Commercial truck accidents are far more complex than car crashes. Here is how to protect your health and preserve the evidence that wins trucking injury claims.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — roughly 20 times the weight of a passenger car. The forces involved in a truck collision often cause catastrophic injuries. The legal case is also more complex: multiple parties may share responsibility, including the truck driver, the trucking company (carrier), the company that loaded the trailer, a maintenance provider, a broker, and even a parts manufacturer. Each may carry its own insurance, and each insurer will work to limit its share of the payout.
Get Medical Help Immediately
Your health comes first. Truck accident injuries — traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, internal bleeding, and severe fractures — are often life-threatening and may not be obvious right away. Get emergency medical care, follow every treatment recommendation, and keep detailed records of every doctor visit, test, and bill. These records are the foundation of your claim.
Call the Police and Preserve the Report
A police report is critical in a truck accident. It documents the scene, identifies the driver and the trucking company, records the vehicle and trailer numbers, and may note hours-of-service or equipment violations. Get the officer's information and request a copy of the report. Also note the truck's DOT number, often printed on the cab or trailer door.
Preserve the Evidence — Fast
Trucking companies are required by federal regulation to keep certain records — driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box data, inspection reports, and maintenance records — but they do not have to keep them forever. Some of this evidence can be destroyed in a matter of days or weeks. This is why involving a lawyer quickly is essential. A preservation demand letter can legally require the carrier to retain the evidence before it disappears.
Do Not Give the Insurer a Recorded Statement
Trucking companies and their insurers have investigators and lawyers who often arrive at the scene within hours. Their goal is to limit what they pay you. Do not give a recorded statement, do not sign any paperwork, and do not accept a settlement before you have spoken with your own attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
Understand the Damages Available
Because truck accident injuries are often severe and long-lasting, the compensation at stake can be significant — past and future medical care, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving a fatality, a wrongful death claim may also be available. A lawyer who understands the full scope of these damages is essential to making sure nothing is undervalued.
Watch the Statute of Limitations
In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. Waiting too long can permanently bar your right to recover. The sooner an investigation begins, the stronger the case.
How Diana Lakic Helps
Diana Lakic has the litigation experience to take on commercial trucking companies and their insurers. She investigates the crash, identifies every responsible party, sends preservation demands before evidence is lost, and fights for the full value of your claim — including future medical care and lost earning capacity. Call 800-330-HURT (4878) for a free consultation. No fee unless she recovers money for you.
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