What to Do After a Truck Accident in Fort Wayne: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Truck crashes often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term recovery. Unlike standard car accidents, collisions involving commercial trucks are far more likely to cause life-altering harm due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Victims frequently suffer from severe injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Severe burns
- Limb amputations
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Psychological trauma
In Fort Wayne and throughout Indiana, truck accidents are particularly complex because they often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even third-party contractors responsible for maintenance or cargo loading. Insurance companies representing the trucking industry have teams dedicated to minimizing payouts, making it difficult for accident victims to recover the full compensation they need for medical care, lost income, and long-term rehabilitation.
The steps taken immediately after a truck accident can have a major impact on a claim. Knowing what to do – and what mistakes to avoid – can make all the difference in holding negligent parties accountable and securing a financial recovery that truly covers the damages suffered.
What to do at the scene of the truck accident in Indiana
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can mean the difference between a strong legal claim and a battle against trucking companies and insurers determined to deny compensation. The aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming, but protecting both your health and legal rights starts at the scene.
Step 1: Move to a safe location (if possible)
If physically able, move to a safe area away from traffic to avoid further danger. But do not leave the scene of the accident. Indiana law requires drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury or property damage to remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Leaving prematurely can result in criminal charges and weaken a future injury claim.
While waiting for emergency responders, assess the situation carefully. Some truck accidents involve hazardous cargo spills, fuel leaks, or unstable vehicles that pose an immediate risk of fire or explosion. If there is any indication of danger, create as much distance as possible without endangering yourself or others.
Step 2: Call 911
Reporting a truck accident immediately is both a legal requirement and a critical step in preserving evidence. In Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) or the Allen County Sheriff’s Office typically respond to major crashes within city limits and surrounding areas. The police report they complete serves as an official record of the accident, documenting key details such as weather conditions, road hazards, and statements from involved parties.
Failing to report a truck accident can severely harm an injury claim. Insurance companies often attempt to dispute liability by questioning the severity of the crash. If no police report exists, they may argue that injuries were minor or unrelated to the accident. This is particularly important on major Fort Wayne roadways such as I-69, US-30, or Coliseum Boulevard, where truck accidents frequently occur.
Additionally, trucking companies deploy their own investigators to accident scenes as soon as possible to gather evidence that benefits them. The longer a victim waits to call 911, the more time trucking companies have to manipulate the narrative, making it harder to hold them accountable. Filing a crash report with the FWPD or Indiana State Police ensures an official record is created, helping to protect legal rights and strengthen a claim.
Step 3: Seek medical attention immediately
Even if injuries do not seem severe, getting checked by medical professionals at the scene right away is critical. Truck accidents often cause delayed-onset injuries, including concussions, whiplash, spinal trauma, and internal bleeding, which may not present symptoms immediately.
From a legal standpoint, seeking medical attention right away strengthens a claim. Insurance companies look for any excuse to deny compensation, and delayed treatment gives them ammunition to argue that injuries were not serious or were caused by something other than the accident.
Medical records create an official link between the crash and the injuries suffered. Without timely documentation, proving that injuries were caused by the accident – not by a pre-existing condition – can become significantly more difficult.
Step 4: Speak with law enforcement (but be cautious)
When police arrive at the scene, provide factual details about the accident, but do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Truck accidents are complex, and determining liability requires an in-depth investigation.
Even seemingly harmless statements can be used against a victim later. Saying something like, “I didn’t see the truck coming” could be twisted into an admission of fault. The same applies to apologizing or making assumptions about what caused the crash. Instead, stick to objective details, such as where the crash occurred and what direction each vehicle was traveling.
Additionally, ensure that the police report is accurate before leaving the scene. Errors in the report – such as incorrect statements from witnesses or missing details – can create problems when filing a claim. If any information is incorrect, it should be corrected as soon as possible.
Step 5: Gather evidence if possible
Truck accident claims require substantial evidence to prove liability. The trucking company, its insurers, and their legal team will aggressively work to protect their interests, so victims must begin building their case immediately. If you can, gather the following:
- Photos and videos: Capture vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, weather, and any traffic signals or signs.
- Injury documentation: Take pictures of any visible injuries, including bruises, cuts, or burns.
- Witness contact information: Independent witnesses can provide valuable testimony that supports the claim.
- Truck driver details: Obtain the driver’s name, employer, insurance information, and USDOT number (displayed on the truck).
- License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions: Identify all involved vehicles, including the truck and any other impacted cars.
Beyond gathering evidence at the scene, do not trust that the trucking company will preserve important records voluntarily. Trucking companies are legally required to maintain driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records, but these records can be lost, altered, or destroyed if not requested quickly. A legal professional can issue a spoliation letter, requiring the trucking company to preserve critical evidence that may prove negligence.
Step 6: Get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible
Some injuries, particularly those involving the spine, brain, or internal organs, may not present symptoms until hours or even days after the accident. Conditions such as concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage can worsen over time if left untreated. A medical evaluation ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and properly treated before they become life-threatening.
In Fort Wayne, truck accident victims often receive emergency care at Lutheran Hospital, Parkview Regional Medical Center, or Dupont Hospital, which have trauma centers equipped to handle serious crash-related injuries. If emergency treatment isn’t required, it’s still important to schedule a follow-up exam with a primary care doctor or specialist as soon as possible.
Getting checked at the scene of the crash is a good start, but follow-up care is essential. Seeing a doctor immediately for a full medical evaluation helps establish a direct link between the accident and the injuries sustained. This documentation is critical when seeking compensation, as insurance companies often argue that delayed treatment means an injury was either pre-existing or not serious enough to require medical care. Keeping thorough medical records from Fort Wayne healthcare providers can make all the difference in proving the full extent of injuries and securing rightful compensation.
Step 7: Follow all prescribed treatments and recommendations
Receiving initial medical treatment is only the first step. To protect both your physical health and a legal claim, it is equally important to:
- Attend all follow-up appointments, including physical therapy or specialist evaluations.
- Follow the doctor’s prescribed treatment plan, including medications, rehabilitation exercises, and any recommended surgeries.
- Report any new symptoms that arise in the days or weeks following the accident, as some injuries take time to develop fully.
Gaps in medical care can severely impact an injury claim. If a victim skips appointments or fails to follow medical advice, insurance companies may argue that the injuries are not as serious as claimed or that the victim failed to take reasonable steps to recover.
Step 8: Keep detailed records of medical treatment and expenses
Medical documentation plays a significant role in determining the value of a claim. Keeping thorough records of all medical expenses helps in calculating the full cost of the injury. This includes:
- Emergency room visits, hospital stays, and specialist consultations
- Diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medications and assistive devices like crutches or braces
- Travel expenses related to medical appointments
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by arguing that certain treatments were unnecessary or unrelated to the accident. Having a well-documented medical history prevents them from downplaying the extent of the injuries.
Step 9: Be cautious when discussing injuries with insurance companies
Shortly after the accident, insurance adjusters may request a recorded statement about the injuries sustained. It is important to avoid making definitive statements about health until a full medical evaluation has been completed. Some injuries may take time to manifest, and saying something like “I feel fine” in the immediate aftermath can later be used to dispute the severity of an injury claim.
Insurance companies also monitor medical records for any inconsistencies. If a victim reports feeling fine to one doctor but later describes severe pain to another, insurers may use that as an excuse to deny or reduce compensation. Keeping all medical reports consistent and accurate is essential.
If an insurance company want to ask you questions about the accident, explain that you would like to talk to an attorney first. Then get legal advice from an experienced truck accident lawyer.