What to Do if You’re Injured by a Distracted Truck Driver

A fully loaded truck is already dangerous enough even when the driver is paying attention. Now, imagine what would happen if they’re not.

The numbers confirm the danger. In 2021 alone, about 5,780 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in the United States. This shows just how much damage even one moment of distraction can cause. (1)

When a trucker is texting, messing with the radio, or grabbing food instead of watching the road, the results can be catastrophic. The good news? There are legal steps you can take when you get hurt in a crash like this.

Trucking companies have more resources and strong legal teams. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. If a distracted truck driver caused your accident, you have the right to pursue compensation. This settlement will help cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you’re unsure what you can do after the accident, here are a few pointers:

Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

Did you get hit by a commercial truck or caught in a tractor-trailer collision? Talk to a truck accident lawyer first. These crashes can be complicated. Liability can fall on multiple parties. Could it be the driver or the trucking company? Sometimes it’s the maintenance crew that dropped the ball.

An attorney cuts through the confusion. They handle the legalities while you focus on healing. Insurance companies won’t push you around when you have representation. Just make sure you find an experienced truck lawyer in your area.

For example, if the accident happened in New Jersey, work with top rated truck accident attorneys in NJ. Local experts know the state traffic laws inside out. They can review the crash scene, access black box data from the truck, and interview witnesses who saw what happened.

Get Medical Help Right Away

Your health should always come first. Even if you feel fine, see a doctor immediately after the crash. Some injuries hide at first. Concussions may not appear at first. And internal bleeding (hemorrhage)? It can sneak up on you hours later, which can be deadly.

In fact, research shows that hemorrhage accounts for over 60,000 deaths in the US yearly. Worldwide, that number jumps to about 1.5 million deaths annually. So, if you don’t want to become another statistic, see a doctor immediately. (2)

Getting these medical records is also important. They document everything. When did the pain start? What treatment did you need? How severe were your injuries? You’ll need this paper trail if you file a claim.

Report the Accident

If the police didn’t arrive at the scene, make sure you report the crash to local authorities. You’ll need this to make your compensation claim stronger. This official record may include details about the commercial truck, the unsafe driving behaviors observed, and the damage involved.

Be clear and honest when giving your statement. But avoid guessing about what happened. The information in this report may later support your claim and help with road safety efforts.

Gather Evidence if You Can

Try to collect as much information as possible at the scene, but only if you’re able to move around safely. Useful evidence includes:

• The truck’s license plate and company name
• Photos of vehicle damage and road conditions
• Notes about speed limits, traffic flow, weather, and lighting
• Contact details for the truck driver and any witnesses

In some cases, your attorney can request the truck driver’s phone record. Were they texting while driving? Using a navigation system? Scrolling social media? This evidence can prove that distracted driving caused the crash.

Every small detail matters. They all add up to show what really happened.

Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters Alone

Expect a call from an insurance adjuster within days of the crash. They’ll sound friendly and even concerned, but don’t fall for it.

The truth? Insurance adjusters are there to protect their own interests, not yours. Their job is to pay you as little as possible. They analyze every word you say to find ways to reduce your personal injury claim or deny it completely.

Avoid giving recorded statements on your own. You said you felt “okay” right after the crash. They’ll use that against you when your accident injuries get worse.

Even worse, one slip-up could make you look at fault. In fact, depending on your state’s laws, assigning you even 1% of the blame could legally wipe out your right to receive any compensation at all. An adjuster’s job is to find that fault. (3)

Let your lawyer handle these calls instead. They know the games adjusters play. They’ll protect your rights and push back when the truck insurance company tries to lowball you.

Conclusion

Facing an accident caused by a distracted truck driver can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone. The above discussion offers helpful steps to take after a truck accident injury. You can now protect your health and get enough compensation to cover your expenses. Remember, getting the right support can make a huge difference. Take things one step at a time. You deserve a chance to heal and move forward.

References

1. “Number of fatal large truck crashes in the United States from 2001 to 2021”, Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/191544/fatal-large-truck-crashes-in-the-us/
2. “Traumatic hemorrhage and chain of survival”, Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10207757/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20National%20Trauma,preventable%20%5B14%2C%2015%5D
3. “What Is an At-Fault Accident?”, Source: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/at-fault-accident