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

Scartelli Olszewski P.C.

Truck accidents are worryingly common in Pennsylvania, particularly in large cities such as Pittsburgh, Scranton, and Philadelphia. Spotting a truck accident on the side of the road is upsetting, but being involved in one can truly be a nightmare. What should you do after a truck accident in Pennsylvania, especially if you want to recover damages?

Below, learn must-follow tips on what you should do at the scene of a truck accident.

Seek Medical Care Promptly

Because semi trucks are much heavier and larger than regular cars, there’s a strong possibility of serious injuries. If you or anyone else at the scene is badly injured, call an ambulance right away.

If you don’t think that you’re hurt badly enough to need an ambulance, it’s still smart to see a doctor as soon as you can. Some injuries don’t manifest until after an accident once the adrenaline flooding your body has worn off.

Call the Police

You’re required to contact the police if a truck accident in Pennsylvania involves injuries or property damage of $1,000 or more. Given the damage that commercial vehicles can cause, both of these likely apply to your crash.

When the police arrive, you’ll have the chance to file a report, which will serve as important evidence for your claim.

Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene

If you’re not hurt enough to need emergency care, take the time to collect any evidence you can find at the accident scene. Photos and videos serve as excellent evidence. Snap pictures of the truck that hit you, your car, and your injuries. Also, be on the lookout for anything that may have contributed to the accident, such as traffic signs hidden by trees, broken stop lights, debris in the street, etc.

Gather Witness Statements

It’s hard for the average person to avoid gawking at a truck accident in Pennsylvania, so your crash probably had several witnesses. Flag them down before you leave the scene and ask if they can make a statement. Write down their statements in a notebook or your phone’s Notes app.

Ask for their contact information, too. Your lawyer will want to talk to your accident’s witnesses, and their statements can serve as good evidence for your case.

Exchange Information With the Truck Driver

Ask the truck driver for their commercial driver’s license number and DOT (Department of Transportation) number. If the driver is on duty, request their employer’s information as well. Often, it’s possible to file a claim against both the truck driver and their trucking company.

What To Do After Leaving the Scene

Once you head home, call a personal injury lawyer, such as Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. The sooner you have legal representation, the better. Your lawyer will tell you what to say and not say to the insurance company.

Speaking of insurance, be sure to call your auto insurance provider as well to find out whether you have limited or full-tort coverage. Limited tort coverage means you can’t sue for non-economic damages unless you have a “serious” injury. The good news, however, is your insurance company will pay your medical bills up to the limit you chose when you purchased insurance.

Full-tort coverage allows you to recover all of your provable damages.

Been Involved in a Truck Accident in Pennsylvania? Call Our Firm for Guidance

Navigating complicated accident claims is the last thing anyone wants to do after a truck accident in Pennsylvania. If you need help dealing with the insurance company or want to learn how much your claim may be worth, call Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. at 570-346-2600 or contact us online for a consultation.