The familiar sight of 18-wheelers barreling down highways reminds us of the vast network transporting goods across the country. Truck transport moves about 70% of all products in the United States. But when wrecks occur, these massive commercial trucks also bring danger. Collisions with large trucks could become the fifth top cause of accidental fatalities in America by 2030, according to projections.
While no one expects to get into a serious accident with a semi-truck that is critical to transporting most goods over highways, you need to know how to respond if you ever find yourself in that frightening situation. Being prepared with the correct response can help protect your health, safety, and legal rights after an 18-wheeler collision.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Getting into an accident can be scary and stressful. However, colliding with an 18-wheeler, weighing 20 to 30 times more than a passenger vehicle, adds another potential danger. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and leave the vehicle if it seems unsafe.
Contact the Authorities
If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. For minor collisions with no injuries, be sure to still contact the police to file an official report. The report will document important details like where the accident occurred, any traffic violations, and statements from witnesses. Get contact details and insurance information from the truck driver as well. Photograph the scene, vehicles, license plates, and any visible property damage or injuries. Florida data shows 29 fatal and 111 incapacitating crashes involving medium and heavy trucks in 2020 alone, so authorities are accustomed to responding to these incidents. Having an official record will help support your case later.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t have visible injuries, get checked out by a doctor after an 18-wheeler accident. The impact from a multiple-ton truck can cause internal damage, head trauma, and delayed pain. A complete exam will identify any issues and document evidence if you need to file an injury claim later. Your health should be the top priority.
Texas, California, and Florida had the most large truck crash fatalities in 2022, totaling over 1,600 deaths combined. Don’t take chances regarding your safety after colliding with an 18-wheeler. Seek both immediate and follow-up medical care to address any problems that emerge.
Consult a Truck Accident Attorney
Experienced truck accident lawyers level the playing field against these big corporations. Your lawyer can thoroughly investigate the collision, build a case, handle negotiations with insurers, and take the claim to court if needed.
They’ll also help you calculate and secure full compensation for both economic and non-economic damages related to medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses stemming from the truck wreck. Protect yourself by hiring legal representation soon after the accident occurs.
Move Forward Carefully
In the days and weeks following an 18-wheeler collision, you’ll likely be contacted by insurance adjusters eager to get your account of events. Politely decline to provide any official recorded statement until your attorney reviews it first. Anything you say can be used against you later to minimize the insurance payout.
Living through an 18-wheeler accident is a traumatic experience you will likely never forget. While following these steps cannot erase what happened, they can help you regain control during the aftermath.
