What to Do After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it can feel overwhelming trying to recover and figure out what to do next.

While it always helps to collect evidence at the scene—such as taking photos, speaking with witnesses, or exchanging information with the other driver—not everyone can do that right away, and that’s okay.

What matters most is focusing on your safety and taking steps in the days and weeks after the accident to protect your health and your legal rights should you decide to pursue a truck accident claim.

2. Keep Track of Medical Records and Expenses

After an accident, it’s important to stay on top of the paperwork related to your medical care. This includes doctor’s notes, hospital bills, test results, and receipts for any out-of-pocket costs, such as medications or medical supplies. If your injuries require ongoing physical therapy or additional treatment, record those details, too.

While this can feel like a lot to manage, it’s worth the effort to ensure you’re fully compensated for your expenses.

Keeping thorough records helps paint a clear picture of the financial and physical impact of the accident on your life. For example, not only could you recover costs for medical treatment but also for mileage if you have to travel to appointments.

These expenses add up quickly and should not come out of your pocket if someone else was at fault for your injuries.

Whenever you receive treatment or pay for accident-related services, be sure to place the records in a safe, organized location for easy access later. This will help build a strong foundation for your claim.

3. Document Your Recovery

Keeping track of your recovery process is an effective way to show how the accident has affected your day-to-day life.

Start a journal where you log any pain, discomfort, or emotional struggles you experience. Write about how your injuries have impacted your ability to work, care for loved ones, or enjoy hobbies. For instance, if you used to go for daily runs but now struggle to walk upstairs, note that.

These details may seem personal, but they help provide a full picture of the hardships you face due to the accident. Over time, you may forget many of these impacts, especially as you focus on recovering. Journaling helps document those moments so you overlook nothing.

Photos can also show powerful evidence. Take pictures of your injuries and of anything related to your recovery, like medical equipment you need to use. Together, your journal entries and photos can show how the accident disrupted your life.

4. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Contacting your insurance company is another essential step following a truck accident. You should notify them about the accident fairly quickly, preferably within a few days. 

When you report the accident to your insurer, stick to the basic facts like the date, time, location, and the parties involved. Avoid adding unnecessary details or speculations, like who may be at fault or the extent of your injuries—you don’t need to figure that out right away.

The conversation with your insurance company might later affect your claim. Do not answer detailed questions or give a recorded statement until you speak with a lawyer.

Provide honest, straightforward information, and request a copy of anything they record or document during the call. Following this step promptly shows that you acted in good faith, which can help your case move more smoothly.

5. Be Careful About What You Say and Do

It’s natural to want to talk about the accident with friends, family, or even on social media, but they will use any statements you make—whether to other drivers, social media followers, or even insurance workers—against you. Sometimes, they will even take something innocent like “I’m okay” as downplaying your injuries.

When speaking to insurance adjusters, keep your comments neutral. Avoid admitting responsibility for the accident or explaining exactly what happened. Limit your discussion to basic facts until you seek legal advice.

Social media deserves special caution. Posting about the accident or your recovery could unintentionally harm your case. Even casual updates or photos may be scrutinized and used as evidence to contradict your claim. The safest approach? Keep quiet about the accident outside of trusted conversations with your medical team and legal representatives.

6. Start Collecting Evidence

If you couldn’t gather evidence at the crash scene, it’s okay—you can still collect valuable information to strengthen your case in the weeks following the accident. Request a copy of the police report, as it can provide crucial details about what happened. Take photos of your injuries while they heal, and keep images of any visible vehicle damage.

If you can, return to the accident location and document the area, noting details like traffic signs, road conditions, or anything else that might have contributed to the cause. Following up with witnesses is another good step. If someone saw the accident, their statements could help determine what happened.

All these pieces of evidence create a clearer picture of the accident and its aftermath. The more you have to show what occurred and its impact on you, the stronger your case will be.

7. Keep a File on Your Accident

Gathering all your accident-related documents in one location—a physical folder, a digital cloud, or both—is a simple but effective way to stay organized. You’ll likely need to submit multiple types of paperwork, and having it all in one place makes it easier to manage.

