What to Do After a Truck Rear-End Accident: Advice from a York Truck Accident Lawyer

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Rear-end collisions involving large trucks can lead to serious injuries and significant vehicle damage. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents often result in severe consequences for the occupants of smaller vehicles. If you’ve been involved in a truck rear-end accident in York, Pennsylvania, knowing what steps to take immediately can protect your health, legal rights, and ability to seek compensation. Here, the experienced legal team at Metzger Wickersham (MWKE) outlines essential steps to follow after such an accident and explains how a York truck accident lawyer can help you prove fault and secure the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Truck Rear-End Accident

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine after the accident, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms of whiplash, internal bleeding, or traumatic brain injuries can take hours or even days to manifest. Seeking medical attention ensures your injuries are documented, which is critical for your personal injury claim.

2. Contact Law Enforcement

Call 911 to report the accident and request police assistance. Law enforcement will document the scene, take witness statements, and create an accident report. This report can be invaluable in proving fault and liability in your case.

3. Gather Evidence

If you are physically able, collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. This includes:
  • Photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals.
  • Contact information for witnesses and other drivers involved.
  • The truck driver’s company name, insurance details, and license plate number.
  • Dashcam or surveillance footage, if available.

4. Avoid Discussing Fault

Do not admit fault or speculate on what happened. Anything you say to the truck driver, police, or insurance representatives can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when speaking with officials and contact a York truck accident lawyer before making any statements to insurance adjusters.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. However, do not accept a settlement offer or provide a recorded statement without consulting an attorney first.

6. Contact a York Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accident cases can be complex due to multiple parties involved, such as trucking companies, insurance providers, and cargo owners. A skilled attorney can investigate your case, gather evidence, and handle negotiations on your behalf to maximize your compensation.

How a York Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Prove Fault

Determining Liability in a Rear-End Truck Accident

In most rear-end collisions, the driver who struck the vehicle in front is presumed to be at fault. However, truck accidents can be more complicated due to factors such as:
  • Brake failure due to improper maintenance.
  • Driver fatigue leading to slow reaction times.
  • Distracted driving caused by texting, eating, or using onboard systems.
  • Improper loading that affects braking distance.
An experienced York truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate these factors to build a strong case on your behalf.

Collecting Crucial Evidence

Your lawyer will work to obtain key evidence, including:
  • Truck driver logs and electronic logging device (ELD) data.
  • Maintenance records for the truck involved in the accident.
  • Black box data that can show the truck’s speed and braking patterns.
  • Witness testimony and accident reconstruction reports.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Trucking companies and their insurers often try to minimize payouts by shifting blame or downplaying injuries. A knowledgeable attorney can negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact MWKE for Legal Assistance

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck rear-end accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Metzger Wickersham (MWKE) is dedicated to helping injured victims in York, Pennsylvania, fight for their rights and secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experienced team guide you through your claim.