What Not to Do After a Truck Accident in Pittsburgh

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Every truck crash case is unique, and you should consult with a qualified attorney or medical professional for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

There can be considerable confusion and overwhelm after a truck collision, especially when dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance claims. Knowing what to do and what not to do immediately post-truck collision can significantly protect your rights and establish a smoother recovery process.

Pittsburgh is a key transit hub with heavy truck traffic along I-376, I-279, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, increasing the risk of serious truck collisions, especially near construction zones and tight interchanges. Seeking help from an attorney for truck accidents in Pittsburgh early on can provide valuable guidance tailored to your situation.

Common Causes of Truck Collisions in Pittsburgh

a man standing next to a white van on the side of road

Heavy truck traffic through Pittsburgh’s complex interchanges and frequent construction zones raises several risk factors. Common causes include speeding on tight ramps (like those on I-376), driver fatigue from long-haul shifts, distracted driving, and failure to adjust for inclement weather conditions. Additionally, steep gradients on specific routes can lead to brake overheating. Understanding these causes can help victims and attorneys determine how negligence contributed to an accident.

Please avoid these mistakes in the aftermath of a truck crash:

Quick Guide: Do’s and Don’ts After a Truck Accident in Pittsburgh

Action	Do	Don’t
Emergency Response	Call 911 immediately and wait for law enforcement	Leave the scene without proper reporting
Medical Attention	Get checked by a doctor right away, even for minor symptoms	Ignore or delay medical care
Communication	Keep statements factual and brief	Apologize or admit fault (“I’m sorry” can be used against you)
Evidence Collection	Take photos, videos, and gather witness info at the scene	Rely on memory or assume police will document everything
Legal Action	Contact a truck crash attorney as soon as possible	Deal with the trucking company or insurance adjusters alone
Documentation	Secure police reports and medical records	Forget to document injuries or vehicle damage
Understanding Liability	Recognize that multiple parties may be liable (driver, company, etc.)	Assume only the truck driver is responsible

Not Calling the Police

Failing to contact the police after a vehicle collision is one of the most common mistakes people make. Having an official police report is crucial, even if the accident appears to be trivial.

The police report provides an objective account of what happened when interacting with insurance companies or navigating legal processes. Without this documentation, it could be challenging to prove what occurred or who was at fault.

Ignoring Medical Attention

Some injuries from truck crashes are not immediately apparent. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms, and internal injuries or concussions may only show signs hours or days later.

Skipping or delaying medical evaluation risks your health and weakens your claim. Insurance companies might disagree with your claim if you do not have medical records to back up your case.

Admitting Fault or Apologizing

It is natural to want to apologize or admit fault after an accident, but doing so can be harmful. Statements like “I’m sorry” can be interpreted as an admission of responsibility, which could negatively impact your claim.

Liability should be determined by the police and insurance adjusters based on evidence. Keep conversations with the other party brief and avoid discussing fault until you have professional advice.

Failing to Gather Evidence

a person writing on a paper standing a side of a car

Gathering evidence at the scene is essential. Photograph the road conditions, visible injuries, vehicle damage, and the location of the collision.

Note any adjacent security cameras that may have captured the collision, and if there are witnesses, gather their contact details. This evidence is helpful when proving the facts and bolstering your argument.

Understanding Liability in Truck Accidents

Truck collision dents often involve multiple liable parties beyond the driver. Liability may rest with the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even the cargo loader. For example, if a truck’s brakes fail due to poor maintenance, the company may be held responsible. In other cases, improper cargo loading can lead to hazardous weight shifts, which can result in rollovers. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation, often involving expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, and legal discovery.

Not Contacting an Attorney

several books and judges gravel on a table

Trucking companies often retain large insurance providers and legal teams who begin investigating and defending their case immediately after an accident. If you delay contacting an attorney, you risk facing their well-prepared defense without adequate representation. An experienced attorney can preserve evidence, such as driver logs, dashcam footage, and truck maintenance records, that may otherwise be lost or destroyed.

Managing the legal ramifications of a truck collision can be a challenging task. Trucking businesses may have legal teams defending their interests, and insurance companies frequently attempt to reduce settlements.

Leaving the Scene Without Proper Steps

Failing to exchange information with the police or notify them is a serious offense and can result in criminal charges.

Even if you feel fine or the damage seems minor, stay at the scene until the necessary information is exchanged and law enforcement arrives. This will protect you legally and verify that all details are accurately recorded.

Wrap Up

After a trucking accident, it is essential to stay calm and follow the proper steps. You can avoid these mistakes to protect your health, legal rights, and financial recovery.

Remember, each accident is unique, and professional counsel is often needed to resolve the complexities. Being cautious and informed is the most effective way to handle the situation.