What Should I Do After a Car Accident with a Truck in Bloomington, IL?

Getting into a collision is frightening under any circumstance—but a car accident with a truck can be particularly devastating. With their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause serious injuries, major vehicle damage, and long-term disruption to your life.

If you’ve been involved in a truck-related crash in Bloomington, IL, knowing what steps to take immediately after the accident can make all the difference in your physical recovery, legal case, and financial future.

We know how overwhelming these situations can be. That’s why we’ve outlined exactly what you should do after a car accident with a truck—from the crash site to your potential injury claim.

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911

The first priority after any accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic without leaving the scene. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries.

In the case of a car accident with a truck, you should always call 911. Even if injuries appear minor, a police report is vital. Emergency responders will document the scene, assess injuries, and create an official accident report—this report will become essential in your legal claim later.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Truck accidents often result in serious injuries, even if symptoms don’t appear right away. You may feel okay due to adrenaline, but internal injuries like concussions, organ trauma, or whiplash can surface hours—or even days—later.

It’s crucial to:

• Get checked by paramedics at the scene.
  
• Visit a doctor or urgent care as soon as possible afterward.
  
• Follow up with your primary care physician for ongoing care.
  

If you are physically able to do so, start documenting the accident scene. Key evidence includes:

• Photos of both vehicles, the road, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
  
• Names and contact information of witnesses.
  
• Details of the truck: license plate, company name, and U.S. DOT number.
  
• The truck driver’s name, license number, and insurance information.
  

In a car accident with a truck, these details can help determine liability. Trucking companies often have legal teams ready to protect their interests—so having your own strong documentation is important.

3. Avoid Talking to the Trucking Company or Their Insurer Alone

Soon after the accident, you might be contacted by the truck driver’s employer or their insurance company. They may seem helpful or sympathetic—but remember, their goal is to reduce what they pay in claims.

Do not:

• Admit fault or speculate about what happened.
  
• Provide a recorded statement.
  
• Accept any quick settlement offers.
  

Instead, refer them to your attorney. After a car accident with a truck, it’s critical to protect your rights and avoid being pressured into saying or signing anything that could hurt your claim.

4. Reach Out to a Personal Injury Attorney in Bloomington

Collisions involving trucks are often more complicated than standard car accidents. You’re not only dealing with the driver—it may also involve the trucking company, insurance providers, cargo handlers, or even the manufacturer of the vehicle or parts. Depending on what caused the crash, several parties could share responsibility, making legal guidance essential.

A personal injury attorney can:

• Investigate the accident thoroughly.
  
• Identify all liable parties.
  
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies.
  
• Help you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
  

Onward Injury Law will help you to advocate for victims of a car accident with a truck in Bloomington and throughout McLean County.

5. Preserve All Records and Follow Medical Advice

Keep a detailed file with:

• Medical records and bills
  
• Police reports
  
• Repair estimates
  
• Time missed from work
  
  

Following your doctor’s advice is also key. Missed appointments or failure to follow through with treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed.

In a car accident with a truck, thorough documentation can make or break your case.

6. Understand the Time Limits in Illinois

If the accident resulted in a death, wrongful death claims also follow a two-year limit.

While this might seem like a long time, evidence can fade quickly. Witnesses move. Surveillance footage is erased. 

7. Know What Compensation You May Be Entitled To

After a car accident with a truck, you may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
  
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Property damage
  
• Emotional distress
  
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence, such as drunk or reckless driving)
  

Calculating full compensation takes experience. That’s why working with a personal injury attorney is so important in maximizing what you recover.

Final Thoughts: Take the Right Steps Toward Recovery

A car accident with a truck can leave you feeling overwhelmed—but you don’t have to handle it alone. From medical treatment to legal action, every step you take after the crash can impact your recovery and your future.

Onward Injury Law is here to stand with you every step of the way. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Bloomington, IL, reach out for a free consultation. Let the professionals help you protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the compensation you deserve.