If you or your loved one has been in a truck accident, we know these are challenging times for you. You may be entitled to compensation. To recover compensation,...
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How Negligence Is Established in a Truck Accident
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Tacoma (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you were just involved in a serious truck accident, it’s completely normal to feel shaken, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. Knowing what to do after a truck accident in Tacoma can help you protect your health, preserve important evidence, and avoid mistakes that could hurt your legal claim later. This step-by-step guide is meant to give you clear direction during a stressful and confusing time.
Truck accidents in Tacoma often involve large commercial vehicles traveling through I-5, SR-16, and industrial areas near the Port of Tacoma. These crashes tend to cause severe injuries and are far more complex than standard car accidents. Taking the proper steps early can make a meaningful difference in your recovery and your financial future.
Contact us today at 503-222-6333 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
Step 1: Call 911 and Prioritize Safety
After a truck crash in Tacoma, WA, your first priority is safety. Call 911 immediately. Even if injuries don’t seem severe, collisions involving commercial trucks can cause internal injuries, spinal trauma, or head injuries that may not show symptoms right away. Law enforcement will secure the scene and prepare an official accident report, which can be critical evidence later.
Washington law requires drivers to report collisions involving injuries or significant damage to law enforcement, which is another reason calling 911 after a truck accident is so important.
Step 2: Get Medical Care As Soon As Possible
Seeking medical attention right away protects both your health and your legal claim. Delayed treatment can give insurance companies an excuse to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash. Medical records help establish:
- The severity of your injuries,
- A clear connection between the collision and your condition, and
- The need for ongoing or future care.
Even if you feel “okay,” getting checked out is one of the most important steps you can take.
Step 3: Document the Scene if You’re Able
If you can safely do so, begin gathering evidence at the scene. A Tacoma truck accident checklist should include obtaining:
- Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and road conditions;
- The truck’s company name, USDOT number, and license plate;
- Contact and insurance information for all drivers involved; and
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses.
This information can be difficult or impossible to recover once you leave the scene.
Step 4: Watch What You Say to Insurance
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, sometimes within hours of the crash. Their goal is not to protect you. It is to minimize what they pay. You should avoid:
- Giving recorded statements,
- Admitting fault or apologizing, or
- Guessing about injuries or what caused the crash.
It is often best to let a Tacoma truck accident attorney handle all communication with insurers.
Step 5: Preserve Evidence and Limit Social Media
Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies may use photos or comments out of context to challenge your claim. At the same time, keep organized records of:
- Medical appointments and bills;
- Missed work and lost income; and
- Pain levels, symptoms, and daily limitations.
These details help show the full impact of your injuries.
Step 6: Understand Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Commercial truck accidents involve additional layers of complexity, including multiple potentially liable parties. Proper truck accident steps in Tacoma may include preserving driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records, which trucking companies may not keep forever. Acting quickly helps ensure this evidence is not lost.
Commercial trucking companies must also comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which govern driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and safety procedures. These rules do not apply to standard passenger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions After a Truck Accident in Tacoma
Should I Call the Police After a Truck Crash?
Yes. Always call the police after a truck accident. An official police report documents what happened and can be vital to your case.
What Should I Say to Insurance?
You can provide basic identifying information, but you are not required to give a recorded statement. Avoid discussing fault or injuries until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
What Evidence Should I Gather at the Scene?
Photos of the vehicles, road conditions, injuries, and identifying information for the truck and witnesses are crucial.
When Should I See a Doctor?
Immediately. Either accept treatment at the scene, go to the emergency room, or see a doctor within 24 hours, even if symptoms seem mild.
Talk to a Tacoma Truck Accident Lawyer Who Can Help
At D’Amore Law Group, we have decades of experience standing up to trucking companies and insurance carriers. We are passionate advocates for injured individuals and families throughout Washington and Oregon.
If you are unsure what to do after a truck accident in Tacoma, speaking with a trusted Tacoma truck accident lawyer can give you clarity and peace of mind. Contact D’Amore Law Group today to learn how a dedicated truck accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, can help protect your rights and your future.
Legal References Used to Inform This Page
To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal resources during the content development process.