What to Do After a Semi Truck Accident

Written by Jobeth Bowers. Posted in .

Key Takeaways

  • You must know what to do if you or a loved one is hurt in a truck accident.
  • Document your injuries and case details after calling law enforcement and getting medical care.
  • Know how to handle the insurance company to reduce your risks of not getting fair compensation.
  • Call or text one of our attorneys for immediate help, and let Bowers Law guide you in recovering compensation.

According to statistics, approximately 4,000 truck accidents occur each year in Maryland, resulting in around 50 fatalities and nearly 1,875 injuries. While we hope it never happens to anyone, semi-truck accidents are a risk, and not knowing how to navigate the situation can make it worse. Without the proper guidance, you could receive less compensation or experience more stress than necessary.

At Bowers Law, we have experience with commercial vehicle accident cases and can help you navigate the legal and insurance processes. Contact our auto accident attorney for a free consultation to discuss how we may assist you.

Two firefighters in yellow-striped uniforms are engaged in rescuing individuals from an overturned car on the road, surrounded by emergency vehicles and debris from the crash.

Steps to Take After a Semi Truck Accident

Call 911

Your priority is your safety. Call 911 to request medical care and a police officer. This gets you help quickly, as does the truck driver, and also aids in documenting your case. The information gathered by the police here and the documentation from the emergency room will help in insurance claims and legal matters.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you seem okay, seek medical attention. The local emergency room or urgent care may not seem necessary for minor injuries, but you may not know serious injuries are present. Not all injuries are visible after a truck crash. However, the medical documentation you obtain will be necessary for your truck accident case.

Stay Safe at the Accident Scene

If you are not safe where you are after the auto accident, move to safety. Document the accident if you can without putting yourself in harm’s way. Take notes and photos of the area, your injuries, the damage to all vehicles involved, and weather conditions.

Collect Important Information

Gather as much information as you can safely. This includes:

  • The license plate numbers of all involved vehicles
  • The driver’s license numbers of all involved drivers
  • Copy of information about the other driver’s insurance policy
  • Contact information for all parties involved, including address and phone number
  • All information about the involved motor vehicle, including information on the semi-truck driver and any passenger cars or other vehicles who stop to help.
  • Gather all witness statement contact information.

Once filed, get a copy of the police report. The police report provides insight based on what the responding police officer reported.

File a Police Report

You also need to submit a statement for the police report. If an officer arrives at the scene, provide the officer with information about what occurred. If they do not, or you cannot provide all information about the car accident at the time of the accident, file a police report at the local police station.

Do Not Admit Fault

Drivers should never admit or elude to fault after a car accident. Even if they are positive, they can never be blamed; they should only provide the police with facts. Do not state what you thought happened or apologize to the truck driver.

Contact a Maryland Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

As soon as possible, seek out the help of a truck accident attorney. All truck accident victims benefit from speaking to a personal injury attorney who can clarify their rights. Your attorney will provide a free consultation and help you file a Maryland personal injury claim. This may alleviate some frustration at not getting the compensation owed to you.

Report the Accident To Your Insurance Company

While you do not have to file a claim just yet, report the accident to the applicable insurance companies. That includes reporting it to your personal insurance company and the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. If you contact an attorney at Bowers Law first, it will be the only call you need to make. The attorneys at Bowers Law are more than happy to report all insurance claims for you.

Do not make statements about fault or losses. You want to allow your attorney to help you with this process. This can impact your claim settlement.

Preserve Evidence

From the start of the accident through the accident report and onward, keep a record of:

  • All medical treatments received
  • Diagnoses related to your condition
  • Statements from doctors or providers
  • Any insurance information sent to you about your costs owed
  • Your condition and symptoms as they change
  • Any expenses on medical care you have, including ongoing medical bills and upfront payments
  • Any medical expenses such as transportation costs, lab fees, or others

Avoid Social Media

Avoid all use of social media. Any statement made there could impact your case. The commercial truck insurance adjuster will monitor your social media to determine if you have medical injuries and what statements you make about your care and condition. This could impact the fair compensation you receive.

Why Bowers Law is the Right Choice for Your Semi-Truck Accident Injury Case

In every tractor-trailer accident, having a law firm’s help can be critical. Your priority is medical treatment. Our personal injury lawyers fight for your right to compensation. Let our experience and dedication support your claim.

Testimonials

“Joe’s the man… He was always there for me when I needed him. Easy to get in touch with and he never hesitates to explain complex legal jargon into layman’s terms. Joe always had my back and got me the best result I could hope for.” – Nathan P.

“Sydney at Bowers Law is excellent. I was trying to handle an auto accident claim on my own (FYI, big mistake) and turned to Sydney for help. She was incredibly responsive and took the time to hear about my case and provided me with her insights. She was always personable and genuinely cared about my best interests. I highly recommend Sydney. She is knowledgeable, friendly, and results oriented. Her genuine nature is rare and a trait you certainly want from someone representing you.” – Paul S.

“JoBeth and his staff recently did an excellent job for my daughter in law. Took care of everything from start to finish with ease. Or at least he made it look easy. He secured a very good settlement for her she never had to worry about lost wages or medical bills through the entire process. No bill collectors called her because Bowers Law made sure they were paid on time. He is the man! Hats off to the team.” – Steve F.

Looking for Help After a Truck Accident? Call Us Today

Do you need help deciding what to do after a semi-truck accident? Bowers Law can provide legal advice and support tailored to your situation. Call or text us at 410-885-6200 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

Frequent Answered Questions

Should You Settle Your Own Accident Case in Maryland?

It is possible to settle truck accident claims without an attorney. However, doing so is complex. Your lawyer holds drivers and insurance companies of large trucks accountable because they understand the law and your rights under it. This includes providing legal advice on fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Do I Know If I Need a Truck Accident Lawyer in Maryland?

If you sustained serious injuries or property damage, have previous medical records that could involve preexisting conditions, have truck accident injuries with potentially catastrophic outcomes, or other factors, a settlement offer must be enough to meet your needs. Have your attorney review this information for you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After an Accident in Maryland?

In Maryland, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim from the accident date. Act promptly to preserve evidence and witness statements.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

You may be entitled to any losses you have, which could include:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Future medical expense
  • Emotional well-being-related injuries
What are the Common Injuries After a Truck Accident in Maryland?

Large truck accidents in Maryland can result in severe injuries, including:

  • Spinal cord damage
  • Head and brain trauma
  • Burns
  • Whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Internal organ damage
  • Limb amputation

These injuries can significantly impact mobility, quality of life, and the ability to function. The violent nature of these accidents often necessitates extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

What Causes Truck Accidents in Maryland?

Truck accidents in Maryland are primarily caused by factors such as:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Distracted driving
  • Poor vehicle maintenance
  • Improper loading
  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence
Jobeth Bowers

Written By Jobeth Bowers

Maryland Attorney Jobeth Bowers is the founder of Bowers Law and a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law

Schedule a Free Consultation with Jobeth Bowers

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