Immediate Steps at the Scene
First, ensure your safety and call 911. Even if you feel fine, request emergency medical services—18-wheeler accidents often cause injuries that don't manifest immediately, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries.
If you can safely do so, document everything. Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, debris patterns, and any visible damage. Photograph the truck's DOT number, company name, and license plate. Get contact information from witnesses.
Do not admit fault or apologize to anyone. Don't discuss the accident with the truck driver beyond exchanging required information. Anything you say could be used against you later.
If you can safely do so, document everything. Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, debris patterns, and any visible damage. Photograph the truck's DOT number, company name, and license plate. Get contact information from witnesses.
Do not admit fault or apologize to anyone. Don't discuss the accident with the truck driver beyond exchanging required information. Anything you say could be used against you later.
Preserving Critical Evidence
18-wheelers contain critical evidence that can be destroyed or overwritten within days. The truck's Electronic Control Module (ECM) or "black box" records speed, braking, and other data for a limited time. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track driver hours but may be overwritten after a certain period.
Contact a truck accident attorney immediately who can send a spoliation letter demanding the trucking company preserve all evidence. This includes maintenance records, driver logs, drug test results, hiring records, and dispatch communications.
Request the police report once available. Note the investigating officer's badge number and ask if any citations were issued to the truck driver.
Contact a truck accident attorney immediately who can send a spoliation letter demanding the trucking company preserve all evidence. This includes maintenance records, driver logs, drug test results, hiring records, and dispatch communications.
Request the police report once available. Note the investigating officer's badge number and ask if any citations were issued to the truck driver.
Medical Documentation
Seek comprehensive medical evaluation within 24 hours, even if you visited the ER at the scene. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue damage and brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
Follow all treatment recommendations and attend every appointment. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue your injuries aren't serious. Document all symptoms, medications, and how injuries affect your daily life.
Keep all medical bills, receipts, and records organized. This documentation proves your damages and is essential for calculating fair compensation.
Follow all treatment recommendations and attend every appointment. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue your injuries aren't serious. Document all symptoms, medications, and how injuries affect your daily life.
Keep all medical bills, receipts, and records organized. This documentation proves your damages and is essential for calculating fair compensation.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
The trucking company's insurance adjuster will likely contact you quickly—sometimes within hours of the accident. They are trained to minimize payouts and may try to get you to make statements that harm your case or accept a quick, lowball settlement.
Do not give recorded statements without attorney guidance. Don't sign any documents from insurance companies. Don't accept any settlement offers before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Remember that the insurance adjuster is not on your side, no matter how friendly they seem. Let your attorney handle all communications with insurance companies.
Do not give recorded statements without attorney guidance. Don't sign any documents from insurance companies. Don't accept any settlement offers before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages.
Remember that the insurance adjuster is not on your side, no matter how friendly they seem. Let your attorney handle all communications with insurance companies.