How to Write an Accident Report for a Truck Fatality

Writing an accident report for a truck fatality requires careful gathering of the facts.

An automotive accident is always a stressful situation. When the accident in question involves a truck fatality, it becomes even more important to gather all of the appropriate information at the scene of the accident. It becomes much harder to gather information after the fact, so a detailed report can make all the difference in a legal investigation. Writing an accident report dealing with a truck fatality requires diligence and a calm mind.

Things You'll Need

• Disposable camera
• Pen
• Pad of paper

Instructions

1. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses to the accident along with a brief description of what they witnessed and where they were in relation to the accident. Write each statement down on a separate piece of paper in a notepad if you have one handy. You cannot force anyone to give a statement, so if someone refuses, ask someone else and move on.

2. Write down the exact circumstances of the accident from your perspective to the best of your ability. You want to include any details such as road conditions, nearby road signs and lights and the specific makes, models and plate numbers of any other vehicles involved. Include a description of the damage each vehicle received and give extra attention to the truck where the fatality occurred. Write down how many people were in the vehicle, whether it appeared that they had safety belts on, any signs of intoxication and any visible injuries of anyone involved.

3. Record the exact time and date of the accident along with any other events in relation to the accident, such as the arrival times of emergency services and when a 911 call was made.

4. Take photos of the entire scene if you have a camera available. You want photos of all the vehicles involved from every angle, road signs, traffic lights, the condition of the pavement itself and the injuries of anybody involved, including your own. Get closeup photos of the tires of the truck as well to see whether worn tread could have contributed to the accident.

5. Type up a statement using the information you have gathered. Start in chronological order and use a first-person perspective, since this is your own take on what occurred. Include every detail you have written down and can recall but leave out anything you cannot remember or verify. Do not make anything up to connect certain facts together. Include the names of all witnesses and describe what they said they saw, attributing their own accounts to them. At the end of the report, include a list of witness names and contact numbers so their information can be verified as needed.

6. Draw a diagram of the road and the vehicles involved in the accident, detailing through arrows how each car contributed to the accident and what occurred with the truck to result in a fatality.

7. Attach photos on the last page along with descriptions of what each photo is specifically showing.

8. Sign and date the report at the end of it. Check all spelling and grammar before submitting it to proper authorities.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep a disposable camera, pen and pad of paper in your glove box for emergency situations such as this.

• Consult an attorney before submitting your report if you are in danger of being held liable for the truck fatality.

References

• The Unofficial DMV Guide: Reporting an Accident
• City of Troy Police Department: How to Make a Police Report
• Auto Insurance Claim Advice: Accident Diagrams