A truck crash can turn your life upside down in an instant. One minute, you’re going about your day; the next, you’re dealing with injuries, car damage, and an overwhelming amount of stress. So, what now? How do you recover your losses and get your life back on track? Let’s break it down—step by step.
1. What Are My Immediate Priorities After a Truck Crash?
Your health comes first. Even if you feel fine, injuries from truck accidents can take hours or even days to show up. Get medical attention right away.
Also, if possible:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Take photos of your vehicle, the truck, and any visible injuries.
- Get the truck driver’s info and any witness statements.
- Avoid discussing fault at the scene— let your attorney handle this discussion with your insurance.
- Call a Personal Injury attorney.
2. Who Pays for My Medical Bills?
This is where things get tricky. The truck driver’s insurance should cover your expenses, but insurance companies aren’t exactly eager to hand over money. They’ll look for ways to downplay your injuries or even shift blame to you.
If you have health insurance, it may cover some costs. Make sure you submit all of your medical bills to your health insurance company and do pay those bills since you may not receive money from the settlement for months or even years. Still, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of someone else’s mistake. A personal injury attorney can help you get full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and future expenses.
3. What If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?
An insurance adjuster might reach out with an offer that sounds decent—until you realize it barely covers your hospital visit, let alone ongoing treatments or lost wages.
Here’s the truth: Early settlement offers are almost always too low. Trucking companies and their insurers know that accident victims are stressed and overwhelmed, so they try to close the case quickly before you understand the full extent of your damages. Before accepting any settlement, talk to an attorney who knows what fair compensation looks like.
4. How Much Compensation Can I Get?
Every case is different, but compensation typically includes:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
In some cases, you could also receive punitive damages—extra money meant to punish the trucking company if they were negligent (think: overworked drivers, poorly maintained trucks, or ignored safety rules).
5. Can I Handle This Without a Lawyer?
You can try, but it’s not a good idea. Here’s why:
- Trucking companies have legal teams whose job is to minimize what they pay you.
- You might not know the full value of your case. There are damages you’re entitled to that you may not even realize.
- Legal deadlines exist. If you miss a filing deadline, you could lose your chance to get compensation.
The good news? Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis—meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. They only get paid if they win for you.
6. What If I Feel Guilty About Suing?
A lot of people hesitate to take legal action because they don’t want to seem “greedy” or they feel bad about suing someone. But here’s the thing: You’re not suing the truck driver personally—you’re holding their employer and insurance company accountable.
Trucking companies have policies specifically for accidents like this. They factor settlements into their costs of doing business. Getting compensation isn’t about greed—it’s about making sure you aren’t left struggling while they move on like nothing happened.
7. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
This varies by state, but in Virginia, you have two years to file a claim. However, waiting too long can weaken your case because evidence disappears, and witnesses’ memories fade. It’s best to take action sooner rather than later.
8. What’s My First Step Toward Recovery?
- Get medical care if you haven’t already.
- Document everything—medical bills, lost workdays, and how the crash has affected your life.
- Talk to a legal professional before speaking to the insurance company or accepting any settlement.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
A truck crash can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Your job is to heal. The right help can make sure you get the compensation you need to move forward. If you’re unsure of what to do next, reach out for a free case review—because your recovery matters. Call Williams DeLoatche, P.C. today for a free consultation to determine your next steps: 540-385-5555.