What to Do if You Suspect a Trucking Violation After a Crash?

If you suspect a trucking violation caused or contributed to a crash, taking the right steps early can make a significant difference.

Start by Calling Police and Ensuring a Report Is Filed

Always call law enforcement after a crash involving a commercial truck. A police report creates an official record and may note safety concerns, driver statements, or visible violations. The report should include:

• The trucking company name.
• The truck number and license plate.
• The driver’s name and commercial license information.
• Any citations or warnings issued at the scene.

Even if officers do not identify a violation immediately, the report becomes a critical reference later.

Document the Scene as Thoroughly as Possible

If it is safe to do so, document the crash scene before vehicles are moved or evidence disappears. Trucking companies often respond quickly to protect their interests, so early documentation is critical. Helpful documentation includes:

• Photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles.
• Photos of skid marks, debris, and road conditions.
• The truck’s company markings and identifying numbers.
• Dashcam or phone video showing the scene.
• Blackbox data from the truck

Small details can later support a claim that safety rules were ignored.

Look for Common Trucking Violations

Many truck crashes involve regulatory violations rather than simple driver error. While you do not need to identify the exact rule, recognizing red flags helps guide next steps. Common trucking violations include:

• Driving beyond allowable hours.
• Falsified or incomplete driver logs.
• Speeding or unsafe lane changes.
• Improperly secured cargo.
• Overloaded trailers.
• Poor vehicle maintenance.
• Driving while fatigued or distracted.

These issues often require investigation beyond what appears in a basic crash report.

Seek Medical Attention and Follow Up

Medical evaluation is essential after a truck crash, even if injuries seem minor. Truck accidents involve greater force and often cause delayed symptoms. Medical records help establish:

• When injuries began.
• How serious they were.
• Whether they worsened over time.

Gaps in treatment can complicate later questions about cause and severity.

Preserve Your Own Records and Communications

Keep copies of everything related to the crash. Trucking cases often involve multiple insurers, adjusters, and company representatives. Preserve:

• Medical bills and treatment records.
• Repair estimates and vehicle photos.
• Insurance correspondence.
• Notes about conversations with drivers or company representatives.

Avoid giving recorded statements without understanding how they may be used.

Be Cautious When the Trucking Company Contacts You

Trucking companies and their insurers often act quickly after a crash. Early contact does not mean they are trying to help. They may ask for statements soon after the crash, offer quick settlements, or request medical authorizations. Quick offers often come before the full scope of injuries or violations becomes clear.

Trucking Violations Are Not Always Obvious

Many violations are hidden in records that the public cannot access. Driver logs, electronic data, maintenance records, and dispatch communications often reveal whether safety rules were followed. Without proper investigation, these details can be lost or overwritten.

Speak to a Philadelphia Trucking Accident Lawyer

Suspected trucking violations often require deeper investigation than standard car crashes. A lawyer can help identify whether federal or state safety rules were violated and take steps to preserve critical evidence. A Philly trucking accident attorney will:

• Send preservation requests to the trucking company.
• Obtain driver logs and electronic data.
• Review maintenance and inspection records.
• Identify all responsible parties, not just the driver.

This process helps ensure that potential violations are not ignored or concealed.