This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Justin C. Olsinski following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Justin C. Olsinski, the Founding Partner, has 16+ years of legal experience as an attorney.
Truck accidents are overwhelming and often leave victims with catastrophic injuries. After a big truck crash, it's normal to feel confused and shocked. Still, what you do next can shape your path toward financial recovery and legal success. Every step matters—from calling emergency services to speaking with insurance companies.
Knowing what to do after a truck accident helps protect your well-being and your claim. At Olsinski Law, our experienced truck accident attorney helps accident victims take the right steps to take after a truck accident. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and fight for maximum compensation after your crash.
Your safety should always come first. If you can move, get yourself and others to safety. Activate your hazard lights and remain clear of traffic. If the accident occurred on a highway, remain as visible and calm as possible. Call emergency services right away. Police officers will secure the scene and write an accident report.
Notify the dispatcher of your current location, the count of vehicles involved, and if there are any individuals in need of emergency medical assistance. This call helps first responders arrive faster and ensures medical help is on the way. Never assume someone else has already made the call—report the accident immediately to protect yourself and others.
After a truck crash, check yourself and others for serious injuries. Even if you feel okay, you may still be experiencing some pain. Some truck accident injuries may not be apparent immediately. It’s important to seek medical treatment quickly. If necessary, request emergency medical assistance at the scene.
Truck accidents result in more force than regular car accidents. This increases the chance of spinal damage, head trauma, and internal bleeding. A medical professional will look at your injuries and write up a report about them. This step also protects your health and your legal claim. Always follow up with medical care, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
If you’re able, begin gathering evidence at the accident scene. Get clear pictures of all the cars involved, their license plates, and the area around them. Include any visible injuries, vehicle damage, skid marks, and weather conditions. These images support your insurance claim and any future legal action.
Write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include other relevant details, such as the time of day, road layout, and any nearby passenger vehicles. Truck accident victims who gather strong evidence early have a better chance of proving fault. Your truck accident attorney can later use this documentation to strengthen your personal injury case.
After the crash, stay calm when speaking to the truck driver. Do not argue or admit fault. Avoid discussing who caused the accident. Focus on collecting important information instead. This includes the truck driver's name, contact information, license number, and the name of the trucking company.
Also, write down the truck's license plate and commercial vehicle number if visible. If the other driver appears impaired or aggressive, let law enforcement handle the situation. What you say at the accident site can affect your claim. Be polite but cautious. The goal is to gather facts without saying anything that could be used against you.
Sometimes, a representative from a trucking company may arrive at the scene or contact you shortly after. Be careful during these interactions. They may attempt to gather statements or persuade you to accept a quick settlement. Do not sign anything without speaking to a truck accident attorney first.
These representatives work for the trucking company, not you. Their job is to protect the company’s interests. Anything you say may be shared with their legal team. Politely refer them to your attorney if they insist on obtaining information. Olsinski Law helps truck accident victims navigate the pressure from trucking companies effectively.
Law enforcement officials will examine the site of the accident and compile an official report. This document is very important for your insurance claim and for any personal injury lawsuits that may come after it. Be honest when answering questions, but avoid admitting fault or making guesses about what happened.
Give the officers your name, license, registration, and insurance information. Let them do their job. The police report may include valuable details about the at-fault party, skid marks, and witness statements. Your truck accident lawyer can later request this report to help support your case. Always ask how to obtain a copy for your records.
Once you’re safe and have received immediate medical attention, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Tell them when and where the accident happened and what vehicles were involved. Provide facts only—don’t give opinions or admit fault.
Most insurance companies require quick notice after an auto accident, so don’t delay. Report the accident even if the truck driver caused it. Your policy may cover certain costs in the meantime. Keep records of the call and note the adjuster’s name. If you need help with this part of the legal process, a lawyer with a lot of experience can help.
The trucking company’s insurance provider may contact you soon after the accident. Exercise extreme caution when interacting with insurance adjusters.Their goal is to protect the trucking company, not to offer you a fair settlement.
Never provide a recorded statement or accept an early offer without speaking to a lawyer. They might pose leading questions or attempt to minimize the seriousness of your injuries. Anything you say can be used against you later. Politely decline to speak until you’ve had legal guidance. Olsinski Law can handle these conversations on your behalf. We work to protect your rights and seek compensation from all parties involved.
After the accident, save every document related to your crash and injuries. This includes medical records, hospital bills, photos from the accident site, and any repair estimates for vehicle damage. Keep all documentation related to the accident in a single folder for easy access and organization.
Also, write down details about your medical treatment, missed work, and how the accident affected your daily life. Gathering evidence early gives your truck accident lawyer the tools to build a strong case. Truck accident situations often have a lot of people involved and are hard to understand. Staying organized helps protect your right to fair compensation. Don’t throw anything away that might be helpful later.
After you seek medical attention, follow every instruction from your doctor. Truck-wreck victims who ignore treatment plans risk hurting both their health and their legal case. If your doctor recommends therapy, medication, or follow-up visits, follow through with them.
Missing appointments may give insurance companies a reason to offer less money. The severity of your injuries and the associated recovery costs are evident in your medical records. They also prove you’re doing your part to heal. Truck accident victims require comprehensive documentation to obtain the maximum compensation. Olsinski Law helps clients understand the role of medical treatment in the legal process.
Some truck accident victims make mistakes that reduce their chances of a fair settlement. One major error is admitting fault too soon. Even a small comment at the accident scene can be used against you later. An additional error is neglecting to obtain immediate medical assistance.
Other mistakes to avoid:
These actions may seem harmless, but they can weaken your case. At Olsinski Law, our experienced attorney helps you avoid these missteps and protect your claim. Every move matters after a truck crash—take the right steps from the beginning.
Not every car accident requires an attorney, but truck accidents are a different matter. They often involve severe injuries, multiple vehicles, and big trucking companies with legal teams. It is imperative to retain the services of a truck accident attorney if the accident involved commercial trucks or resulted in grievous injuries.
An attorney with extensive experience in vehicle accidents will oversee the documentation, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for the financial compensation to which you are entitled. Olsinski Law has years of experience handling truck accident cases. We know what evidence to gather, which experts to consult, and how to seek maximum compensation. Don’t face the legal process alone—get the support you need to win your case.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck crash, contact Olsinski Law today. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options. Our truck accident attorney will evaluate your case, address your inquiries, and provide a detailed explanation of how we can assist you.
Truck accident cases are complex and require strong legal support. You may be dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies that don’t want to pay. We’ll fight to protect your rights and seek fair compensation for everything you’ve lost.
Let us handle the legal side while you focus on healing. Contact Olsinski Law now to schedule your complimentary consultation and begin your journey toward justice.
Mr. Olsinski founded his criminal defense practice in Charlotte, NC, in January 2010. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses/First Degree Murder to Misdemeanor marijuana charges.
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