A collision involving a tractor-trailer, delivery truck, work van, bus, or other commercial vehicle can cause devastating injuries. These cases can also involve multiple companies, insurance policies, and federal or state safety requirements.
If you were injured in a commercial vehicle crash in Scranton or Lackawanna County, O’Donnell Law Offices can help you take the following steps, preserve critical evidence, and pursue compensation from those responsible.
1. Report the Crash and Seek Medical Attention
Call 911 and request assistance from law enforcement and emergency medical personnel. If you can safely do so, move away from traffic and remain at the scene until first responders arrive.
Seek medical attention even if your injuries do not initially appear serious. Concussions, internal injuries, and spinal damage may not produce immediate symptoms. Keep records of your treatment, expenses, prescriptions, and time missed from work.
O’Donnell Law Offices can help document how the collision affected your health, employment, and daily life.
2. Document the Commercial Vehicle and Crash Scene
If your condition allows, take photographs or videos of:
- The vehicles and their positions
- Damage, debris, and skid marks
- Traffic signals and road conditions
- The truck’s license plate
- Company logos and vehicle numbers
- The U.S. Department of Transportation number
- Your visible injuries
Obtain the driver’s name, employer, insurance information, and driver’s-license information. Collect contact information from witnesses as well.
If you cannot gather this information because of your injuries, O’Donnell Law Offices can investigate the scene, obtain the police report, locate witnesses, and seek available photographs or surveillance footage.
Attorney Michael O’Donnell – Photographed in Scranton
3. Do Not Give the Trucking Company a Recorded Statement
A trucking company or insurance carrier may contact you shortly after the collision. Its representative may ask for a recorded statement, broad access to your medical history, or a quick settlement.
Do not agree before speaking with O’Donnell Law Offices. The trucking company’s insurer is protecting its own interests and may use your statements to dispute your injuries or reduce the value of your claim.
O’Donnell Law Offices can take over these communications and protect you from pressure while you focus on recovering.
4. Preserve Evidence Before It Disappears
Important commercial vehicle evidence may include:
- Electronic logging-device records
- Event data recorder information
- GPS and dash-camera footage
- Driver schedules and hours-of-service records
- Inspection and maintenance histories
- Driver training and qualification files
- Dispatch communications
- Cargo-loading records
Electronic data can be overwritten, and records may be lost if they are not requested promptly. O’Donnell Law Offices can send preservation notices and take steps to secure this evidence.
5. Let O’Donnell Law Offices Investigate Who Is Responsible
Responsibility may extend beyond the commercial driver. The trucking company, vehicle owner, maintenance contractor, cargo loader, parts manufacturer, or another company may have contributed to the crash.
O’Donnell Law Offices can investigate every potentially responsible party and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent injuries, and other losses.
Contact a Scranton Truck Accident Attorney
O’Donnell Law Offices represents truck accident victims in Scranton, Clarks Summit, Dunmore, Old Forge, Taylor, Carbondale, and throughout Lackawanna County.
Commercial vehicle companies often have insurers and investigators working immediately after a crash. Put an experienced Northeastern Pennsylvania legal team to work for you.
Consultations are always free. Never a cost unless we win.
Call O’Donnell Law Offices at 570-821-5717 or schedule a free consultation with an attorney online.