An 18-wheeler accident is one of the most traumatic experiences a driver or pedestrian can endure. These massive vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded, and when they collide with passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic. Just last week, two Brevard County surveyors died after being struck by an 18-wheeler that ran off the road and then fled the scene. They were doing their jobs, and they lost their lives because of a truck driver’s negligent, reckless behavior.
If you’ve recently been involved in an 18-wheeler crash, knowing what to do in the aftermath is essential – not only for your health and safety, but to protect your legal rights and secure the compensation you deserve. As Florida truck accident attorneys, we’ve helped countless individuals recover from life-altering collisions. Here are three critical steps to take immediately following an accident with a commercial vehicle:
Step 1: Prioritize your health and safety after an 18-wheeler accident.
Immediately after any accident, your health and the safety of others must come first. Call 9-1-1 as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can hide serious symptoms, and some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not be immediately obvious. How can you best protect yourself legally, from a lawyer’s standpoint?
Accept medical treatment at the scene or head to the ER right away.
Seeking medical help immediately creates a medical record, which is vital when filing a truck accident injury claim. This documentation connects your injuries directly to the 18-wheeler crash, which insurance companies often try to dispute.
Do not move your vehicle after an 18-wheeler accident…
unless it poses a danger to others or blocks traffic. Police will document the accident scene, and the details in that report can later help your truck accident lawyer reconstruct the collision. This information further verifies your claim.
Why this step matters:
Injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are often severe, ranging from broken bones and spinal injuries to traumatic brain damage. Delaying treatment not only jeopardizes your health but can hurt your truck accident case by giving the trucking company’s insurer ammunition to question your claim.
Step 2: Collect evidence to strengthen your claim.
If you’re physically able, gathering evidence at the scene of a truck accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Trucking companies and their insurers often act quickly to reduce their liability, so you need to act fast to protect your rights.
Central Florida sees more commercial trucks each day – accidents are the norm!
Here’s what we suggest collecting, if possible:
- Photos of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, nearby damage, weather conditions, and any visible injuries
- The truck driver’s information, including their name, employer, insurance details, and USDOT number (this is usually printed on the truck door)
- Witness names and contact details
- The police report from the accident (once available)
It’s also important to ask your attorney to request the truck’s black box data, also called an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). This device logs speed, braking, and hours of service, which are crucial in proving negligence, such as driver fatigue or speeding.
And remember, just as there’s evidence you need to collect, there’s also evidence you should avoid giving to others. Never speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without your attorney. They may seem sympathetic, but their job is to limit payouts from their company.
Why this step matters after an 18-wheeler accident:
You are “first on the scene” and able to gather evidence your attorney won’t otherwise be able to get. The more you can bring to your initial consultation. This is when we answer your questions and begin your journey toward resolution. The more evidence we start with, the higher your chances of getting the desired outcome from your case. In other words, more evidence = a solidly backed claim.
Step 3: Contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Don’t try to handle a truck accident claim alone. Cases involving 18-wheelers are far more complex than typical car accidents. They often involve:
- Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo loader, and even the maintenance provider)
- Large commercial insurance policies
- Federal regulations that are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
- Aggressive defense teams working for the trucking company
The experienced truck accident lawyers at Brooks Law Group have proven results in 18-wheeler accidents. Because we know the ropes of commercial vehicle accidents in Florida, we are able to begin an investigation immediately. This helps preserve evidence as the accident is fresh, and gives us a better launch point for your case. We take care of every detail, from hiring accident reconstruction experts to overseeing all communication with the trucking company and its insurer.
What do we fight for after you’re injured in a commercial vehicle crash? Coverage for…
- Medical bills (current and future)
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress (including PTSD, depression, and anxiety)
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence and missed deadlines. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Florida, Brooks Law Group is your go-to for legal counsel and representation. We provide free consultations for individuals and families affected by commercial vehicle accidents and advocate for their rights at every level. We serve cities throughout the state and have a record of outstanding settlements for clients just like you.
Don’t navigate the legal journey alone as you heal and recover. Look to Brooks!
