What to Do After a Truck Accident: Step-by-Step Guide

The first 72 hours after a truck accident are critical for preserving your legal rights. Step 1: Call 911 immediately — get police and medical help on scene. The police report is essential evidence. Step 2: Seek medical treatment even if you feel fine — adrenaline masks pain, and injuries like whiplash and TBI may not be immediately apparent. Step 3: Document everything — photograph the scene, vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact information for all witnesses. Step 4: Do NOT speak to the trucking company's insurance adjuster without an attorney. They will call quickly and try to get a recorded statement to minimize your claim. Step 5: Contact a truck accident attorney immediately — they can send a legal hold letter to preserve the truck's black box (EDR) data, which is often overwritten within 30 days. Step 6: Keep records of all medical treatment, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Step 7: Follow all medical advice — gaps in treatment are used by insurance companies to minimize claims.