A crash is always scary, no matter what kind of vehicle is involved. But when a massive truck is part of the accident, things can get a lot worse—fast. Trucks are way bigger and heavier than cars, which means crashes with them can cause serious injuries, huge damages, and complicated legal situations.
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you might assume it’s just like dealing with a regular car crash. It’s not. There are extra steps you need to take to protect yourself and make sure you get the help you need. Here’s what to do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
1. Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
First things first—make sure you’re okay. Truck accidents can be violent, and injuries might not be obvious right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, so even if you feel fine at the moment, you could have internal injuries or whiplash that won’t show up until later.
If you can move safely, check on your passengers and anyone else involved. If someone is badly hurt, call 911 immediately. Don’t try to move them unless they’re in danger (like if there’s a fire or leaking fuel).
2. Get to a Safe Spot
If your car is drivable and you’re able to move, try to get to the side of the road. But be careful—many truck accidents happen on highways or busy roads where traffic is still moving fast. If you can’t move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.
If it’s safe to get out, move as far from traffic as possible. Standing too close to the road after a crash is risky, especially if other drivers aren’t paying attention.
3. Call 911 (Even if It Seems Minor)
Even if the accident doesn’t look that bad, always call the police. A truck accident isn’t like a fender bender where people might agree to just swap insurance information. When a truck is involved, the situation is more serious. Police will document what happened, talk to witnesses, and create an official accident report. This report can be crucial later if you need to prove what happened.
If the truck driver suggests handling things without police, don’t agree. Some drivers or trucking companies might try to avoid getting law enforcement involved because they don’t want to be held responsible.
4. Gather Evidence (Because You’ll Need It Later)
Once it’s safe, start collecting as much information as possible. The more details you have, the easier it will be to prove what happened. Here’s what to do:
- Take photos and videos. Get shots of the damage, the truck’s license plate, any skid marks, and traffic signs nearby.
- Get the truck driver’s information. This includes their name, employer, and insurance details.
- Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw what happened, get their contact info in case they can help later.
- Write down details. Note the time, location, and weather conditions—these small things can make a big difference.
One important thing to remember is that trucking companies often send their own investigators to the scene quickly. Their job is to protect the company, not you. Having your own evidence helps make sure the truth gets told.
5. Be Careful When Talking to the Insurance Company
After an accident, an insurance company might call you—maybe even the truck driver’s insurance company. Be very careful about what you say. They might act friendly, but their goal is to pay as little as possible.
If they ask for a recorded statement, don’t give one without talking to a lawyer first. Even saying something as simple as “I’m feeling okay” could be used against you later to downplay your injuries.
This is where having an experienced legal team on your side can make a huge difference. A firm like Munley Law in Pittsburgh specializes in handling truck accident cases. They know how to deal with insurance companies and make sure victims aren’t taken advantage of.
6. Get Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)
Even if you walked away from the crash, get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, don’t show symptoms right away but can be serious. Seeing a doctor right away also helps if you need to file a claim later. If you wait too long, the insurance company might argue that your injuries aren’t related to the crash.
7. Understand Why Truck Accidents Are More Complicated
A regular car accident usually involves two drivers and their insurance companies. A truck accident? It’s often much more complex. That’s because multiple parties could be responsible, including:
- The truck driver (if they were distracted, speeding, or driving recklessly)
- The trucking company (if they forced the driver to work too many hours or didn’t maintain the truck properly)
- The truck manufacturer (if faulty brakes or other mechanical problems caused the crash)
- The cargo loaders (if the truck was overloaded or the cargo wasn’t secured properly)
Because of this, trucking companies often have teams of lawyers ready to fight claims. They don’t want to pay out money, so they might try to blame you, say you weren’t really hurt, or drag out the case for months.
8. Talk to a Lawyer Before Accepting Any Settlement
Insurance companies often try to settle quickly after a truck accident. They might offer you money upfront, hoping you’ll accept before realizing how much your medical bills or lost wages actually add up to. Don’t accept any settlement without speaking to a lawyer first.
A good lawyer will make sure you get the compensation you actually deserve—not just what the insurance company wants to pay. They can also handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and legal details so you can focus on recovering.
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents are different from regular car crashes in a lot of ways. They’re more dangerous, involve more legal complications, and often require more evidence to prove who was at fault.
If you’re ever in one, the most important things to remember are:
- Get medical help, even if you feel fine.
- Gather as much evidence as possible.
- Be careful when talking to insurance companies.
- Talk to a lawyer before accepting any settlement.
No one expects to be in a truck accident, but knowing what to do can make all the difference in protecting yourself and getting the help you need.
