Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident may feel daunting and overwhelming. You may wonder what to do after a truck accident in Pennsylvania if you or a loved one have been in one. Your first step should always be to call 911 and seek medical attention for your injuries. Cordisco & Saile LLC provides this list of the most important steps to take following a truck accident in Pennsylvania. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, we can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways
If you have been involved in a Pennsylvania truck accident, do the following:
- Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
- Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries.
- Record information about the truck involved, such as a company name or license plate number.
- Consult a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
- File a lawsuit for injuries before the two-year statute of limitations deadline.
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania
If you have been in a truck accident, your immediate actions can influence your recovery and legal rights. Taking specific steps will protect your interests if you seek to negotiate a settlement or file a personal injury lawsuit. These steps include the following:
Step 1: Call 911 and Assess Your Injuries
The first step after a truck accident should be to ensure your safety and that of others. Assess your injuries and call for medical assistance. If you can, move out of the road and away from further danger.
It is important to report the accident, even if there appear to be no serious injuries. The responding police officer will create a report with details about the accident. This can be valuable evidence for insurance claims and legal action. Be sure not to admit fault or liability at the scene.
Step 2: Exchange Information
You should exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to get the truck driver’s name and license number. You should also record the trucking company’s name and contact information.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information, too. Witness statements can help substantiate your version of events later.
Step 3: Document the Accident Scene
Be sure to document the accident scene. Take photographs and videos of the vehicles involved, including the truck. Look for visible damage, road marks or conditions, and traffic signs. You should also take photos of any visible injuries.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention
Your health is always the chief priority follwoign an accident. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be apparent for days or weeks. A doctor can give you a thorough evaluation and assess you for whiplash, internal bleeding, and other injuries you may not notice immediately.
In addition to ensuring you get the necessary care, your medical records will be important evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim. The sooner you seek treatment, the easier it is to establish a connection between the accidnet and your injuries and losses.
Step 5: Gather Evidence
Collect as much evidence as you can after your Pennsylvania truck accident. Key documentation includes accident scene photographs, witness information, and other evidence.
Obtain medical records and bills showing the extent of your injuries and treatment. Keep receipts and record out-of-pocket expenses, including medications, medical supplies, and mileage to and from medical appointments. If your injuries force you to miss work, document your lost wages with paystubs, bank records, and tax returns.
Step 6: Talk to a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident claims are challenging. Truck accident cases often involve serious injuries and multiple parties, including the driver and their employer. Trucking companies and their insurers typically have deep pockets to fight claims. This can prolong and complicate the legal process for plaintiffs seeking justice.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, consult a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. We can guide you through what to do after a truck accident. Our lawyers specialize in these cases. We will assist with gathering evidence and protect your right to pursue compensation.
Dealing with Trucking Companies Play After an Accident in Pennsylvania
Trucking companies play an important role following Pennsylvania truck accidents. These companies are the gatekeepers of important evidence that can bolster your claim.
Information and data you may need from trucking companies include the follolwing:
- Hours of Service records: These logs account for a truck driver’s driving hours leading up to the accident.
- Event Data Recorder information: A truck’s event date recorder or “black box” captures vital data at the time of an accident. These details include the truck’s location, the truck’s speed, and whether the driver applied the brakes.
- Driver’s background and driving records: These records show a truck driver’s driving history and may note whether a driver had a license suspended or revoked, failed a drug or alcohol test, or received a citation for traffic violations.
- Truck inspection and repair reports: Records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance conducted on the truck may help your lawyer identify what caused your accident and who may be liable.
Getting this information from trucking companies can be difficult on your own. Our experienced Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers will use discovery tools, such as requests for documents, subpoenas, and deposition, to collect vital records and information to strengthen your case.
What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents in Pennsylvania?
Commercial truck accidents in Pennsylvania occur for many reasons. When they happen, the consequences are typically more severe than car accidents because of the size and weight of trucks. An estimated 154,000 were injured and 5,788 died in truck crashes nationwide in 2021. That year, 162 people died in Pennsylvania truck accidents.
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study, common causes of these accidents included the following:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Impaired driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Mechanical failures
- Improper loading
- Insufficient training
Our experienced Pennsylvania truck accident lawyers will investigate your case and identify all the parties potentially liable for your injuries and damages.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing A Truck Accident Injury Claim in Pennsylvania?
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Pennsylvania, you generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions exist, such as if the victim is a minor. Failing to file a lawsuit in time will bar you from seeking compensation in court forever, no matter how strong your evidence may be.
Waiting these full two years may hurt your case. Evidence supporting your claim may become lost or unreliable over time. Witness memories may also fade. For this reason, it is important to speak with a Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. We can help you preserve evidence that supports your claim.
Call Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Pennsylvania for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Pennsylvania truck accident, the team at Cordisco & Saile LLC will protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
With over 30 years of experience, our award-winning lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured clients and take pride in treating our clients with compassion and respect. We never stop fighting while you focus on your recovery.
Call (215) 798-5102 or contact our team for a free consultation
