First Steps to Take After a Brooklyn Truck Accident

Unlike those hurt in small car collisions, truck accident survivors often suffer severe or even catastrophic injuries simply due to the added weight of the trucks that hit them. After all, the average weight of most passenger cars falls between roughly 2600 and 4400 pounds. In contrast, the average pickup truck weighs three tons – and an empty 18-wheeler can weigh about 35,000 pounds (on up to 80,000 when fully loaded).

Therefore, it’s crucial for all truck accident survivors to take the best initial steps after every Brooklyn truck accident to minimize physical suffering and to maximize the preservation of all evidence most favorable to themselves.

What follows is a list of key steps that should be taken after each accident, a brief description of the specific injuries often suffered by truck accident victims, and a review of simple, preventive measures we can each take to minimize deadly New York City truck collisions.

Immediate steps to take after every Brooklyn truck accident

• Check to see if you can see or feel any bodily injuries. Always remember that it’s wisest to at least go for a brief emergency room evaluation and tests. If you were driving a vehicle when hit by a truck, check to see if any of your passengers need an ambulance to the hospital. If anyone is trapped in your car — or lying in the street after the accident, call 911 immediately and request an ambulance. When in doubt, avoid moving anyone who’s bleeding or in terrible pain. However, if your vehicle could still be hit again, do your best to help the trapped person get out of your car, if they’re willing and want to do so.
• Move your vehicle out of the traffic lane as soon as possible. Also, if you can take a quick photo without threatening anyone’s safety, try to take a snapshot of the location of your vehicle immediately after the collision ended. This can prove very important to your lawsuit. Everyone’s safety should be your first concern at this point. If you own a traffic flare or a fluorescent cone – consider putting one of these in the lane so people will drive around your damaged vehicle if it cannot be easily moved off the shoulder or road.

• Be proactive and obtain every other driver’s name and insurance policy number who was involved in the accident. (Take a quick photo of any ID card shown, if allowed). Also, jot down the other party’s driver’s license number and issuing state. Never leave the area without doing this – unless you’re being sent away by ambulance. Hopefully, a friend or a car passenger will obtain this data for you if you’ve been seriously injured.

Remember that the more pertinent data you write down – including the vehicle’s make/model and license plate number, the better chance you’ll have of filing a successful claim. Too many dishonest drivers flee the scene right away – or disappear quickly (especially if from out of state and using a suspended/expired license). Go ahead and ask for the company’s name that employs the truck driver (and its main or corporate address and phone number). If possible, copy down the DOT number on the truck’s door (and any attached trailer). In some cases, those numbers will not be the same.

• Report your Brooklyn truck accident to the police or local law enforcement. Do whatever you honestly can to get a police officer to come and write up an accident report. If anyone appears badly injured – be sure to share this information. Otherwise, police officers may refuse to show up by citing other priorities. A well-drafted accident report can provide an excellent foundation for a successful truck accident lawsuit.
• If you notice any witnesses, ask for their contact information. Of course, if they claim they did not see all the accident (or the role you played in it), you and your Brooklyn truck accident lawyer may later decide to note contact such people further.
• Prioritize getting yourself – or anyone else with you – to a hospital ER as quickly as possible. This is especially true if the most injured parties are in great pain. However, if you can manage all the activities suggested above before leaving, it’s best to do so.
• Apart from taking photos of your injured vehicle (if you were not on foot), be careful when taking any photos of the other vehicle Avoid taking any tragic photos of other severely damaged victims – especially if trapped in their vehicles. Only pictures taken from a great distance away may be less objectionable.
• Speaking to other people at the accident scene must never involve admitting any fault on your part. You may not only be incorrect, you might be incriminating yourself at a time when few people perceive the world clearly – for everyone is in some degree of shock after being in a major truck accident.
• Be sure to keep all the clothing and footwear you were wearing at the time you were hit. This type of evidence, along with taking photos of your injuries, can prove very useful.
• Call our Brooklyn truck accident law firm right after securing medical care. The sooner we can evaluate your case and accept it, the quicker we can go visit the accident scene to search for useful evidence. Never try to manage a truck collision case on your own – for insurance adjustors know how extra difficult these types of lawsuits can become and may take great advantage of your lack of knowledge. We’ve gained experience working with many New York City claims adjustors and know what advice you’ll need at each stage of your lawsuit. And we always seek to settle each case at the earliest possible time.

• Notify your employer of the accident. This is important whether you were working at the time of the accident – or just need to tell your boss you may have to take some brief time off the job. During this type of phone call, never state that you were at fault — although you should try to share honest, basic facts. Try to also send a written notice of this information as soon as you can.
• If you’re not planning to immediately get your damaged car repaired, try to park it in a locked garage so no one can tinker with it.
• Consider keeping a private journal that records all your medical appointments, conditions, and treatments. Keep in mind that since we might need to share a copy of this with the defendant’s lawyer later, it’s best to keep the comments rather brief.
• Follow through on all doctor orders. Be sure to complete all recommended surgeries or treatments — although obtaining second opinions is fine. You want your treatment records to fully support your claim that you’ve done all you can to speed up your recovery.
• Give serious thought to entering psychotherapy. Major truck accidents can prove very traumatic and even change family dynamics, especially if the injured party can no longer work anymore. In many cases, we can recover for this expense, especially if you’re having to adjust to a permanent physical disability, lost a loved one in the same truck collision, are battling new cognitive problems – or were badly disfigured and require strong emotional support while continuing all your physical therapies.
• Stay open to connecting with others in your community who are battling similar medical issues. This can often be done either on Zoom or during in-person meetings. Your doctor (or a hospital social worker) should be able to help you connect with others whose journeys can strengthen your self-esteem and willingness to keep moving forward.

