There’s nothing casual about sharing the road with a big rig or semi-truck — one sudden shift, and your whole life can change. When a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a 4,000-pound passenger car, the results are devastating.
On a yearly basis, the U.S. sees between 143,000 and 166,000 truck accidents annually, with trucks involved in about 6% of fatal crashes. That’s a sobering number, especially when you consider the sheer size and force of these vehicles compared to a standard passenger car.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Buffalo, here’s what to do next. This guide will walk you through the steps to protect yourself, your health, and your legal rights. We’ll also explore how an experienced truck accident lawyer can help.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are often the result of a dangerous chain of preventable failures.
Driver Error and Fatigue
Truck drivers work long hours, and even small lapses in attention can have catastrophic consequences. Fatigue, distraction, speeding, and impaired driving are all leading causes of crashes.
Equipment Failures and Maintenance Issues
Large commercial trucks require constant upkeep. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions can turn a routine trip into a deadly disaster if maintenance is skipped or rushed.
Road and Weather Conditions
Slippery roads, poor visibility, and hazardous construction zones can amplify the risks — especially when a massive vehicle like a semi-truck is involved.
Cargo Loading Problems
Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo can shift during transit, making the truck harder to control or causing it to tip.
Prioritize Your Safety and Medical Needs
The first step to take after a truck accident is simple: get to safety and call 911. Even if you feel shaken but uninjured, let emergency responders assess the situation.
Truck crashes often cause hidden injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage — common injuries that may not show up right away but can worsen without prompt care.
Getting checked by medical professionals does more than protect the health of truck accident victims. It also creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the crash.
This documentation is extremely important if you later pursue an insurance claim or legal case. Without it, the trucking company or its insurer might argue your injuries weren’t related to the accident. Showing common truck accident injuries will be foundational to the future.
Stay calm, follow first responders’ directions, and don’t downplay symptoms. Protecting your health is step one — and it’s also the first step in protecting your legal rights for a personal injury claim.
Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Possible)
If you’re able (and only if it’s safe), start to collect evidence at the crash site.
Use your phone to take photos of everything: the damage to all vehicles, the truck’s license plate and company markings, the road and weather conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These images provide details that may disappear once the scene is cleared.
Also, if there are witnesses, politely ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can strengthen your case, especially if there’s a dispute over what happened.
Finally, make sure to request a copy of the police report. This official record often contains key facts about the crash, including statements from drivers and witnesses, which can be valuable for your insurance truck accident claim or legal action.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance
Once you’re safe and have received medical care, notify your insurance company about the truck accident. In New York State, no-fault insurance means that your medical expenses are covered regardless of who is at fault.
When you call, stick strictly to the facts. Share when and where the crash happened, the vehicles involved, and whether there were injuries, but avoid guessing about what caused the accident or admitting any fault. Even a casual comment like “I didn’t see the truck coming” can be used against you later.
Be especially cautious if you’re contacted by the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. They may offer a fast settlement, but these early offers are often designed to save the company money, not cover your full medical bills, lost wages, or long-term needs.
Before signing anything or accepting payment, consult a qualified Buffalo truck accident lawyer who can review your case and explain your rights.
Breaking Down the Unique Challenges of Truck Accident Cases
Truck accident cases are very different from typical car crashes, and they come with added legal complexity. Filing a truck accident lawsuit involves navigating complex legal challenges and understanding the specific regulations that apply to trucking companies.
Federal Trucking Regulations Matter
Strict federal rules, including limits on driving hours, maintenance standards, and cargo loading practices govern the trucking industry. When these rules are violated, it can play a major role in determining fault after a crash.
Commercial Insurance Policies Are High-Stakes
Truck accident claims often involve large commercial insurance policies backed by aggressive legal teams. These companies are prepared to fight hard to limit what they pay, which makes it tough for individuals to negotiate on their own.
Multiple Parties May Be Liable
Liability isn’t always simple. Beyond the truck driver, other parties could share responsibility, including those responsible for truck maintenance. Other parties could include the trucking company, a third-party cargo handler, or even the manufacturer if equipment failure contributed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident
Even after the crash, what you do or don’t do can impact your case and recovery. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers often monitor social media, looking for posts they can use to downplay the injuries sustained or shift blame. (And for some more help, keep this car accident checklist in mind.)
Avoid Posting on Social Media
It’s tempting to share what happened, but resist posting details or photos online. Insurance companies and opposing lawyers often monitor social media, looking for posts they can use to downplay your injuries or shift blame.
Don’t Delay Medical Treatment or Follow-Up
If doctors recommend follow-up care, physical therapy, or further tests, stick to the plan. Gaps in treatment can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or weren’t caused by the accident.
Don’t Negotiate Directly With the Insurer
The trucking company’s insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company, not you. Negotiating directly or accepting early settlement offers can leave you without the compensation you truly need.
Keep All Records and Documents
Save everything — medical records, receipts, accident reports, repair estimates, and communications with insurance companies. Staying organized makes it much easier for your lawyer to build a strong, well-supported claim.
Connect with an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer: Move Forward With Strength and Confidence
A truck accident brings physical damage and rattles your sense of safety, routine, and control. The road ahead can feel uncertain, filled with medical decisions, insurance demands, and legal questions you never expected to face.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to face this alone.
This moment calls for steady hands, clear strategy, and experienced legal guidance. You don’t just file paperwork or make calls. A truck accident attorney protects your health, your rights, and your future.
That’s where Steve Boyd and his team come in. As a trusted Buffalo truck accident lawyer, Steve has helped countless victims navigate the complex legal terrain of truck crashes. His team brings both compassion and fierce advocacy to every case, fighting for the compensation you need to heal and rebuild.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Buffalo truck accident, don’t wait. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Boyd for a free case evaluation to understand your legal options and the compensation you may be entitled to.