3 Phone Calls to Make After a Truck Accident

Truck accidents typically result in greater devastation than standard car accidents, owing to these vehicles’ larger size and heavier impact. In 2021, 5,788 people lost their lives in fatal truck accidents, and 155,000 were injured. Across fatalities and injuries, over 70% of those hurt were passenger vehicle occupants.

If you’re involved in a truck accident, your immediate actions can impact your safety and your ability to receive compensation. Learn the three most important phone calls to make to safeguard your well-being and protect your interests after an accident with a truck.

1. Call 911

Immediately following a truck accident, contact 911. During the call, stay composed and give clear details, including your name, location, and a brief description of the accident. If you’re unsure of your location, use landmarks or street signs to describe where you are. Request medical assistance for any injuries, even those that appear minor.

Calling the authorities immediately ensures the following:

• Rapid Medical Assistance: Emergency responders can quickly assess and treat injuries. Prompt care can prevent injuries from worsening and save lives, especially in serious accidents.

• Accident Scene Safety: When authorities arrive, they can secure the accident scene by redirecting traffic, erecting safety barriers, and managing fuel spills or roadway obstructions. This prevents further accidents or injuries, especially in busy traffic areas.

• Official Documentation: Police at the scene will create an official accident report. This document details the accident’s circumstances, such as time, date, location, vehicle damage, and weather conditions. You can obtain this report from the Missouri Highway Patrol for insurance claims or legal proceedings. 

• Legal protection: Calling 911 provides a record of the incident, showing that you took the appropriate steps following the accident. Missouri requires reporting any traffic accident that results in injury, death, or more than $500 in damages.

2. Contact Your Insurer

Once you’ve received medical attention, inform your insurance company about the truck accident to initiate the claims process. Quick reporting is crucial, as most insurance policies mandate timely notification. Any delays may affect your coverage and could reduce your compensation.

When communicating with insurance providers, be cautious with your language. Avoid statements such as “I wasn’t paying attention” or “I’m not badly injured.” Insurance adjusters will use these comments to establish fault and liability, which means these statements can negatively influence your claim.

In states with pure comparative fault laws like Missouri, your compensation may be adjusted based on your degree of fault. Providing accurate and factual information, without speculation or admission of guilt, ensures a fair evaluation of your claim.

3. Reach Out to a Truck Accident Attorney

Your third call after a truck accident should be to an experienced truck accident attorney, who can assist you with the complexities of insurance negotiations and potential litigation.

A skilled truck accident lawyer at Cofman Townsley will accurately determine the merit of your claim and ensure you don’t settle for less than what you’re entitled to. Our legal team can manage interactions with insurers, protecting you from strategies that could devalue your claim, like quick settlement offers that don’t reflect the true extent of your entitlement.

In cases where litigation becomes necessary, we will represent your interests in court. We help you understand your rights and the full scope of damages you may be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Protect Your Rights with Cofman Townsley

Truck accidents can leave victims with catastrophic injuries and high medical expenses. If you were hurt in a collision with a semi-truck, the Missouri truck accident lawyers at Cofman Townsley can walk you through the claims process and protect your rights against aggressive truck company insurers.

With over 50 years of experience, we provide skilled representation for your personal injury case. Contact our team today to schedule a free consultation to explore your legal options and secure the compensation you deserve.