Truck accidents don’t leave much room for second chances. One careless driver can cause lifelong injuries, massive property damage, and unanswered questions. The steps you take after the crash will shape your entire case.
Manhattan truck accident lawyers can help people take action when the system feels stacked against them. If a commercial truck hits you in New York City, follow these steps to protect your health, your rights, and your case.
Step 1: Get Out of Harm’s Way
If the crash leaves you in traffic, get to a safer spot. Check on others if you can. Don’t try to move anyone who looks seriously hurt – call 911 right away and wait for EMTs to take over.
Step 2: Call the Police
Always report the crash. NYPD officers will document the scene, take statements, and create a formal accident report. That report will help establish vital facts later: who got hurt, what caused the crash, and whether the driver followed the law.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Use your phone to take photos of everything – the vehicles, your injuries, street signs, skid marks, traffic signals, and any nearby security cameras. Ask for names and contact info from witnesses, even if they only saw part of the crash. Every detail can help.
Step 4: Get Medical Attention
Take your symptoms seriously. Head injuries, organ damage, and other injuries often hide at first. Go to the ER, urgent care, or your doctor on the same day as the collision. That visit puts your condition on record and strengthens your claim.
Step 5: Watch What You Say
Keep your statements factual and brief. Don’t say you’re fine. Don’t admit fault, even if you feel shaken or confused. Insurance companies use early comments to twist your words and reduce your payout.
Step 6: Call a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck crashes involve more than the driver. You may face a company with deep pockets and a legal team that moves fast to dodge liability. A lawyer can track down maintenance records, black box data, GPS logs, and subcontractor agreements – all before they disappear.
Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer to report the crash, but don’t give a full recorded statement until you speak with a lawyer. If the truck driver’s insurance contacts you, refer them to your legal team.
Step 8: Avoid Social Media
Skip the posts and status updates. Photos and comments – even innocent ones – can weaken your case. Let your lawyer handle communication while you focus on recovery.
Step 9: Keep Every Document
Start a folder with every medical bill, repair invoice, doctor’s note, and insurance letter. Write down how the crash affected your day-to-day life. That record shows what you’ve lost – and what the company should pay to make it right.
Why Legal Help Matters Early
The Manhattan truck accident lawyers at Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC, know how to hold commercial drivers and their employers accountable. Once you take these first steps, our legal team handles the rest. We will move fast to secure evidence, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today to speak with a lawyer who won’t let your case get pushed aside.
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