Colburn Law

What To Do After A Truck Accident In Seattle

A truck accident can be a terrifying experience that leaves you shaken and uncertain. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can make these collisions particularly devastating, often resulting in severe injuries and significant property damage.

In the aftermath of an unexpected accident, knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your health, rights, and future. As you navigate the hours and days following a truck crash, make sure to keep the following actions in mind.

Ensure the Safety of Yourself and Others

Your immediate priority after a truck accident is safety. Check on yourself and any passengers in the vehicle and see if anyone is seriously injured. Immediately call 911 and request emergency medical attention for anyone who needs care right away.

If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If it’s safe to do so, check on the occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident. However, avoid moving anyone who appears seriously injured unless they’re in immediate danger, as this could exacerbate their injuries.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

Even if the truck accident seems minor, always call 911 to report it. This step not only ensures that emergency services are dispatched to the scene, but also creates an official record of the incident. The responding officers will evaluate the scene and create a report that includes information such as who was involved, any witnesses who saw the accident, and the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

When law enforcement arrives, provide them with a factual account of what happened. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or making statements that could be interpreted as admitting guilt. Request a copy of the police report or information on how to obtain it later, as this document can be crucial for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings and meeting with a Seattle truck accident lawyer.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Your health should be your top priority after a truck accident. Always seek medical care as soon as possible at the nearest hospital. Accept medical attention at the scene if offered and follow up with a thorough medical examination as soon as possible.

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to shock and adrenaline. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after the accident. Without treatment, these injuries can turn deadly.

Prompt medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also creates a record of the accident and your injuries. You can use this evidence to prove the extent and nature of the harm that you suffered, which can help prove your right to financial compensation.

Exchange Your Information

If you can, exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver and any other drivers involved in the accident. Make sure to obtain the following details:

• Names and contact information of all drivers and passengers
• Insurance company names and policy numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers
• The trucking company’s name and contact information

During these interactions, be cautious and watch what you say. Do not share more information than necessary. Avoid discussing fault, making accusations, or saying anything about your injuries—any statements could affect your ability to recover compensation in the future.

Document Evidence and Speak to Witnesses

Thorough documentation of the accident scene can strengthen your future insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. If you’re able, take photographs and videos of damage to all vehicles involved, your visible injuries, and the overall accident scene, including road conditions and traffic signs. Capture the truck’s license plate and any identifying company information as well.

If there are witnesses to the accident, politely ask for their contact information and if they’d be willing to provide a statement in the future. Their accounts can be invaluable in corroborating your version of events and establishing critical facts in any legal claims.

Do Not Speak to Insurers or Company Representatives

In the aftermath of the accident, you may be contacted by insurance adjusters or representatives from the trucking company. They may ask you questions about the collision, request you to provide a recorded statement, or even offer a settlement. However, it is very important not to speak with these representatives and to never accept any settlement offers.

These representatives’ allegiance lies with their companies, not you. They will often take steps to minimize their own liability and financial responsibility. Anything that you say could be used against you and prevent you from recovering fair compensation. Additionally, any settlement will likely be much lower than what you are actually entitled to recover.

Politely decline to give statements or sign any documents without first consulting with a lawyer. Inform them that all communication should go through your legal representation once you’ve secured it.

Continue to Document Evidence After the Accident

In the days and weeks following the accident, continue to collect evidence and document your recovery. You can use this evidence to demonstrate the full extent of your damages and support your claim for compensation.

Make sure to:

• Keep a detailed journal of your injuries, pain levels, and how the accident has affected your daily life.
• Save all medical records, bills, and receipts related to your treatment.
• Document any missed work days and lost wages.
• Keep records of any property damage repairs or replacements.
• Save all correspondence with insurance companies and other parties involved.

Contact a Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Truck accidents often involve complex liability issues and multiple potentially responsible parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, and others. To build the strongest case for compensation, it is essential to hire a lawyer who can protect your rights, investigate your case, and fight for the compensation that you deserve.

At Colburn Law, we understand the challenges you’re facing and can provide the guidance you need during this difficult time. Our Seattle truck accident attorneys can communicate with insurance companies, gather all relevant pieces of evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us at (206) 919-3215 and learn how our firm can help you recover the compensation that you deserve.