Truck Accident Checklist

If you can move, get away from traffic and the truck. Turn on hazard lights.

Report the accident and request medical assistance. A police report is crucial for your case.

Don't move seriously injured people unless there's immediate danger (fire, etc.).

Don't apologize or say "I'm sorry"—these can be used against you later.

Damage to all vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, weather, your injuries.

Name, license number, employer, insurance, truck number/DOT number, trailer number.

USDOT number, MC number, company name on the door—these identify the trucking company.

Names, phone numbers, and brief statements from anyone who saw the accident.

Street names, mile markers, time of day, weather and road conditions.

Even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries take days to appear.

Make sure your medical records document that your injuries are from the truck accident.

Keep all appointments. Gaps in treatment can be used to argue you weren't seriously hurt.

Medical bills, prescriptions, therapy costs, mileage to appointments—everything.

Politely decline. They're looking for ways to minimize your claim.

Early offers are almost always far below what your case is worth.

Insurance companies monitor social media. Even innocent posts can hurt your case.

Trucking companies start destroying evidence quickly. An attorney can preserve critical data.