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Truck accidents can cause severe injuries and result in lasting emotional, physical, and financial burdens. In New Jersey, where major highways and commercial traffic intersect daily, collisions involving large trucks are all too common. Knowing what to do in the moments and days after a truck accident can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
This post walks you through the key steps to take after a truck crash—and why they matter.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Get Medical Care
Your first priority after any truck accident should be safety. If you’re able, move to a safe location away from traffic and call 911. Medical responders can assess injuries at the scene and determine whether hospitalization is necessary.
Even if you feel “fine,” get checked out. Many injuries, including whiplash, concussions, and internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Delaying treatment can also hurt your insurance claim, as insurers may argue your injuries weren’t serious or related to the crash.
2. Report the Crash and Cooperate With Law Enforcement
Under New Jersey law, you must report any motor vehicle accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. When police arrive at the scene, provide a clear, factual statement. Avoid speculating about what caused the crash or who is at fault.
The officer will file a crash report, which becomes a critical document in your case. Ask how to obtain a copy and write down the badge number of the responding officer.
3. Document the Scene If You Can
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, take photos or videos of the crash site before vehicles are moved. Try to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- The truck’s license plate and any company branding
- Skid marks or debris in the road
- Traffic signs, signals, and road conditions
- Visible injuries to yourself
If there are eyewitnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Independent observations can help confirm the circumstances of the crash.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company—But Watch What You Say
You’ll need to report the accident to your own insurance provider, even if the truck driver was clearly at fault. Stick to the facts and avoid making assumptions or assigning blame. Be especially cautious if contacted by the trucking company’s insurer—they may attempt to obtain a recorded statement or push for a quick settlement.
At this stage, you’re not required to speak with the other party’s insurance company directly. In fact, it’s usually better if you don’t.
5. Keep Track of Your Medical Treatment and Expenses
Your medical records are a key part of your injury claim. Make sure you:
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan
- Save copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, and test results
Also, keep a written record of how your injuries affect your daily life. If you can’t return to work, have difficulty sleeping, or are struggling with daily tasks, those details matter. Pain and suffering, lost income, and reduced quality of life are all factors that may be considered in potential compensation.
6. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties and their insurers. The driver, the trucking company, a cargo loader, or even a parts manufacturer may all share liability. Commercial trucks are also regulated by both federal and state laws, which can create additional challenges for victims trying to pursue a claim on their own.
If you’ve been seriously injured or are facing pressure from insurance adjusters, turn to Nagel Rice. We have a proven track record of helping accident victims across New Jersey navigate challenging insurance claims and build robust cases for maximum compensation.
Our team understands the legal complexities of truck crashes and knows how to hold commercial carriers accountable. Contact us today to get started with a seasoned truck accident attorney.