What Should You Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

Being involved in a truck accident is one of the most terrifying experiences a driver can face. Commercial trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds can cause catastrophic injuries and life-altering damage. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, or New York, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights.

At Siddons Law Firm, our experienced truck accident attorneys have helped hundreds of accident victims recover maximum compensation from trucking companies and their insurers. Here are the seven critical steps you should take after a truck accident.

Step 1: Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Even if you feel fine, many truck accident injuries — including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal cord damage — may not show symptoms immediately. Pennsylvania law requires that accidents involving injuries or property damage over $1,000 be reported to police.

The police report created at the scene becomes crucial evidence in your truck accident claim. It will document the truck driver’s information, the trucking company, witness statements, and the officer’s initial assessment of fault.

Step 2: Document Everything at the Scene

If you are physically able, gather as much evidence as possible:

• Photos and videos of all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible injuries
• The truck driver’s information including their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) number, employer name, and insurance details
• DOT and MC numbers displayed on the side of the commercial truck — these identify the trucking company in federal databases
• Witness contact information from anyone who saw the accident
• Dash cam or traffic camera footage if available

Step 3: Preserve the Truck’s Electronic Data

Modern commercial trucks are equipped with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record hours of service, speed, braking patterns, and GPS data. This data can prove whether the truck driver violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service regulations — a common cause of truck accidents.

However, trucking companies are known to destroy or overwrite this data quickly. An experienced truck accident attorney can send a spoliation letter demanding preservation of all electronic evidence before it disappears.

Step 4: Do Not Give Recorded Statements to Insurance Companies

Trucking companies carry massive insurance policies, often $1 million or more. Their insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may contact you within hours of the accident, appearing sympathetic while seeking statements they can use against you.

Politely decline to give any recorded statement until you have consulted with a truck accident attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Step 5: Understand Who Is Liable

Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car accidents because multiple parties may be liable:

• The truck driver — for distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations
• The trucking company — for negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules, or poor vehicle maintenance
• The cargo loader — for improperly loaded or secured freight that shifted during transit
• The truck manufacturer — for defective parts such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems
• Maintenance companies — for negligent repairs or inspections

Step 6: Know Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law

Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date, or you lose your right to compensation. However, evidence begins deteriorating immediately — the sooner you act, the stronger your case.

Pennsylvania also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are less than 51% at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Step 7: Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident cases require specialized legal knowledge of federal trucking regulations, FMCSA compliance standards, and the complex insurance structures used by commercial carriers. A general personal injury attorney may not have the expertise to maximize your recovery.

At Siddons Law Firm, Attorney Michael Siddons has extensive experience handling truck accident claims against major carriers including Amazon, UPS, FedEx, Werner Enterprises, Swift/Knight-Swift, and J.B. Hunt. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Due to the massive size and weight differential between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, truck accident injuries tend to be severe:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Multiple bone fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Amputation injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

How Much Is a Truck Accident Case Worth?

Truck accident settlements and verdicts are typically much higher than car accident cases due to the severity of injuries and the financial resources of commercial trucking companies. Factors that affect your case value include:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Whether the truck driver or company violated FMCSA regulations
• Available insurance coverage

Contact Siddons Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, or New York, contact Siddons Law Firm for a free consultation. Call 610-255-7500 or email us today. Time is critical in truck accident cases — evidence can disappear and witnesses’ memories fade. Do not wait to protect your rights.