Pascoe Law Firm

Truck Accident FAQs

When a commercial truck accident occurs, the results are often catastrophic. Many victims suffer serious injuries or die at the scene after being crushed during the impact. The horrific outcome of a truck accident is often the result of a significantly heavier vehicle colliding with a small passenger vehicle or pedestrian. Other times, the incident produces a horrific event when flammable and hazardous materials are involved. ​Our truck accident injury attorney has compiled a comprehensive list of the most common frequently asked questions involving truck accidents. Families use this information to make an informed decision about how to move forward legally in filing a claim for compensation against all parties responsible for their damages.

​I was just involved in a commercial truck accident. What should I do first?

To ensure your safety and well-being, you need to take the initiative to accomplish a few things if possible. The first steps include:
• Call Law Enforcement Immediately – Contact the police and EMT (Emergency Medical Technicians) quickly by dialing 911. There is likely considerable damage to the vehicles, which should remain in the same spot they were in if they do not cause a traffic hazard on the roadway.
• Go to the Emergency Room – Even if you do not believe you are severely injured, you should immediately be transported to the hospital or ER by Emergency Medical Technicians. You might not be aware of the extent of your injuries without a diagnostic examination. The emergency room doctor may order x-rays and perform a comprehensive physical exam to determine if you are bleeding internally or suffered a traumatic head injury, organ damage, broken bones or other severe problem.
• Collect Documentation– You, your companion or friend can collect the names and what happened. You or others can use your smartphone or camera to take photographs of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and pictures that capture the current weather and road conditions. Every picture you take could be crucial in proving your case in court that the commercial truck driver was at fault for causing your accident.
• Never Apologize for Anything at the Accident Scene – You may be overwhelmed or in shock in the minutes or first hours after the accident occurred. The chaotic situation and the confusion you experience may make you feel guilty for what happened. However, apologizing and declaring you are responsible for causing the accident when you did not do anything wrong could have a severely negative impact on resolving your compensation case. At some point, you will be required to tell your side of the story. However, at that stage, you should speak only on the advice of your attorney.
• Never Sign Anything – The insurance company providing your compensation may want you to sign an affidavit to receive your monetary recovery. However, without legal advice, you could be signing away all your rights to be compensated or certainly a lesser amount than you deserve.

Why are truck accidents more likely to cause fatalities than normal car accidents?

​The size and weight of a fully loaded commercial vehicle can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. Most passenger cars weigh around 3000 pounds. Therefore, when two different sized vehicles collide, the results are often catastrophic. Typically, the trucker is unharmed, and the motorist and passengers in the small vehicle suffer severe injuries or die.

How does the law define a commercial truck?

Big rigs, 18-wheelers, delivery vehicles, cement trucks, tanker trucks, and semi-tractor-trailers are considered commercial transport vehicles. However, there are specific classifications of standard pickup trucks that are also identified as a commercial truck. Typically, any large truck that requires a commercial driver’s license to operate is regarded as a commercial vehicle.

​Should I accept the settlement offer from the insurance company?