What To Do After A Truck Accident in Texas

Truck Accident Guide

Being involved in a truck accident can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. The aftermath often leaves victims unsure about the steps they need to take to protect their health, rights, and future.

Truck accidents tend to lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and complicated legal situations due to the involvement of commercial trucking companies and insurance providers. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Texas, Thompson Law is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys specialize in handling truck accident cases and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Call us today or contact us online for a FREE CONSULTATION after a truck accident. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process and provide the support you need during this difficult time.

Accident with a truck on the highway.

9 Important Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

Knowing what steps to take afterward can make a critical difference in protecting your rights and ensuring a fair resolution. Below, we’ve outlined nine essential steps you should follow after a truck accident to safeguard your health, document important details, and build a strong case for compensation.

1. Call the Police

Under Tex. Transp. Code § 550.041, calling the police is a legal requirement after a truck accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. The only exceptions to that law are when the truck wreck occurred on: 1) a privately owned residential parking area; or, 2) a privately owned parking lot where a fee is charged for parking or storing a vehicle.

When you call 911 after a truck accident, the operator will ask for key details such as your location, the number of vehicles involved, and whether there are any injuries. It is important to remain calm and provide accurate, concise information without speculating or admitting fault.

When officers arrive, they will secure the accident scene, address immediate safety concerns, and gather information to create an official police report. This report often includes details such as the location, time, and conditions of the accident, as well as statements from involved parties and witnesses.

Be prepared to show your driver’s license, provide proof of insurance, and answer questions about the events leading up to the crash. Remaining calm, cooperative, and truthful when speaking to officers can significantly help clarify the situation and support your case later.

2. Seek Appropriate Medical Care

Seeking medical attention promptly after a truck accident is essential for both your physical health and protecting your legal rights. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries, may not present symptoms right away. A thorough medical evaluation ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated early, preventing potential complications down the road.

From a legal perspective, timely medical care creates an official record of your injuries, which is crucial when filing a bodily injury claim. Documentation by healthcare providers establishes a direct link between the truck accident and your injuries, strengthening your case. Delaying medical attention can not only jeopardize your health but may also raise questions regarding the legitimacy of your claim, such as whether your health conditions were pre-existing.

3. Capture Photographs of the Accident Scene

Capturing photographs of the accident scene preserves evidence for your claim. Clear and detailed images can provide an accurate depiction of what happened and support your case if liability is disputed.

Make sure to take pictures immediately after the truck accident to document the scene as it appeared right after the collision.

  • Damage to all vehicles involved, including license plates.
  • The positioning of the vehicles on the road or at the scene.
  • Any visible injuries sustained by yourself or others.
  • Skid marks or debris on the roadway.
  • Traffic signals, signs, or any other relevant landmarks.
  • Weather and road conditions at the time of the accident.

These photographs will serve as important evidence for insurance companies, law enforcement, or your attorney.

4. Exchange Information

While you wait for the police to get to the accident scene, begin exchanging information with the parties involved in the collision. Make sure to remain calm and cordial during this exchange, and take pictures of any documentation you collect.

Here is the essential information you should collect:

  1. Full name and contact details (phone number and address) of all drivers and passengers involved.
  2. Company name, phone number, and address for the truck driver’s employer, as the company may also be involved in your case.
  3. Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number.
  4. Vehicle identification number (VIN) (i.e., a 17-digit alphanumeric identification number, which can be located on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield or on a sticker located in the driver’s side door or door jamb)
  5. License plate and USDOT number (i.e., a 17-digit identification number for US motor carriers, which can be located on the license plate)
  6. Insurance information, including the company name, policy number, and dates of coverage.
  7. Make, model, and color of the vehicles involved.

truck accident

5. Limit Communication

When exchanging information after a collision with a commercial truck, keep your communication with the truck driver and others involved to a minimum.

  1. Stay Calm and Professional: Keep your composure, even though the situation is stressful. Avoid losing your temper, as this can escalate tensions and may harm your case.
  2. DO NOT Avoid Admitting Fault or Apologizing: Do not admit fault, apologize, or make any statements that could be taken as accepting responsibility for the incident. Even casual remarks could be misinterpreted and used against you later.
  3. DO NOT Post on Social Media: Even seemingly harmless posts on social media can be used against you by insurance companies to undermine your claims.
  4. DO NOT Say You Are Uninjured: Many common truck accident injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and premature statements could weaken your case later.
  5. DO NOT Speak to the Trucking Company or Their Insurance Representatives: Get legal representation first, as saying anything without proper guidance could jeopardize your case or result in unfavorable outcomes.

6. Interview Witnesses

After a truck accident, witnesses can provide compelling testimony to support your case. Look around for individuals who observed the collision and politely ask for their contact information, such as their name, phone number, and email address. Your legal team can reach out to them later, if needed.

Avoid taking formal statements from witnesses at the accident scene yourself. Instead, allow the responding police officer to take their official statements. Unbiased police documentation of witness accounts carries considerable weight during investigations and legal proceedings.

7. Get a Property Damage Estimate

After a truck accident, you will need to assess the extent of damage to your vehicle. Reach out to a professional mechanic or auto body shop to conduct a thorough inspection and provide an official damage estimate. Be sure to save all written estimates and receipts, as these documents may be necessary for an insurance claim or legal case.

If possible, obtain multiple estimates to ensure the most accurate assessment of the repair costs. This can help prevent you from settling for an amount that does not adequately cover your expenses and the cost of your vehicle, as we outline in our auto accident repair guide.

Additionally, take clear photographs of the damage from multiple angles, as visual evidence can strengthen your case when negotiating compensation. In particular, when property damage appears high, it is easier to argue the mechanism of injury with the insurance company or companies.

8. Maintain Consistency in Medical Treatment

Consistency in medical treatment benefits your recovery and increases the strength of your legal case after a truck accident. Follow through with all recommended treatments, attend every scheduled appointment, and adhere to your doctor’s advice. Avoid any gaps in your medical records, as these can be used by insurance companies or opposing counsel to downplay the extent of your injuries or suggest that they are unrelated to the accident.

Be proactive in keeping track of your medical history by maintaining a detailed log of visits, treatments, medications, and any changes in your condition. If you are referred to specialists, physical therapists, or other healthcare providers, ensure that you follow up without delay. This demonstrates that you take your recovery seriously and provides a clear timeline of your medical care, which can be vital in securing fair compensation for medical expenses and other types of personal injury damages.

9. Contact a Texas Truck Wreck Lawyer

Time is a critical factor in pursuing a truck accident claim, and contacting a Texas truck accident lawyer at Thompson Law as soon as possible can make all the difference in your case. The statute of limitations in Texas for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you fail to file your claim within this time frame, you may lose your right to recover compensation. Other states may have different statutes of limitations, with some allowing even less time to act.

By reaching out to Thompson Law promptly, you can ensure that deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and your claim is prepared with the utmost care. Delaying action may jeopardize your ability to build a strong case, as vital evidence can be lost, and witnesses’ recollections might fade.

Our experienced attorneys at Thompson Law understand the urgency of such cases and are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t wait- contact us today for a FREE CONSULTATION to secure your rights and begin the path toward recovery after a truck accident.

No Win No Fee for Personal Injury Case After a Truck Accident

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Contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your accident, get answers to your questions, and understand your legal options. State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an injury accident, so call today.