As of October 31, 2025, ConsumerShield reported an estimate of 108,000 truck mishaps in the United States. The size and weight of a large vehicle make it extremely challenging to survive an accident involving a truck.
A significant increase in the severity and risk of injury depends on the method of operation used immediately after the accident; these strategies may assist in maintaining control during a prolonged dispute over the matter. According to truck accident lawyer Lyndon R. Helton, speed, reckless driving, bad visibility, distracted driving, and driving under the influence are typically the reasons for a truck accident.
Let us now discuss the immediate steps that should be taken after a truck accident.
Table of Contents
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
Road accidents with a truck are very common in the USA.
Having an idea of what to do immediately after a truck accident in Montana or in any other state could lead to the rescue of lives and protection of the rights of the injured. A person should stay at the scene until the damages can be precisely evaluated. At this point a careful, objective analysis of the physical factors related to the mishap must be evident. It is important that one looks after personal safety to avoid any further harm or injury in the process.
If possible, get help for anybody who is hurt there. Check yourself for injuries since adrenaline can mask any signs of pain.
You can manage every situation successfully with cooperation and patience.
Feeling overwhelmed is pretty common. You can start taking back control if you strengthen your support network.
Call Emergency Services
You must notify authorities by calling 911 concerning the incident that occurred once you have stabilized a victim and given the injured person any help as needed. Provide important details about the accident. Talk about the scene of the accident. Give a situational brief about the cars involved and an estimate of fatalities.
Maintain your composure while communicating with the emergency responders, as the dispatcher will provide comfort through your messages until the end. State any time-sensitive issues so that you receive the right kind of help.
While you wait for help, stay with the others involved, as your presence can help in making the situation a bit less stressful. You can also find that people will come together in the case of an accident; you are not going to be left alone in this.
Once help arrives, you will be happy about the decision to call for support since the presence of professionals may help safeguard the lives and well-being of everyone involved.
Gather Information and Evidence
You should gather proof and information about the crash during the time emergency services are waiting. Truck drivers involved in the accident are supposed to swap information with those involved, such as insurance credentials, contact numbers, plate numbers, and other details.
Take a lot of photos of the accident site from various angles so it is easy to identify victim cars, road marking signs, and any other signage. Call upon witnesses for their statements with good photographs and some sort of contact information since this information will come in handy for further proceedings.
Feel free to take notes in your notebook or use your cell phone to gather recordings. The notes taken should not only concentrate on the event itself but rather on your thoughts and feelings too. All this information will not only help you to feel more ready but also less alone when you take steps following an accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
It is important to inform your insurance company of the truck accident as soon as it takes place. It is, after all, their job to assist you. A quick call with your insurance company will lead you to being given the right coverage to help you deal with the expenses involved in the accident. Give them all the information you have collected when making the call with respect to the accident date, time, and place and the vehicles involved.
It is also good to share any proof that you obtained. The insurance agent will work with you throughout the claims process, and that will be a positive thing.
Choosing to initiate an action can foster feeling protected and connected to your support networks during a difficult time.
Seek Medical Attention and Legal Assistance
In case of an accident involving a truck, the first thing you must keep in mind is to accept medical care even when you are feeling fine. Some injuries do not manifest immediately. It is always good to visit a medical professional for your safety and the possibility of making a claim in the future.
When looking for medical treatment, the considerations should be the same as when hiring an attorney. A skilled lawyer will lead you through the most difficult phases of your case, and in this way you will have a better comprehension of your rights and options.
They will see to it that you are reimbursed for the medical expenses, salaries not received, and pain endured. Keep in mind that having a good support system does wonders for your healing process.