If you’ve recently got hit by a truck, the experience can feel overwhelming, frightening, and confusing. Many people don’t know what to do after such a serious accident—and that’s completely normal. This guide breaks everything down step-by-step so you can protect your health, your rights, and your long-term well-being.
Got Hit By A Truck: Essential Actions You Must Take Immediately
Being hit by a truck is a major event, and truck-related injuries are often more severe due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Here’s what experts recommend.
Read too: Top Trucking Companies That Still Have Manual Transmissions
1. Prioritize Your Safety: What Should You Do First?
According to transportation safety data, truck collisions cause thousands of severe injuries in the U.S. each year. Your first concern is your physical safety, even if you believe your injuries are minor.
Immediate Steps
- Move to a safe place if you’re still on the roadway.
- Call 911 immediately — even if you’re unsure about injuries.
- Do not leave the scene unless instructed for medical reasons.
- Check for visible injuries such as bleeding, dizziness, or pain.
Why immediate care matters
Medical experts emphasize that adrenaline can hide symptoms of serious injuries like internal bleeding, concussion, or fractures. Even if you “feel okay,” seek medical evaluation.
2. Common Injuries After Being Hit By a Truck
People often ask, “What injuries should I watch out for after getting hit by a truck?” The impact of a truck makes certain injuries more common.
Frequent Injury Types
- Whiplash & neck strain
- Fractures (legs, ribs, pelvis)
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
Truck accidents typically produce more severe trauma due to the truck’s mass. According to national safety data, commercial trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than passenger vehicles, dramatically increasing force on impact.
3. Collect Evidence: What Information Should You Gather?
Evidence can be crucial if you need to file insurance claims. Even if you’re shaken, try to document everything.
Vital Evidence to Collect
- The truck driver’s name, company, and license number
- Insurance information
- Photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries
- Witness names and phone numbers
- The police report number
Important Tip
Commercial truck drivers often work for a company that may send representatives to the scene quickly. Stay calm and collect your own documentation.
4. Understanding Liability: Who Is Responsible?
People also ask, “Who is liable if I got hit by a truck?”
Liability can be more complicated in truck accidents.
Possible Liable Parties
- The truck driver
- The truck company (carrier)
- The vehicle manufacturer (if a defect caused failure)
- Maintenance contractors
- Cargo loaders (in case of improper loading)
Because commercial trucking involves federal regulations and strict safety standards, liability may involve multiple parties.
For historical context about commercial transport development, you can visit Wikipedia’s transportation page.
5. Should You Call a Lawyer After Getting Hit By a Truck?
While this article does not provide legal advice, many people wonder why attorneys are often recommended for truck accidents.
Why People Contact Lawyers in Truck Accident Cases
- Trucking companies typically have strong legal teams.
- Multiple insurance policies may be involved.
- Injuries are often more serious, requiring long-term care.
- Evidence (such as logbooks or black box data) can disappear quickly.
If you choose to consult a professional, they can help clarify your options.
(Again, this is general information—not legal advice.)
6. Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do After You Got Hit By a Truck
This step-by-step checklist simplifies what can be a chaotic moment.
Step 1: Get to Safety
Find a secure spot away from oncoming traffic.
Step 2: Call 911
Request both police and medical assistance.
Step 3: Document the Accident
Take photos, note license plates, and record conditions.
Step 4: Exchange Information
Get the truck driver’s details, including employer.
Step 5: Seek Medical Treatment
Ask for a full evaluation—even if you feel fine.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance
Provide basic facts only. Avoid making assumptions.
Step 7: Track All Expenses
This includes medical bills, medications, lost wages, and repair costs.
7. Insurance Claims: What Should You Expect?
Truck accident insurance claims differ from typical car accidents.
Common Challenges
- Multiple insurers may dispute responsibility
- Adjusters may request recorded statements
- Settlement negotiations can take longer
- Damage assessments are higher due to the severity of collisions
Tips for Communicating with Insurance
- Stick to facts
- Avoid admitting fault
- Keep copies of all reports and communications
8. Emotional Impact: Why Feeling Shocked or Anxious Is Normal
Many people underestimate the psychological toll of an accident.
Typical Emotional Responses
- Shock
- Anxiety
- Fear of driving
- Sleep disturbance
- Mood changes
Studies show that traumatic collisions can trigger temporary stress responses, even in people who weren’t severely injured.
What You Can Do
- Talk to someone you trust
- Seek short-term counseling if symptoms persist
- Give yourself time to recover emotionally
9. Preventing Future Truck Accidents: What Can Drivers Do?
While not every crash is preventable, awareness helps reduce risks.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spot
- Maintain safe following distance
- Never cut in front of trucks
- Be cautious when trucks make wide turns
- Stay alert around truck brake lights and signals
Why Trucks Need More Space
Commercial trucks require 20–40% more stopping distance, depending on size and load.
FAQ (H2)
Q1: What should I do first if I got hit by a truck?
Your first priority is safety. Move to a safe area, call 911, and seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel normal.
Q2: Do I need medical care even if I don’t feel injured?
Yes. Many serious injuries may not show symptoms right away. A medical professional can detect issues such as internal injuries, concussion, or soft tissue damage.
Q3: Who is responsible if a truck hits me?
Liability varies. It could be the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or even the cargo loader. Each accident is different.
Q4: Should I contact a lawyer after being hit by a truck?
Many people do because truck accidents often involve complex insurance processes and multiple parties. However, this guide does not provide legal advice—consult a professional for specific guidance.
Q5: How long do symptoms last after a truck accident?
Minor symptoms may resolve in days, but more serious injuries can take weeks or months. Always follow medical recommendations.
Q6: What information should I gather from the truck driver?
Get their name, employer, insurance details, license number, and truck plate number. Also gather witness contacts and take photos of the scene.
Conclusion
Getting hit by a truck is a traumatic and overwhelming experience, but taking the right steps afterward can help protect your health, financial stability, and peace of mind. By understanding what to do—from seeking medical care to documenting evidence—you’re better prepared to handle the situation confidently.
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