includes potentially fatal trauma, such as internal bleeding or a traumatic brain injury.
Visit an emergency room or urgent care the same day. A doctor will document your injuries and prescribe a medical treatment plan. Follow your doctorās instructions precisely. Your medical records will serve as important evidence in your truck accident case, showing a clear link between the crash and your injuries. Seeking medical attention immediately also protects your health by ruling out undetected and potentially serious injuries.
Document the Accident Scene Carefully
If it is safe, take photos or videos of the crash site. Capture the positions of all vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Photograph the truck’s license plate, company name, and DOT number.
Ask the truck driver and witnesses for their names and contact information. Save medical records, repair estimates, and receipts in one place. Documentation gives you a strong foundation when discussing the crash with investigators or your truck accident attorney.
Write down what you remember as soon as possible. Truck accidents happen fast, and memories fade quickly. A prompt recollection will assist you in explaining how the collision occurred during the legal process.
Avoid Talking to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster
After a serious truck crash, the trucking company’s insurer may contact you to request a recorded statement. Donāt agree until you have spoken to an experienced truck accident lawyer. Many adjuster questions are intended to limit the insurerās financial responsibility, not to look out for your best interests.
Stay polite but firm. Anything you say may be used to challenge your claim later. Once you hire legal representation, you can refer the insurance company directly to your truck accident attorney.
Contact a Maryland Truck Accident Lawyer Now
After a commercial vehicle accident, insurance companies may send adjusters to the scene before the wreckage is cleared. This early involvement can give insurers an initial advantage, as they may begin investigating before you have had time to receive medical care or seek legal advice. Retaining an experienced attorney can help level the playing field and protect your interests.
Acting right away allows your lawyer to preserve critical evidence, handle communication with insurers from the start, and build a strong commercial truck accident claim showing why you deserve fair compensation. If you need support after a serious truck crash, reach out to Trollinger Law LLC today for a free consultation.
