What To Do If You’re in a Semi-Truck Accident

category: Truck Accidents

Protecting your rights
after a truck accident

What To Do If You're in a Semi-Truck Accident

The average car weighs around 4,000 pounds, while tractor trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. With such a size disparity, it's no surprise that these collisions often result in catastrophic consequences. In the U.S., they account for more than 4,000 fatalities annually and cause 2,000 severe injuries each year in Illinois alone.

These accidents often happen due to driver fatigue, speeding, and poor weather conditions. Knowing what steps to take immediately following a truck accident is critical to protecting your safety, securing evidence, and ensuring you can receive fair compensation for damages.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Illinois

Truck accidents can be overwhelming, but taking the right actions can make a significant difference in safeguarding your rights and well-being. Here’s what you should do:

1. Prioritize Safety: Your safety and that of any passengers should be your first concern after a truck accident. Move to a safe area if possible, and stay alert for hazards like leaking fluids or oncoming traffic. If moving the vehicle is unsafe, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
2. Call 911 and Assess Injuries: Always contact emergency services after an accident, even if injuries seem minor. Police reports and medical evaluations are critical for your recovery and any future claims. Hidden injuries like whiplash or concussions often don’t show symptoms immediately.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, road conditions, and vehicle damage. Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers and collect witness details. Documenting your injuries through photos and maintaining a record of your medical visits can also help substantiate your claim.
4. Notify Your Insurance Provider: Report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but avoid giving a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or find ways to deny it, so be cautious when discussing the details.
5. Seek Legal Help: Truck accident cases can be legally complex due to the involvement of multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturers. An experienced lawyer will help identify all responsible parties, negotiate with insurers, and advocate for maximum compensation. They can also manage deadlines and paperwork, so you can focus on your recovery.

Why You Need to Document Symptoms

One of the most important things you can do if your involved in a truck accident (after being safe and getting medical treatment) is to keep note of any pain or discomfort you may be feeling. Pain may seem minor at first but can escalate over time. Keeping a journal of symptoms, medical appointments, and daily challenges caused by your injuries provides vital evidence for claiming special damages.

Contact Our Illinois Truck Accident Lawyers Now

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal complexities on your own. With more than 70 years of experience, Hassakis & Hassakis specializes in helping victims secure fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Whether you’re dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional distress, our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way.

At Hassakis & Hassakis, we have a proven track record of winning substantial settlements for truck accident victims across Southern Illinois--view some of our results to see why. Contact us today for a free case review or call us at (618)-244-5335 to speak with an experienced Illinois truck accident lawyer. Let us help you get the representation and fair compensation you deserve.