The first 72 hours after a truck crash
What you do in the first three days can protect your health and your claim. Here's the checklist we give our own clients.
At the scene
- Call 911. Ask for police and an ambulance if anyone is hurt. A police report is important in a truck case.
- Photograph the truck. Get the company name, the USDOT number on the cab door, the trailer number and the license plates of the tractor and the trailer.
- Photograph the scene. Skid marks, debris, road signs, weather, your injuries and every vehicle.
- Get witness names and numbers. Independent witnesses carry a lot of weight.
- Look for cameras. Gas stations, stores and traffic cameras near the crash.
Medical care
Get checked the same day, even if you feel fine. Truck crashes involve huge forces, and injuries like concussions, internal injuries and spinal damage don't always show right away. Follow up with every referral, and keep discharge papers, bills and prescriptions.
Insurance calls
The trucking company's insurer may call quickly and sound helpful. You don't have to give them a recorded statement or sign anything. Your own insurer may ask you to cooperate under your policy; talk to us before you do.
Evidence
The single most time-sensitive step in a truck case is a preservation letter (sometimes called a spoliation letter) to the carrier and others who hold evidence. It tells them to keep the black box data, driver logs, dashcam video, inspection and maintenance records, and the truck itself.
What comes next
- We review your case for free and explain your options.
- We send preservation letters and start our own investigation.
- We gather medical records and bills and track your recovery.
- We negotiate with every insurer involved, and file suit if needed.