Steps to Take After a Tractor-Trailer Accident
After a tractor-trailer accident in Reading, get to a safe location, call 911, seek medical attention, document the crash, preserve evidence, and be careful when dealing with the trucking company and its insurer. A collision on U.S. 222, U.S. 422, I-176, or another busy Berks County roadway can leave important evidence behind that may become harder to obtain later. If you suffered injuries in a tractor-trailer crash, reach out to our Reading truck accident attorneys at HGSK Injury Lawyers to explore your next steps and legal options.
Get to Safety and Call 911 After a Tractor-Trailer Crash in Reading
Move away from traffic if you can do so safely. Don’t stay in a travel lane to photograph the crash or inspect the vehicles. Call 911 or the police. Turn on your hazard lights and wait for emergency responders if the scene is unsafe. 75 Pa.C.S. § 3746 requires a driver involved in a crash to immediately notify the nearest authorized police department when someone is injured or killed, or when a vehicle is damaged badly enough that it can’t safely be driven and requires towing.
Get Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine
Some injuries may not be obvious immediately after a tractor-trailer collision. Get evaluated by a medical professional, especially if you hit your head, feel pain, experience dizziness, or have other symptoms. Tell the provider that the injury resulted from the truck crash and explain what happened. Keep your medical records, imaging results, prescriptions, bills, and follow-up instructions.
Give Police The Facts and Get The Crash Report
When police arrive, describe what you remember without guessing about speed, distance, or fault. Tell the officer about your injuries and point out anything at the scene that may be important. If your accident occurred within Reading, the appropriate local law enforcement agency may investigate. A crash on a major highway or outside the city may involve the Pennsylvania State Police instead. Ask how to obtain a copy of the crash report after the investigation is completed.
Photograph The Scene, Vehicles, and Road Conditions
If you can safely take photographs, capture evidence before vehicles are moved or the scene changes. Focus on:
- Damage to your vehicle and the tractor-trailer
- The truck’s license plate and identifying numbers
- Traffic signs and signals
- Road markings and lane positions
- Debris, skid marks, or other physical evidence
- Weather and visibility conditions
- Your visible injuries
- Nearby businesses or other locations that may have surveillance cameras
Photographing the area can help preserve details that may not appear in the police report.
Collect The Truck Driver and Company Information
Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, insurance information, and the trucking company’s name. If it’s safe, take photos of the tractor, trailer, license plate, company markings, and identifying numbers. Depending on the circumstances, the trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance provider, cargo-related company, or another party may also have information relevant to the crash, so make sure to get that as well.
Keep a Record of Your Injuries, Treatment, and Financial Losses
Keep a detailed record of how the injury affects your daily life and work. Save medical bills, prescriptions, mileage for medical appointments, wage information, and records of missed work. Also write down changes in your ability to walk, lift, sleep, work, drive, or perform normal activities. These details can help document the effects of the crash over time.
Talk to Our Reading Truck Accident Lawyers Before Dealing With The Insurer
After a serious tractor-trailer crash, talking to our truck accident attorneys in Reading early can help protect evidence and prevent you from making decisions before you understand the full extent of your claim. Our lawyers can investigate the collision, identify potentially responsible parties, request the preservation of trucking records, and handle communications with the trucking company’s insurer. They can also review your medical records and financial losses before you consider a settlement offer.
Get Answers About Your Tractor-Trailer Accident Case From Our Reading Truck Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in a tractor-trailer crash in Reading or elsewhere in Berks County, learn more about your case and schedule your free case evaluation by calling HGSK Injury Lawyers at 267-551-8782 or emailing us.