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what to do after truck accidentYou’ve just been in a truck accident. Whether it happened on one of Waldorf’s busy roads or while driving through Southern Maryland, it’s essential to know what to do after a truck accident to protect yourself and your rights. Here are some important steps you can take:

1. Call for Help and Stay at the Scene

What to do after a truck accident in Maryland starts with taking immediate action. First, check for injuries and call 911 if needed. Maryland law requires you to contact the police if anyone is hurt or if there is significant property damage. If safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Stay at the scene unless it’s unsafe. Your actions in these first few minutes are crucial.

2. Snap Photos and Gather Details

Once help is on the way, use your phone to capture photos of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Don’t worry about perfect angles—just document as much as possible. Ask witnesses for their contact information and write down your account of the accident to keep the details fresh.

3. Exchange Information, but Watch What You Say

You’ll need to exchange information with the truck driver, but keep it simple: name, contact information, insurance details, and the name of their trucking company. This is not the time to discuss blame or apologize. Even casual statements like “I didn’t see you” could hurt your case. Stick to the basics and let the investigation sort out responsibility.

4. See a Doctor ASAP

Even if you feel fine, truck accident injuries can appear hours or days later. Internal injuries, whiplash, and head trauma might not be apparent right away but can become serious if left untreated. Keep all paperwork from your visits, including bills, treatment plans, and prescriptions. These documents help prove how the accident affected you physically and financially.

5. Talk to a Lawyer Familiar with Truck Accident Cases

Being involved in a truck accident isn’t like a regular car crash. The size of the trucks and the potential for serious injuries mean the stakes are higher. You need a truck accident attorney who understands these types of accidents and can help protect your rights and ensure you’re treated fairly.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company,

After you’ve addressed immediate safety concerns, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Keep the conversation simple and avoid speculating about liability or making statements about the extent of your injuries.

If the trucking company’s insurance calls you, don’t speak to them alone. Trucking companies have their own legal teams and insurance adjusters who might try to settle quickly for less than you deserve. Let your lawyer handle those conversations for you.

7. Understand How Maryland’s Laws Impact You

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, such as the trucking company, their insurance provider, and possibly even the truck manufacturer. Maryland has specific laws you need to know:

  • Contributory negligence. If you’re even 1% at fault for the crash, you won’t be able to collect damages. This common law principle makes it critical to avoid any statements that could be interpreted as accepting blame.
  • Statute of limitations. Maryland law gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. While there are a few exceptions to this statute, missing this deadline can leave you without legal options.

Navigating these nuances is why having an attorney is so important—cases require more than just filing paperwork.

8. Keep Track of Everything Moving Forward

Accidents involving trucks often lead to piles of paperwork. Keeping track of everything can make the claims process smoother. Start a file—physical or digital—and save:

  • The police report,
  • Photos and witness statements,
  • Medical bills and treatment records,
  • Repair estimates for your vehicle, and
  • Insurance correspondence.

When building your case, these documents will help your lawyer show what happened and how the accident impacted your life.

9. Be Cautious About Settlement Offers

Insurance companies often want to close cases quickly, but their first offer isn’t always fair. Once you accept a settlement, you usually can’t go back for more, even if your injuries or expenses are worse than expected. Before agreeing to anything after being involved in a truck accident, have your attorney review the offer to ensure it covers all your current and future needs.

Why Southern Maryland Law Is the Right Choice

Southern Maryland Law has served the Waldorf and Southern Maryland community for over 60 years. Our experience with truck accident cases means we know what it takes to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.

We understand how trucking companies and their insurers operate, and our team works to handle the legal side so you can focus on your recovery. Your first consultation is free, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.

When you work with us, you’re not just another case—you’re a neighbor. Contact us today to get started. We’d be honored to help.