What You Should Do When a Delivery Truck Hits You: A Step-by-Step Guide

That sudden moment when a delivery truck hits your car can shake even the calmest person. With more delivery trucks on the road thanks to e-commerce, these crashes happen more often than you realize. 

The sheer size difference between delivery trucks and passenger cars turns what could be minor fender-benders into potentially serious situations.

In those chaotic moments after impact, knowing exactly what steps to take isn’t just helpful. It’s essential for protecting yourself on all fronts. Your actions immediately following the crash can safeguard your health, strengthen your legal position, and secure your financial recovery. 

While driver fatigue, inadequate training, or pressure to meet tight delivery windows often cause these accidents, understanding these factors helps you navigate the aftermath with confidence.

1. Stay Safe and Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your safety must come first. If possible, move to a secure spot away from traffic to prevent any secondary collisions that could make a bad situation worse.

Once you’re safe, quickly assess yourself and others for injuries. Don’t dismiss even minor symptoms like slight dizziness or neck discomfort. These can signal more serious problems lurking beneath the surface.

Then, grab your phone and call 911 without hesitation. Emergency responders will secure the scene and provide critical medical care that could be lifesaving.

Even if you feel relatively fine, never refuse a medical examination. Many injuries are hidden by adrenaline and only show up hours or days later.

Besides protecting your health, having medical documentation creates an important record linking your injuries to the accident. This is something you’ll be grateful for if you need to file claims later.

2. Call the Police and File a Report

After ensuring everyone’s immediate safety, involving law enforcement becomes your next priority.

Police officers bring objectivity to the chaos, creating an official account that carries significant weight in any future proceedings.

When talking to officers, stick to clear facts instead of emotions or guesses. This helps the police write an accurate report with driver details, witness accounts, and early ideas about what caused the crash.

Before leaving the scene, request a copy of this report for your records. This simple step gives you important proof that can help with insurance claims or legal issues later on.

3. Gather Important Evidence at the Scene

While waiting for the police, use your smartphone to gather evidence. Take clear photos and videos of vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any injuries. Memory can fail you later, especially after trauma, so these details are important to have.

Pay attention to the surrounding environment as well. Was it raining? Foggy? Did the road have poor lighting or hazardous conditions? These contextual factors often reveal important contributors to the accident that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Between photos, speak with witnesses and jot down their contact information. Their independent perspectives can later validate your account of events when questions arise.

Don’t forget to note the delivery company name, truck number, and any identifying markings that connect the vehicle to its corporate owner.

4. Exchange Information Properly

Once things calm down a bit, approach the truck driver to exchange essential information. You’ll need their name, license number, insurance details, employer information, and vehicle registration to properly pursue your case.

During this exchange, however, choose your words carefully. Resist the natural urge to apologize or make statements like “I didn’t see you coming” that could be twisted into admissions of fault. 

Even innocent comments made in the heat of the moment can return to haunt your case when you least expect it.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

After leaving the scene, contact your insurance provider right away to report the accident. Most policies require you to notify them within a specific timeframe. This is because delays can make it harder to verify details. Waiting too long may also cause your claim to be denied and put your coverage at risk.

When talking to an insurance adjuster, stick to the basic facts about what happened because anything you say could be used against you.

Your insurance representative will explain the claim process and how your policy covers truck accidents, which are often different from regular car claims because trucks are commercial vehicles.

6. Contact a Lawyer Experienced in Truck Accident Cases

An experienced truck accident attorney will gather important evidence like delivery records and maintenance logs before they disappear. They also know which expert witnesses can support your case. 

Most importantly, your lawyer handles all talks with insurance companies. Since insurers often try to offer low settlements, your attorney protects you from being pressured into accepting less than you deserve.

If you need a Boston truck accident lawyer, DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers offers a free consultation and works on a contingency fee basis to help you get the compensation you deserve.

7. Understand Potential Compensation and Claims

Your recovery might include more than just vehicle repairs. Medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing therapy costs, and compensation for pain and suffering typically form the backbone of truck accident claims.

The liability often extends beyond the driver to include the delivery company, vehicle maintenance providers, or even parts manufacturers.

Your attorney will help identify all potentially responsible parties to maximize your recovery options.

Building a strong case means proving negligence occurred and directly caused your damages. This process takes time but ensures you receive fair compensation that truly reflects your losses.

8. Avoid Common Mistakes After a Delivery Truck Accident

As you navigate recovery, steer clear of common pitfalls that could undermine your case. 

Delaying medical treatment sends the wrong message about your injury severity, while giving recorded statements without legal guidance can inadvertently damage your position.

Perhaps most importantly, resist the temptation to accept quick settlement offers. These early proposals almost always undervalue your claim, hoping you’ll trade fair compensation for immediate closure before understanding your full damages.

By following these steps methodically, you transform from accident victim to informed advocate for your own recovery. 

While no one ever plans to be hit by a delivery truck, knowing exactly how to respond puts you in the strongest possible position to protect your health, rights, and financial future.

Final Thoughts

Facing a delivery truck accident is overwhelming, but remember that you don’t have to handle it alone. Taking prompt, informed action empowers you to protect your health and your rights. 

With the right support, including experienced legal help, you can overcome the challenges ahead and secure the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Stay strong, stay focused, and know that recovery is possible.