At Regan Zambri Long, we believe every D.C. injury victim deserves aggressive representation and personal attention from start to finish.

What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Washington, D.C.

Truck accidents in Washington, D.C. can happen suddenly and with devastating force. Injuries tend to be severe when an 18-wheeler is involved, and the aftermath is often chaotic. If you or a loved one is ever involved in a collision with a commercial truck, what you do in the following moments and days can greatly affect your health, legal rights, and financial future.

At Regan Zambri Long Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped many victims recover compensation after serious truck accidents in the District. This step-by-step guide explains what to do immediately after a truck crash to ensure your safety and protect your ability to file a successful personal injury claim.

More information about Truck Accidents is available on this webpage

The first priority after any accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away. Even if injuries appear minor, it’s critical to seek medical attention—some serious conditions, like internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.

Once emergency services are on their way, stay calm and avoid making sudden movements. If you’re in danger from passing traffic, try to move to a safer location, but only if it’s safe to do so. If your injuries are too serious to move, remain still and wait for help.

In any truck accident in Washington, D.C., it’s essential to call the police and request an official accident report. This report will document the scene, gather witness statements, and record the responding officer’s observations, which can be invaluable evidence in your claim.

Tell the officer what happened factually and calmly. Avoid speculating or accepting blame. The report may include initial fault findings or citations issued to the truck driver, especially if they violated traffic or safety laws.

While waiting for police or emergency medical personnel, and if you can, gather information from the truck driver and any other parties involved in the crash. Be sure to collect:

Full name and contact information

Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number

Insurance information

Trucking company name and address

License plate number and truck registration

If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information as well. Eyewitness accounts can provide critical details and support your version of events.

Use your phone to take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, signage, and injuries. Documenting the environment can help reconstruct the crash and show how it occurred.

Visual evidence is especially important in truck accident cases because commercial trucks often leave more damage and more complex scenes than typical car crashes. If your injuries prevent you from taking photos, ask a passenger or bystander to assist.

After being evaluated by EMTs or emergency room staff, be sure to follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist. Keep copies of all medical records, prescriptions, imaging results, and recommended treatment plans.

Medical documentation connects your injuries directly to the crash and supports your legal claim for damages. Even if you feel okay initially, continue monitoring your condition—some injuries develop or worsen over time.

Do not speak with representatives from the trucking company or their insurance provider without first consulting a personal injury lawyer. Their goal is to limit their liability, and anything you say could be used to deny or reduce your claim.

Common tactics used by insurers include:

Offering a low settlement quickly

Requesting a recorded statement

Blaming you for the accident

Asking for access to your medical records

Politely decline to answer questions and let them know your attorney will be in touch.

Contact a truck accident attorney with experience in D.C. injury law as soon as possible. At Regan Zambri Long, we begin investigating immediately to preserve key evidence, file all necessary paperwork, and protect your rights under Washington, D.C.’s legal system.

The sooner you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Trucking companies often have legal teams working from the moment a crash occurs. You need someone working just as hard on your behalf.

Our attorneys will:

Send preservation letters to stop the destruction of evidence

Request data from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD)

Obtain maintenance and inspection records

Gather surveillance footage and dashcam video

Work with accident reconstruction experts

In Washington, D.C., the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the accident date. However, truck accident evidence can disappear quickly if not secured early. ELD data, driver logs, and even video footage may only be retained for a short time.

We urge clients to contact us as soon as possible so we can take immediate action to protect their claims.

After a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Emergency medical care and hospital bills

Follow-up treatment and rehabilitation

Lost wages and loss of earning capacity

Pain and suffering

Property damage

Future medical costs and permanent disability

In cases where the truck driver or company was grossly negligent—such as violating federal safety regulations or knowingly operating unsafe equipment—you may also seek punitive damages.

The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but the steps you take early on can make a major difference in your recovery and your legal case. Stay calm, prioritize your health, and contact a knowledgeable attorney who understands truck accident law in Washington, D.C.

At Regan Zambri Long, we’ve helped countless accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you move forward.