What Should I Do at the Scene of a Truck Accident?

A truck accident can turn your world upside down. You might be in shock, in pain, and feeling a mix of emotions—confusion, frustration, even anger at the other driver. That’s completely normal. But staying as calm as possible is important because what you do immediately after the crash can make a big difference in your personal injury claim.

Everything you do at the scene of a crash should focus on collecting evidence to establish what happened, who was at fault, and how the crash affected you.

Our North Carolina truck accident lawyers can guide you through the entire process, helping you secure the compensation you are entitled to, and taking the right steps at the scene can protect your safety and legal rights. If you find yourself in this situation, keep these tips in mind:

Stop and Stay Calm

After a truck accident, always come to a complete stop and, if it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic. In North Carolina, drivers involved in a crash that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must stop and report the accident to law enforcement (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-166). Since most truck accidents meet these criteria, stopping is not only important—it’s required.

If you can, turn on your hazard lights, exit your vehicle, and carefully move to a safe location. Take a few deep breaths and focus on staying as calm as possible.

Call 911

After stopping, dial 911 to report the accident. Not reporting a crash could lead to serious legal trouble, including misdemeanor or even felony charges, depending on the situation.

Give the dispatcher the accident location and key details, but keep it simple and stick to the facts. Avoid guessing who was at fault or saying anything that could be taken as admitting blame, even if you’re unsure of what happened.

Gather Information from the Other Driver

In most truck accidents, law enforcement will respond to the scene due to the severity of these collisions. While waiting for the police, and if you’re physically able, exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to collect the following details:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Insurance company and policy number
• License plate number
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle make and model

For truck accidents specifically, be sure to collect the driver’s employer’s name and contact information.

Seek Medical Attention for Yourself and Others

Truck accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the size and force of commercial trucks. Never underestimate the impact of your injuries after a crash.

If you are seriously hurt, get medical attention immediately. Inform the police of your condition so they can call an ambulance, or dial 911 yourself if necessary. You can also ask someone nearby to request emergency medical help.

If paramedics are on the scene, allow them to assess you—even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation can help determine their severity.

Photograph the Accident Scene

Taking photos at the scene of a truck accident can make a big difference in your case. They capture exactly what happened before anything gets cleaned up, fixed, or changed, giving you solid proof of the crash.

If you are able and it is safe to do so, take photos of:

• The entire accident scene
• All vehicle damage
• The position of each vehicle
• Your injuries
• Skid marks, debris, or any other evidence from the crash
• Any other details that may help explain what happened

With cameras in public and private places, it is possible that your accident was caught on camera. If there’s a chance your accident was recorded on a nearby camera, take note and ask for access to the footage. This surveillance evidence may be used in order to try to prove liability in personal injury claims and create doubt surrounding the claimant’s credibility in the case. 

Visit a Doctor After the Accident

Even if you didn’t receive medical attention at the scene, it’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A medical evaluation can identify hidden injuries and help determine the treatment you may need.

Prompt medical care also strengthens your injury claim. Waiting too long to get treated gives the insurance company a chance to argue that your injuries aren’t as bad as you say, which could mean a lower settlement offer.

Call Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers Today

It’s important to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as you can. You can call at the scene or after you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation. If possible, call on the day the accident occurred. 

Trying to navigate a personal injury claim on your own is intimidating and often very difficult. The Whitley Law Firm has the experience, knowledge, and resources to guide you through the process. 

Speak with a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Please call the Whitley Law Firm at (919) 785-5000 today. Our truck accident lawyers serve clients in Raleigh, Kinston, New Bern, and throughout North Carolina. It won’t cost anything to see if we can help.