What To Do After a Texas Truck Accident

Texas roads see thousands of truck accidents annually, often resulting in life-altering consequences due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

Knowing the correct steps to take immediately after a crash can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your truck accident legal claim.

Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Help

Your first priority after a truck accident must be safety.

• Move to Safety: If possible, move yourself and passengers to a safe location away from traffic to prevent further harm.
• Check for Injuries: Assess injuries for everyone involved. Severe injuries are common in truck accidents due to the force of impact.
• Call 911: Texas law requires reporting any accident involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Emergency responders will provide medical assistance and create an official accident report.

Even if injuries seem minor, seek medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal bleeding, may not present immediate symptoms.

A medical record will also serve as crucial evidence for future claims.

Document the Accident Scene

Gathering evidence is essential for holding the truck driver or trucking company accountable.

• Photograph the Scene: Capture vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Collect Contact Information: Exchange details with the truck driver, including name, license, insurance information, and employer details.
• Get Witness Statements: If witnesses are present, request their contact information and statements. Their accounts can provide vital third-party perspectives.

Notify Law Enforcement and Obtain a Police Report

Law enforcement must respond to serious truck accidents. The responding officers will assess the scene, interview witnesses, and prepare an official crash report.

Request a copy of this report, as it provides unbiased documentation of the accident’s cause and circumstances.

Preserve Evidence

Truck accident claims often involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturer. Preserving evidence strengthens your case:

• Keep damaged vehicle parts and clothing.
• Save all medical records, bills, and receipts for related expenses.
• Avoid repairing or disposing of your vehicle until it has been inspected.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer as soon as possible. Provide factual information without speculating about fault. Trucking companies and insurers may attempt to minimize payouts, making accurate reporting essential.

Consult a Texas Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases are complex due to federal and state regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive defense tactics from trucking companies. An experienced injury lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash and identify all liable parties.
• Secure black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and other critical evidence.
• Handle communications with insurers and opposing counsel.
• Meet all filing deadlines.
• Negotiate and pursue maximum compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Why Hiring an Attorney Matters

Trucking companies often deploy legal teams immediately after a crash to protect their interests. Without representation, you risk losing critical evidence and settling for much less than you deserve.

A skilled attorney ensures your rights remain protected, advocates on your behalf, protects you from potential pitfalls, and significantly increases your chances of success.

Reach out today to set up a consultation.