Being involved in a trucking accident is one of the most serious and traumatic events a driver can experience. When an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle collides with a car, the injuries and damage can be catastrophic. At Scott Barney Injury Law in Virginia Beach, we’ve helped countless victims take the right steps after a trucking accident to secure the compensation they deserve.
Here’s a guide to what you should do immediately following a trucking accident to protect yourself physically, financially, and legally.
1. Get Emergency Help & Prioritize Safety
Call 911 right away, even if injuries aren’t immediately visible. Trucking accidents often cause hidden internal injuries or concussions. Emergency responders will also file a police report, which becomes a critical piece of evidence in your case.
2. Collect Key Information on the Scene
If you are physically able, gather:
- The truck driver’s name, employer, license number, and insurance
- License plate and DOT number on the truck
- Witness contact information
- Photos or video of vehicle damage, skid marks, road signs, and traffic conditions
Commercial trucks often carry insurance through complex corporate policies. That means collecting the correct details early is vital.
3. Do Not Admit Fault or Give Statements
Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Also, do not give a statement to the trucking company’s insurer before consulting with an attorney. Their goal is to reduce liability and limit your claim—sometimes by twisting your words.
4. Get Medical Attention and Keep Records
Whether it’s the ER or a follow-up with your primary doctor, continue all recommended treatments and save every bill, report, and diagnosis. These records will help prove the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact on your life and livelihood.
5. Understand the Complexity of Truck Accident Liability
Trucking accidents are not like ordinary car accidents. Multiple parties may be responsible:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A cargo loader or shipping contractor
- The manufacturer of a faulty part
At Scott Barney Injury Law, we investigate thoroughly to identify all liable parties and ensure every angle of your case is covered.
6. Let an Experienced Local Attorney Handle the Legal Side
Attorney Scott R. Barney has served Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads area for over a decade, offering personal injury clients one-on-one attention—not case managers or paralegals. He knows the ins and outs of Virginia personal injury law and the federal trucking regulations that can make or break a case.
From securing black box data and dash cam footage to negotiating with multiple insurance adjusters, his firm takes care of everything so you can focus on recovery.
7. Don’t Wait—Time Limits Matter
Virginia has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those involving truck accidents. If you wait too long to pursue legal action, you may lose your right to compensation. That’s why contacting an attorney as soon as possible is crucial.
Call Scott Barney Injury Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Scott Barney Injury Law offers free consultations and works on a contingency-fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win.
