What to Do After a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

Truck accidents can be terrifying, life-altering events. When a large commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the consequences are often catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries, extensive property damage, and, in some cases, fatalities. 

If you’ve been involved in a truck crash in Pennsylvania, knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath and during the legal process can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what to do after a truck accident in Pennsylvania, including how to gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and pursue commercial vehicle accident claims with the help of a skilled Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911

The first and most important step after a truck accident is to check yourself and others for injuries and call 911. Even if injuries don’t appear life-threatening, emergency medical services should evaluate everyone involved. Truck accidents often involve hidden trauma, internal injuries, or concussions that may not show immediate symptoms.

While you wait for emergency responders, if it’s safe to do so:

• Move your vehicle out of traffic (if drivable)
• Turn on hazard lights
• Remain calm and avoid confrontations with the truck driver

Step 2: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you don’t feel severely hurt at the scene, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only does this help ensure your health and safety, but it also creates a medical record that can be used as evidence in your claim.

Delaying treatment could lead to:

• Worsening injuries
• Denied or minimized insurance claims
• Difficulty proving that your injuries were caused by the accident

Your medical records will be critical in documenting the extent of your injuries and how they’ve impacted your life.

Step 3: Report the Crash and Document the Scene

When police arrive, provide a clear, factual account of what happened. Stick to the facts, avoid speculating or assigning blame. The police will compile an official accident report, which will be a crucial piece of evidence in your case.

If you are physically able, take steps to document the accident scene:

Gather this information at the scene:

• The truck driver’s name, contact info, license number, and employer
• Truck license plate and vehicle identification number
• Insurance information for both the truck and any commercial carrier
• Contact details of any eyewitnesses
• Photos of all vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, and injuries

This evidence may be critical in proving liability and determining how the accident occurred.

Step 4: Do Not Speak With the Trucking Company’s Insurer Alone

In the days following the crash, you may be contacted by representatives from the trucking company or their insurance provider. They might seem cooperative or even sympathetic, but their primary goal is to reduce the company's liability.

Avoid:

• Giving recorded statements
• Signing any documents or medical release forms
• Accepting quick settlement offers

Insurers often attempt to settle early for a low amount before you know the full extent of your injuries. Politely refer any communications to your attorney and let them handle negotiations.

Step 5: Understand What Makes Truck Accidents Legally Complex

Truck accident cases differ significantly from typical car accidents. These collisions often involve:

• Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, maintenance crew, manufacturer)
• Federal regulations (governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
• Larger insurance policies
• Logbooks, maintenance records, and black box data as evidence

The involvement of commercial vehicles, corporate entities, and federal oversight makes commercial vehicle accident claims uniquely challenging. That’s why it’s essential to consult with a lawyer who specializes in truck accident litigation.

Step 6: Preserve Evidence Related to the Crash

Commercial truck accidents generate vast amounts of potentially crucial evidence. However, much of this evidence, such as driving logs, GPS records, and vehicle maintenance history, is controlled by the trucking company and can be lost or destroyed if not requested quickly.

A Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer can send a legal document called a “spoliation letter,” which instructs the company to preserve all relevant evidence. This may include:

• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Black box (event data recorder) information
• Truck driver’s hours-of-service logs
• Inspection and maintenance reports
• Employment and training records
• Prior safety violations or citations

Preserving this evidence is essential to proving negligence or regulatory violations by the driver or their employer.

Step 7: Keep Track of All Your Losses

Accidents involving commercial trucks often lead to long-term financial consequences. From medical bills to lost wages and emotional trauma, it’s important to document how the accident has affected your life.

Keep records of:

• All medical visits, treatments, prescriptions, and therapy
• Missed work and reduced earning capacity
• Expenses related to mobility aids or home modifications
• Mental health treatment for PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Journals detailing your physical pain and emotional struggles

Your lawyer will use this information to calculate both economic and non-economic damages, ensuring that your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.

Step 8: Know the Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this window, you may lose your right to compensation entirely.

However, certain circumstances, such as government entities being involved or a minor being injured, can affect the timeline. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer early ensures that all legal deadlines are met and your case remains on track.

Step 9: Let a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer Handle Your Case

Given the complexity of truck accident claims, trying to navigate the legal system on your own can be overwhelming and risky. A skilled attorney will manage every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.

A truck accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash and determine liability
• Identify all responsible parties
• Handle communication with insurers and opposing counsel
• Calculate your damages (both current and future)
• File all paperwork and meet legal deadlines
• Take your case to trial if necessary

Unlike some car accident claims that can be settled quickly, truck accident litigation requires deep knowledge of both state and federal trucking laws. The sooner you involve a legal professional, the stronger your position will be when seeking justice.

Step 10: Focus on Your Recovery

Truck accidents can lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Recovery takes time, and legal battles only add to the stress. By following the right steps after the crash and working with a dedicated attorney, you can take pressure off yourself and focus on your health and well-being.

Remember, you are not alone in this process. Support is available, and some legal professionals can guide you every step of the way.

Contact a Pennsylvania Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck crash, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. An experienced Pennsylvania truck accident lawyer from Edelstein Martin & Nelson is ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the full compensation you’re owed. 

From investigating the accident to navigating complex commercial vehicle accident claims, we provide the legal support you need during this difficult time. Call (888) 630-4409 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.