What shouldn’t I say after a truck accident?
Truck Accident - June 25, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
A collision with a commercial truck can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure about your next steps. The words you choose matter greatly in the rush of adrenaline and confusion. Whether you’re speaking to the truck driver, law enforcement, medical personnel, or the insurance adjusters who will soon be calling, a single sentence can weaken your future insurance claim or even shift blame onto you.
Below, an Aurora truck accident lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates discusses key phrases and topics to avoid, along with practical guidance to protect your legal rights and maximize the compensation you recover.
“I’m sorry” or any apology
It’s human nature to apologize after any car accident, even if you only intend it as politeness. Unfortunately, insurance companies can later twist that courtesy into an admission that you were responsible for the accident. Instead, calmly ask whether anyone needs medical assistance and wait for emergency responders. Let the facts speak for themselves.
“I’m fine” or downplaying your injuries
Adrenaline, shock, or delayed symptoms often mask truck accident injuries. Telling police or paramedics you feel fine can undermine your case when injuries surface hours or days later. Say only that you’ll seek medical evaluation and keep detailed records for your truck accident attorneys. Immediate documentation links your condition directly to the collision rather than to some unrelated event.
“It was my fault,” or speculating about what happened
When officers ask for a statement, stick to observable facts, like weather conditions, traffic signals, and any behavior you witnessed leading up to the accident, such as the truck drifting lanes or braking suddenly. Avoid guessing about speed, mechanical failures, or the trucker’s state of mind. Filling in the blanks can introduce inaccuracies that weaken your credibility if the story evolves as new evidence emerges.
“You can have my recorded statement right now”
Soon after the crash, friendly-sounding representatives from multiple insurance companies will call to “just get your side of the story.” They might frame this as a routine step before processing your medical bills or property damage. Politely decline and explain that you’re not required to give a recorded statement and won’t do so until you’ve spoken with your personal injury lawyer. Recorded conversations can leave you with incomplete details and catch you off guard with leading questions.
“Here’s everything I posted on social media”
Even if you never utter these words aloud, sharing photos or status updates online can be equally damaging. Insurers scour social media to find anything, such as an image of you smiling at a family barbecue or a comment about feeling better, that they can use to dispute the severity of your injury. Set your accounts to private and refrain from posting about truck accidents or daily activities until you resolve your trucking accident case.
“I don’t need a lawyer”
The trucking company’s insurer has an entire legal team. You shouldn’t face them alone. Telling adjusters you plan to handle negotiations without counsel signals that you may accept a lowball offer. Experienced truck accident attorneys understand federal trucking regulations, black-box data, and how to obtain driver logs that establish negligence. Obtaining a truck accident lawyer’s help early helps preserve critical evidence and prevents costly mistakes.
“Sure, I’ll sign that medical authorization”
Insurers often request blanket access to your medical history, claiming they need it to verify treatment. Signing such a release lets them trawl unrelated records, searching for preexisting conditions to blame for your current pain. These requests are often framed as routine, but you’re not obligated to sign broad releases. Share only records related to the crash after your truck accident attorney approves.
Words you can use instead
Here’s what you can say after a truck accident that can protect your rights to the compensation you deserve:
- “Please send any questions to my attorney.” Direct all communications to your legal representative so you can focus on healing.
- “Here’s my contact information.” If it’s safe to do so, exchange insurance details with the other driver and contact information with witnesses. Don’t discuss who was at fault.
- “I’d like a complete medical exam.” Prompt evaluation creates a documented link between the crash and your injuries.
- “Officer, here’s what I observed.” Stick to concrete facts when speaking with law enforcement.
Final tips for safeguarding your claim
These practical tips can help protect your rights and strengthen your truck accident claim:
- Gather evidence immediately: Photograph vehicle damage, road debris, skid marks, and traffic signals. Capture the company name on the side of the truck and any license or USDOT numbers. These details help injury lawyers trace corporate ownership and maintenance records
- Track every expense: From ambulance bills to prescription co-pays, keep receipts in a dedicated folder. These costs form the backbone of your demand for reimbursement
- Stay consistent: Every statement to police, doctors, or therapists should match the narrative you give your attorney. Inconsistent descriptions hurt accident cases
Regardless of taking the above steps to safeguard your case, hiring an attorney is often your best chance at increasing your recovery.
You need experienced Aurora truck accident attorneys
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Aurora, contact us at (800) 985-1819 or online for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates are here to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the justice and financial recovery you need to move forward. Don’t let a wrong statement jeopardize your future. Reach out to us today.
