Truck accidents can be life-changing events, leading to serious injuries and significant property damage. Knowing what to do immediately after a truck accident can make a significant difference in your ability to recover compensation for your losses.
Here’s a guide on the critical steps you should take after a truck accident in Virginia, helping you protect your health, legal rights, and potential claim.
Truck Accident Statistics in Virginia: The Rising Dangers on the Road in 2023
But first, let’s take a look at just how often these significant accidents occur in our state.
In 2023, truck accidents remained a significant issue in Virginia, with the Virginia DMV reporting a total of 127,597 traffic crashes, many of which involved commercial trucks. Approximately 2,645 truck accidents occurred in 2021, causing 784 injuries and resulting in 52 fatalities.
Although truck drivers are not always the ones most affected, the majority of injuries and fatalities occur among passenger vehicle occupants, highlighting the severe impact of these collisions. Common causes include driver fatigue, distracted driving, improper loading, and equipment failure, which are often exacerbated by the large size and weight of trucks.
These numbers emphasize the dangerous nature of truck accidents, making it essential for all drivers to stay vigilant on the roads and for victims of such accidents to seek legal guidance to ensure their rights are protected
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After a truck accident, it’s crucial to seek medical help, even if you don’t feel immediate pain or believe your injuries are minor. Truck accidents often cause severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries, some of which may not present symptoms right away. Internal bleeding, for example, can be fatal if left untreated, while fractures may worsen if not immediately diagnosed.
Even for minor injuries, getting checked by a medical professional is important not just for your health but also for your truck accident claim. Medical records provide clear evidence of the extent of your injuries and help your truck accident lawyer in Virginia build a strong case to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other losses.
2. Contact Law Enforcement
Always contact the police after a truck accident. In Virginia, it’s a legal requirement to report accidents that involve injuries or significant property damage. Police officers will document the scene and file an official report, which becomes crucial evidence for your claim.
The police report typically contains details such as the names of those involved, insurance information, witness statements, and a preliminary assessment of fault. Having this report can greatly strengthen your case when your truck accident lawyer needs to demonstrate liability. Be sure to ask for a copy or reference number for future use.
3. Document the Scene
While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, if you're able, document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible. This step can be crucial for your truck accident claim. Take photos and videos of the following:
- Your vehicle and the truck, showing the extent of the damage
- Any visible injuries to yourself or passengers
- Skid marks, road conditions, weather, and traffic signs
- The position of both vehicles before they’re moved
If there are any witnesses, get their contact information. Their testimony can play a key role if liability is disputed later. A truck accident lawyer in Virginia can use this evidence to build a solid case for you.
4. Get Information from the Truck Driver and Company
Unlike car accidents, truck accidents often involve multiple parties beyond the driver. The truck may belong to a different owner than the driver, and other parties, such as the trucking company or the party responsible for loading the cargo, could be liable for the accident. Gather as much information as you can from the truck driver, including:
- Their name, contact details, and driver's license number
- The truck’s license plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The trucking company's name and insurance information
Providing this information to your lawyer can help identify all responsible parties, ensuring that your claim covers every potential source of compensation.
5. Avoid Speaking About Fault
After a truck accident, emotions are high, and it’s tempting to apologize or discuss what might have led to the accident. However, admitting fault—intentionally or unintentionally—can seriously hurt your case.
Virginia follows the contributory negligence rule, which means that if you’re found even partially at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover any damages. It's important to limit your conversation to basic details like exchanging information with the truck driver and wait for law enforcement to investigate. Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters until you've consulted with a truck accident lawyer in Virginia who can help protect your rights.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
After seeking medical attention and contacting the police, you should notify your insurance company about the accident. However, it’s important to approach this carefully. While you're required to report the accident, you should avoid giving detailed statements until you've spoken to an attorney. Insurance adjusters, especially from the trucking company, may try to minimize the severity of the accident or downplay your injuries to reduce their payout.
A truck accident lawyer can handle these conversations on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you.
7. Consult an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer in Virginia
One of the most important steps you can take after a truck accident is contacting a truck accident lawyer with experience in handling truck accident claims. Truck accidents differ from standard car accidents due to the complex nature of commercial trucking regulations and the number of parties involved. An experienced lawyer can:
- Investigate the accident, including reviewing the truck’s maintenance records and the driver’s logbooks
- Identify all liable parties, including the trucking company, the truck’s owner, or the party responsible for loading the truck
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Represent you in court if a fair settlement can’t be reached
Given the severity of injuries in truck accidents, having legal representation can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Contact MacDowell Law Group: Your Trusted Truck Accident Lawyers in Virginia
Truck accidents often lead to devastating injuries and complicated legal battles. Don’t face these challenges alone. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, the experienced team at MacDowell Law Group is here to help. Our experienced truck accident lawyers are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you’re seeking, ensuring that your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering are fully addressed.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Call (703) 844-4519 or fill out our secure contact form to learn more about how we can assist you with your truck accident case.
Disclaimer: The information provided is not legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.