Semi-trucks cause tremendous damage when they crash into pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, or regular passenger vehicles due to their immense size and weight. Knowing the right steps to take after a truck collision is important for protecting your health. It’ll also help strengthen your insurance claim and compensation if you decide to file a lawsuit.

Ensure Your Safety and Check for Injuries

After a truck accident, your immediate priority should be the safety of everyone involved. It’s crucial to move to a safer area away from traffic if you can do so without intensifying injuries. Use hazard lights or warning triangles to alert oncoming traffic and begin by assessing yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.

Contact Law Enforcement

Once everyone’s safety is secured, contact law enforcement to report the truck crash. The NYPD should be notified to ensure that an official report is filed. This report becomes vital documentation for insurance claims and potential legal actions. When the officers arrive, provide them with a factual account of what transpired.

Avoid speculating or assuming fault, as the details you provide will be used to establish the accident’s circumstances. Ask for a copy of the police report or the report number for future reference. This document will serve as an authoritative record of the incident, detailing the involved parties and any observable details related to the crash.

Exchange Information

Exchange information with any other drivers involved in the accident. Make sure to get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information, including the company name and policy number. If possible, take photos of their ID and insurance card for accuracy.

You’ll also want to gather information about the vehicle, such as make, model, and color. If there are multiple parties involved, collect each driver’s information.

Gather Witness Information

If there are witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information so your truck accident attorney can interview them.

Document the Accident Scene

Clear evidence of the accident scene is essential for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.

Take Photos and Videos of the Scene

Capturing the accident scene through photos and videos is crucial in documenting a truck accident. Use your smartphone to take clear images of the entire scene from multiple angles. Include the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle involved. Document any visible injuries, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and debris. Videos can capture the environment and audio of the scene, which may reveal details that aren’t immediately apparent in photographs.

Note Road and Weather Conditions

It’s important to observe the road and weather conditions at the time of the crash. These factors can play a significant role in understanding the causes and circumstances of the accident. Note whether the roads were wet, icy, or covered with debris because these conditions might have contributed to the incident.

Document the weather conditions that may have impaired visibility or traction, such as rain, fog, or bright sunlight. Lighting conditions should be recorded, including whether the accident occurred during the daytime or at night.

Seek Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine

Get a full medical evaluation after a car accident, even if your injuries don’t appear to be serious.

The Importance of Seeing a Doctor After an Accident

Visiting a doctor right away after a truck accident will help safeguard your health and strengthen your insurance claim. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms. A doctor can identify these hidden injuries before they become worse.

A documented medical evaluation provides essential evidence when filing a personal injury claim. This documentation demonstrates that you sought medical attention promptly, which is important for insurance purposes and legal claims. Delays in seeking treatment could be used against you by insurers or opposing parties who might argue that your injuries were not serious or they were unrelated to the accident.

Keep Records of All Medical Appointments

Document every visit to healthcare providers, including the dates, treatments received, and any prescribed medications. Retain receipts and invoices for all medical expenses, such as doctor’s fees, prescriptions, and therapy sessions. These records will be useful when filing a personal injury claim because they provide a detailed account of your medical journey and the costs incurred due to the accident. Insurance companies and legal representatives will require this information to assess the validity and extent of your claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company

After a car accident, report the event to your insurance company as soon as possible.

How to File an Insurance Claim

A New York City truck accident lawyer can be instrumental in maximizing the outcome of your case. They will assist in filing your truck accident insurance claim and ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and submitted within the required timeframes.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Carefully review your insurance policy coverage, including medical payments, liability, and damage to your vehicle, so you’ll know what to expect from the claims process. Speak with your truck accident lawyer if you have any questions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident

When dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can negatively impact the outcome of your claim.

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

One major error is admitting fault or apologizing at the scene. This is determined based on evidence and official reports, and any admissions you make can jeopardize your claim.

Failing to Document the Accident

Another common oversight is failing to document the accident scene thoroughly. Insufficient evidence, such as a lack of photographs or witness information, can weaken your case, making it harder to establish what happened.

How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Claim

Contacting a truck accident offers significant benefits. Your NYC personal injury attorney will handle communications with insurance adjusters, protecting your rights and making sure you aren’t coerced into accepting an unfair settlement. Your truck accident lawyer will stand by your side throughout the legal process, and they can represent you in court if you decide to litigate your claim.

Speak With an Experienced NYC Truck Accident Attorney Today

For over 50 years, the lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP, have been getting justice for accident victims in New York City. In fact, we’ve won over a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for our clients. We have a 10.0 Superb rating from Avvo and an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest possible rating for an attorney for ethical standards and legal ability.

Call our firm at (212) 986-7353 to schedule a FREE consultation with one of our NYC truck accident attorneys.