.png)
According to the FMCSA, close to 120,000 large truck or bus collisions caused injuries in 2021. Over 5,900 large truck and bus crashes ended in fatalities in the same year. A truck crash is a traumatic and overwhelming event, so save the following list so you always know what to do after a truck accident in CA.
1. Call 911
Call 911 (or ask someone else to do so) as soon as you move out of harm’s way. This ensures quick medical help for any injured people and discharges your duty to report a vehicle accident to the police. Stay on the scene until the police officers arrive unless you need urgent medical care.
Ensure you give the police the correct information and answer all their questions. The police report should be as detailed and accurate as possible to help with liability determination in an insurance claim or lawsuit. You should avoid saying anything that could sound like you’re admitting fault.
2. Collect Evidence
While you wait for law enforcement to arrive, focus on evidence collection. Take multiple photos and videos of your car, the truck, the road conditions, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries. If anyone else saw the accident, ask for their name and contact info.
Note the truck’s license plate number and trucking company’s name. Exchange contact and insurance details with the truck driver. Avoid accusations or excessive apologies, and stay calm as much as possible.
3. See a Doctor
Seeking medical attention is high on the priority list of what to do after a truck accident in CA. While some injuries are obvious, others can go unnoticed for hours or even days after the collision. These include potentially life-threatening conditions like TBIs and internal organ damage.
Always go for a full medical checkup within 24 hours of an accident. First, this allows you to rule out serious injuries and start treatment immediately. Second, you’ll need these medical records for your claim or lawsuit.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to tell your insurer about any accident within 24 to 72 hours (depending on your policy) to preserve your coverage, so add this to the checklist of what to do after a truck accident in CA. Give your insurer a brief, basic summary of the crash.
The at-fault side’s insurer may also contact you following the accident. Please note you’re under no obligation to talk to them. It’s better to say as little as possible to the other side’s insurer because even a casual remark like “I’m sorry” or “I feel fine” can act against you.
5. Talk to a Lawyer
Seek legal counsel as soon as possible after the accident. An experienced lawyer can help you determine who’s responsible (which isn’t always obvious in truck accidents) and tap into important evidence like trucking company records, black box data, dash cam footage, and drug and alcohol test findings. Your attorney will also take the appropriate legal steps to prevent the at-fault side from destroying evidence.
Furthermore, your lawyer will help you calculate how much your claim is actually worth. They’ll advocate for your interests when negotiating with insurers and represent you in court if the other side refuses to settle your claim.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Call The Law Office of Elliott Kanter
Are you unsure what to do after a truck accident in CA? Contact Elliott Kanter, a seasoned truck collision lawyer in San Diego, for reliable legal guidance. For over 40 years, Mr. Kanter has fought for the rights of truck accident victims and their families. Call (619) 231-1883 or complete our online form to book a free consultation.
