Next Steps to Take After a Tractor Trailer Accident

Here are seven key things you need to do if you’ve been involved in a tractor trailer accident:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

After any kind of car or trucking accident, your health comes first. See a doctor even if you feel okay, as some injuries, given the rush of adrenaline you experience in the aftermath of a collision, may not be noticeable at first. Additionally, seeing as insurance companies might try to say your injuries came from something else, going to the doctor creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.

2. Make Sure the Police File a Detailed Report

A police report is an official record of the events that took place at an accident scene. When tractor trailers are involved, these reports will typically include important details regarding the safety rules the truck’s driver might have broken, such as operating for too many hours or not following maintenance schedules.

You’ll want to ask the responding officer how to get a copy of their report, as in Virginia, you'll need it when fighting for compensation.

3. Document Everything

Your phone can help collect important evidence. If you're not badly hurt, and it's safe to do so, take pictures of the following:

• The truck and where it stopped
• Your car and its damage
• Tire marks
• Any spilled cargo
• Road and weather conditions
• Traffic signs nearby
• Your visible injuries

These photos can encapsulate evidence that will otherwise disappear later, like tire marks that prove the truck driver didn't try to stop in time.

4. Get Information From the Truck Driver And Company

Speak to the truck driver and ask for the following information:

• Their full name
• Their driver's license
• Their insurance information
• Their truck’s license plate and DOT number
• The company they work for

The name of the trucking company is particularly important. It will often be viewed as a separate entity from the driver, and both might be responsible for paying for your injuries.

5. Don't Talk About Who Caused the Accident

Trucking companies turn to their insurance agents and lawyers immediately following accidents. These individuals’ jobs are the same: to make sure you get as little compensation as possible.

With that in mind, if someone from the trucking company or their insurance provider calls you, refrain from saying much. Tell them you're still seeing doctors and that they should talk to your lawyer. Do not agree to provide recorded statements, sign any papers, or accept any monetary offers.

6. Tell Your Insurance Company About the Accident

You’ll then want to contact your personal insurance company, but just like the previous step, share only the basic facts. Saying things like "I think I'm okay" or "Everything happened so fast” can be used against you later. Wait until you talk to a truck accident attorney before answering detailed questions.

7. Talk to an Experienced Lawyer Right Away

It doesn’t take long after an accident for evidence to be quickly wiped away and for people to forget what they saw, all while legal deadlines inch closer.

A reliable truck accident attorney will do the following to help keep the process moving:

• Advise the trucking company not to destroy evidence
• Get the truck's electronic log data before it's erased
• Save the truck's black box information
• Talk to witnesses while they still remember what happened
• Find all the people or companies who might be responsible (the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, repair shops, manufacturers, etc.)

Time is not on your side after a tractor trailer accident, but having someone fighting hard for you will ensure things are handled appropriately and on time.

FAQ

What Makes Tractor Trailer Accidents Different From Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases involve special federal safety rules, multiple responsible parties, worse injuries, and evidence like electronic logs and black box data. These cases also usually have higher insurance limits.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Tractor Trailer Accident Case?

Many parties might be responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, people who loaded the cargo, repair shops, parts makers, and even government agencies in charge of roads.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Virginia?

In Virginia, you usually have two years from the crash date to file a lawsuit. Some exceptions may apply, so talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What Types of Financial Damages Can I Seek?

You may get money for current and future medical bills, lost wages, damage to your car, and physical pain, as long as you can prove that the responsible party did something genuinely careless.

Should I Take the Insurance Company's First Offer?

Initial offers from insurance companies are almost always too low. Never agree to one without first talking to a truck accident lawyer who can tell you what your case is really worth.

Don't Fight Trucking Companies by Yourself

Tractor trailer accident cases involve several aspects that make them more complex than regular car accidents. At Commonwealth Law Group, we know how these crashes harm people and families, and our lawyers have the knowledge to handle these difficult cases. Call us today for a free consultation — we will fight hard to get you all the money you deserve.