What Should You Do After a Service Truck Hits Your Car?
When a service truck hits your car, the shock can make even simple decisions feel overwhelming.
Your priorities shift fast: safety, information, and figuring out what comes next.
The steps you take in the moments and days after the crash can make a big difference in protecting your health, your finances, and any future claim you may need to file.
Here is a clear, plain‑language guide to help you get grounded and move forward.
Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Your first step is always safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries, then look around to see if anyone else needs help.
If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Even if the crash seems minor, service trucks are heavy vehicles, and impacts can cause hidden injuries or hazards.
Once conditions are safe, move your vehicle out of traffic if possible and turn on your hazard lights.
Staying calm here sets the tone for everything that follows.
Call the Police and Start the Paper Trail
A police report is one of the most useful pieces of documentation you can have later. It helps show what happened, who was involved, and whether any citations were issued.
Request that officers come to the scene even if the truck driver suggests skipping it.
Having official documentation early helps prevent disputes and simplifies insurance conversations.
While you wait:
- Take note of road conditions, traffic, and anything unusual.
- Stay calm and avoid arguments.
- Keep all conversations brief and factual.
Gather Evidence Before the Scene Changes
Truck‑related accident scenes can shift quickly as vehicles get towed or traffic resumes.
Try to gather as much information as you can while everything is still visible.
Snap photos of the vehicles, license plates, damage, the truck’s company name, skid marks, traffic signals, and anything else that helps tell the story of the crash.
Watch Out for Fraud and Protect Your Information
Scams can still happen even in legitimate crashes. Some people may try to pressure you into sharing unnecessary details or making on‑the‑spot agreements.
Post‑accident fraud attempts often occur when drivers feel rattled and unsure.
Only exchange essential information such as names, insurance details, and contact numbers. Do not hand over your Social Security number or sign anything you do not understand.
Contact a Local Truck Accident Lawyer
Collisions involving service trucks often involve corporate insurers, complex liability questions, and vehicle maintenance records that are not always immediately accessible. When a crash is linked to mechanical issues—such as brake system failures—determining responsibility can require a deeper investigation into inspection histories, maintenance practices, and potential third-party fault. In these situations, consulting a truck break failure attorney in Orange County can help ensure the right evidence is identified and preserved early.
An experienced local attorney understands how these cases differ from standard car accidents and can work with experts to assess whether negligence, improper servicing, or defective components played a role. Local experience matters, as enforcement standards, fleet practices, and legal procedures can vary by county.
Notify Your Insurance Company and Follow Up
After things settle down, call your insurance company and report the crash.
Stick to the facts and avoid giving recorded statements to the truck company’s insurer until you have spoken with a lawyer.
Your insurer may ask for photos, the police report number, and medical documentation.
Keeping everything organized early makes the process smoother.
Get Medical Attention Even If You Feel Fine
Some injuries take hours or days to show up. Getting checked by a doctor doesn’t only protect your health. It also creates documentation that connects your injuries to the collision.
Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep receipts, treatment notes, and any recommended follow‑up appointments.
Final Thoughts
After being hit by a service truck, taking the right steps can help you stay in control of the situation.
Focus on safety, gather information, and lean on local professionals when things get complicated.
If you stay organized and act quickly, you will set yourself up for a smoother recovery and a clearer path forward.