What to Do after a Truck Accident

By Kelly Balamuth on February 18, 2015

After a truck accident you will probably be scared and disoriented, not knowing what to do, as it is an overwhelming situation. The first order of business is to check to see if you or anyone else at the scene needs medical attention. Due to the size and mass of a semi-truck, it is more likely to cause life threatening injuries and catastrophic damage in a collision compared to a car. For example, a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh upwards of 70,000 pounds, whereas a car usually weighs 3,000 pounds. The most important step after an accident involving a big rig is to get medical help right away.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks are only responsible for 3 percent of motor vehicle accidents.

Timing is everything after any vehicle accident. The quicker you reach an attorney the better because they can assist you in gathering evidence before its lost, destroyed or otherwise harder to collect.

The most important steps to follow after a collision with a big rig are:

• Seek medical care
• Report the accident to the authorities
• Do not apologize for anything at the scene
• Request a copy of police report
• Take pictures of all involved vehicles and injuries
• Consult with experienced truck accident and personal injury lawyer

There are special, time sensitive pieces of information that are important for you claim right after a crash, so it is important that you contact one of our experienced auto injury lawyers at Balamuth Law right away. We have years of experience successfully representing clients who have suffered severe injuries in all types of serious truck accidents, and we will use our knowledge and skill in California truck law to protect your rights.