5 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in California

 Posted on April 24, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and lead to long and stressful recovery periods. If you have been involved in a crash with a commercial truck in California, it is important to take the right steps to protect your health, your rights, and any future legal claim you may have. Knowing what to do in the hours and days after the accident can make a big difference. An experienced San Jose, CA personal injury lawyer can help you understand what compensation you could be eligible for and navigate the process of pursuing it.

Step 1: Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do after a collision with a truck is call 911. Even if you do not feel hurt, it is important to let medical professionals check you. Some injuries, like brain injuries or internal damage, may not be obvious right away. A medical record can also help later if you decide to file a personal injury claim.

Step 2: Report the Accident

California law requires drivers to report an accident to the police if anyone is hurt or killed. In most truck accident cases, the police will arrive at the scene. Make sure to give your version of events truthfully and calmly. You should also report the crash to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within ten days if the accident caused injury, death, or more than $1,000 in damage.

Step 3: Collect Evidence

If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get the contact information of the truck driver, their employer, any witnesses, and the police officer who made the report. Try to gather as much information as possible before you leave the scene.

Step 4: Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Help

The trucking company’s insurance provider may contact you soon after the accident. They may offer you a quick settlement, but you should not accept anything or make a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, even when the other driver was clearly at fault.

Step 5: Contact a California Personal Injury Lawyer

Truck accidents are more complicated than regular car crashes. There may be several parties involved, such as the truck driver, their employer, the company that loaded the truck, or even a truck manufacturer. A personal injury lawyer who handles truck accident cases in California can help you understand your rights and gather the right evidence. A lawyer can also help you calculate your damages, which may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Santa Clara County, CA Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, our South Bay Area, CA personal injury attorney is here to offer professional guidance. At Law Office of John J. Garvey, III, we understand the intricacies of personal injury laws and have experience dealing with trucking companies and their insurers to get our clients what they deserve. Call our office today at 408-293-7777 to schedule a free consultation and find out how we plan to help you recover maximum compensation.