Include items like medical bills, receipts, repair estimates, police reports, and insurance communication. Don’t forget to file any notes you’ve made during recovery or claims-related meetings. Whenever you receive a new document, make sure it gets added to the file right away.

By keeping a detailed record of everything, you’ll not only make your own life easier but also help strengthen your case. If you work with an attorney, having a well-organized file will speed up the process of building your claim and taking action.

8. Speak with an Attorney

Truck accidents often involve more than just the other driver. Companies, vehicle manufacturers, or even maintenance crews could bear responsibility. These accidents typically also involve larger insurance policies with skilled adjusters who aim to reduce payouts. An experienced attorney can help identify all liable parties and ensure they don’t exploit you.

When you consult an attorney, they’ll review your case and guide you through liabilities, evidence collection, and interactions with insurers. They’ll also take on the legal burdens so you can focus on recovery. Someone in your corner who knows the system can give you a much-needed sense of relief during an already stressful time.

What Not to Do After a Truck Accident

After a truck accident, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know the steps to take. Even well-meaning actions can hurt your recovery or your case if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid after a truck accident:

1. Don’t Admit Fault

It’s natural to feel shaken or overwhelmed after a crash, but avoid making statements that an insurer can interpret as admitting fault. Phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see the truck” might seem polite or harmless, but they could be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking to others at the scene or insurance adjusters, stick to the facts. Determining fault is a complex process and should be left to investigators.

2. Don’t Delay Medical Treatment

Even if you feel okay after the accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not show immediate symptoms. Delaying treatment not only puts your health at risk but can also weaken any potential legal claim, as gaps in treatment may suggest your injuries weren’t serious.

3. Don’t Talk About the Accident on Social Media

You might feel tempted to update friends and family on social media, but, as mentioned above, posting about the accident can do more harm than good. Even innocent posts or photos may be used by insurance companies or opposing attorneys to challenge your claim. The safest approach is to avoid discussing the accident online until your case is resolved.

4. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance Adjusters Without Guidance

Insurance adjusters may push you to give a recorded statement quickly after the accident. While they might sound friendly or sympathetic, they often aim to minimize your claim. If you feel pressured to provide a statement, consult a legal professional first to protect your rights.

5. Don’t Settle Too Quickly

Accepting a quick settlement might seem appealing, especially when dealing with medical bills and lost wages. However, early offers often don’t reflect the full extent of your damages or future expenses. Take the time to calculate the complete financial, emotional, and physical impact of the accident before agreeing to any terms.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Truck Accident

Dealing with injuries and the emotional toll after a truck accident is hard enough—adding legal challenges to the mix can feel like too much.

A lawyer can shoulder the legal burden, giving you space to heal while ensuring your rights are protected.

Here’s how an attorney can help after a truck accident:

1. Navigating Legal Complexities

Truck accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents. They may involve multiple responsible parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the vehicle manufacturer. A lawyer will investigate your accident, determine liability, and hold all contributing parties accountable.

2. Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. A lawyer knows how these companies operate and will fight to ensure they treat you fairly. They’ll handle negotiations to pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

3. Protecting Your Legal Rights

A lawyer ensures that you don’t miss important deadlines, such as filing your claim before the statute of limitations runs out. They’ll explain legal terms in plain language, guide you through the process step by step, and advocate for you at every turn.

4. Securing Fair Compensation

Truck accidents can lead to life-changing injuries, meaning you may require ongoing medical care or rehabilitation. An attorney will calculate all of your damages, including future expenses, and fight to ensure that you receive proper compensation—not just a quick, inadequate settlement offer.

Discuss Your Case with a Trusted Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Following certain steps can ensure your safety and protect your legal rights after a truck accident.

The personal injury lawyers at Goodman Acker P.C. can guide and support you every step of the way. Contact us today at (248) 831-1507 or through our online form for your free consultation. You deserve compassionate, knowledgeable representation to help you get the justice and compensation you need.