How to file a truck accident claim

Semi-truck accident claims can be complex, but they don’t need to be overwhelming. Let’s take a look at the claims process—from filing through resolution—and answer some questions third-party claimants often have.

The steps you take immediately after a crash are an important part of the claims process.

The first priorities are taking care of anyone who’s injured and making sure other drivers on the road can pass safely. Either call the police yourself or have someone else on the scene report the accident. The police can help manage the scene, and they’re an objective third party who can provide an official record of the accident. After you’ve taken those steps, try to gather the following information:

• Photos of the crash scene and all vehicles involved—include multiple angles to show damage and any mitigating factors

• Names, license numbers, and insurance information of all parties involved

• Names and badge numbers of any police officers at the scene, as well as the police report number

• Where any towed vehicle is being taken

It's important to contact your insurance provider, as well as the provider of any other party involved in the crash, as soon as you can. This helps with the efficiency of the claims process and helps ensure everyone is aware of your perspective of the accident.

There are typically two types of claims: first-party and third-party. A first-party claim is one you file with your own insurance company. This can be for damage caused by:

• An act of nature, such as storm-related damage

• A single-vehicle accident with no other parties involved

• An accident with multiple vehicles—and you’ll be responsible for repairs to your property

A third-party claim is one you file with someone else’s insurance company, typically because you believe they were at-fault for damage to your vehicle.

Whenever you file a claim with the other party's insurance company, be sure to contact your own insurance provider as well. In most cases, the two companies will work together to investigate the incident, determine compensation, and resolve the claim.

An experienced claims adjuster will be assigned to investigate and examine the evidence to help determine how the accident happened. The claims adjuster will likely reach out to you throughout the process to gather additional details or confirm information about the accident.

The insurance providers will evaluate all contributing factors to the accident and review damages in relation to relevant coverages. Then, they’ll work with all parties involved to resolve the claim fairly and provide the appropriate compensation.

If you want an update on your claim’s progress, follow up with your claims adjuster or check the status online, if possible. At Sentry, we have a secure online claims portal that allows you to file and track your claim. This helps streamline the process and gives you direct access to claim information.

Each claim is unique, and a multitude of factors may impact the complexity of the investigation into the cause and liability of a trucking accident. Providing accurate information may help prevent delays throughout the claims resolution process.

It’s not required that an attorney file your claim. At Sentry, we have an experienced, accessible in-house claims team that can help you through the process. They work diligently to resolve truck accident claims fairly and efficiently.

The truck accident claims process is multifaceted, and mistakes may happen. But you can help make things easier by being proactive, organized, and thoughtful. Here are a few best practices:

• File the claim as soon after the accident as you can. This gets the claims process started immediately and helps ensure your account and those of any witnesses are as accurate as possible. If more information comes to light after you've filed the claim, just reach out to your claims adjuster to provide it.

• Include photos and videos from the scene. An accident scene can be cleared quickly, so it’s important to document the evidence before that. But do so carefully, being mindful of the traffic around you.

• Try to get a police report of the crash. You can submit the report to the insurance company in addition to photos, videos, and witness statements. Keep in mind that the police report may not be available by the time you file your claim. In that case, inform the insurance company that law enforcement was at the accident scene—they'll handle getting the report.

• Assess your needs post-crash. Were you injured? Is your car drivable? Are you able to get back to your normal life? If there are specific needs, mention this—and any supporting evidence—when filing your claim.