Serious and catastrophic injuries clients often report after Brooklyn truck accidents

• Traumatic brain injuries. Sadly, a small percentage of these cases can become wrongful death lawsuits once the injured party passes away. When serious cognitive damage has been suffered, several types of rehabilitation therapies may extend for years.
• Severe cuts, bruises, lacerations, and skin burns. While these may at first seem minor,

they can become life-threatening if not quickly diagnosed and properly treated.

• Internal organ damage. Too many truck accidents cause severe harm that may not be found or discovered right away. This is why it’s always wise to go to an emergency room to get proper x-rays and blood work done after your Williamsburg truck accident. After all, since most collision survivors are still in shock for several hours after being badly hurt — they may not be able to accurately perceive all that’s been damaged internally.
• Broken ribs, crush injuries, whiplash, and fractured bones. All of these require immediate care after truck collisions – whether you’re a pedestrian, car or small pickup truck occupant, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or other injured party.
• Spinal cord injuries. When these are severe, some clients may never be able to walk again or return to any type of job. At the very least, long-term rehabilitation therapies may be required.

While the list above is not intended to be comprehensive, it clearly indicates how much harm is often suffered by truck accident survivors in all Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Recent Brooklyn truck collisions

• In June of 2024, an 86-year-old man was hit and killed by a Department of Transportation truck driver in Bay Ridge as the afternoon rush-hour was just starting.
• In March of 2024, a 58-year-old Flatbush pedestrian was run over and killed by a dump truck. Some reports indicated that this same truck had been involved in earlier collisions that had harmed people.

Sadly, these types of truck accidents happen regularly in Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Simple safety tips that can help us all minimize new truck collisions

• If you’re a truck driver, never drive when fatigued and take your vehicle in for basic maintenance repairs on a regular basis.
• Be extra polite. Whether you’re a pedestrian, motorcyclist, moped rider, or driver of a passenger car — try to give larger trucks, big rigs, and similar vehicles the right of way. After all, they often have many blind spots and need this added courtesy.
• Obey all traffic signals and avoid being out in unusually harsh weather.
• Avoid walking or driving distracted. And don’t threaten your safety by being out on any street, road, or freeway while under sedating drugs or alcohol.
• Always carry a fully charged cell phone with you so you can call those you need if you do get into an accident. And let a friend or two know where you’re going when you go out, especially if you’re single or driving to an unfamiliar part of town.

If you have suffered serious injuries after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to contact our Brooklyn truck accident law firm. We will carefully investigate all the facts of your case, review your medical records, and then fight hard to win the maximum compensation available to you. We want every client to fully recover for all their losses.

FAQ Section

1. What should I do immediately after a Brooklyn truck accident?

• Answer: First, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible and take photos of the accident scene. Obtain contact and insurance information from all involved parties and report the accident to the police. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Notify your employer and call a Brooklyn truck accident law firm for legal assistance.

2. How do I report a truck accident in Brooklyn?

• Answer: You should report the accident to the local police department immediately. Ensure an officer comes to the scene to file an accident report, which can be crucial for your legal case.

3. What types of injuries are common in Brooklyn truck accidents?

• Answer: Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, severe cuts and bruises, internal organ damage, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and whiplash. It's vital to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat any injuries promptly.

4. Why is it important to seek medical attention after a truck accident, even if I feel fine?

• Answer: Some injuries, such as internal organ damage or whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Getting a medical evaluation ensures that all injuries are diagnosed and treated, which is also important for your legal case.

5. How can I preserve evidence after a truck accident?

• Answer: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. Keep your clothing and footwear from the time of the accident. Obtain contact information from witnesses and drivers. Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the accident report.

6. What should I avoid doing at the accident scene?

• Answer: Avoid admitting fault or discussing the details of the accident with others at the scene. Do not move anyone who is injured unless it’s necessary for their safety. Refrain from taking photos of other injured individuals unless they are from a distance.

7. How can a Brooklyn truck accident lawyer help me?

• Answer: A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They aim to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.

8. What information should I gather from other drivers involved in the accident?

• Answer: Collect their names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, insurance details, and vehicle registration information. If possible, get the company’s name that employs the truck driver and the truck’s DOT number.

9. Can I seek compensation for psychological trauma after a truck accident?

• Answer: Yes, psychological trauma, including conditions like PTSD, can be included in your compensation claim. It’s important to document your symptoms and seek therapy or counseling as part of your treatment.

10. What preventive measures can I take to avoid truck accidents in Brooklyn?

• Answer: Always stay alert and avoid distractions while driving. Obey traffic signals and be extra cautious around large trucks. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained, and avoid driving in harsh weather conditions. Pedestrians and cyclists should be extra vigilant around trucks.