Car accidents happen in Texas daily. However, injuries and damages may be much worse during a tractor-trailer accident. A commercial truck may weigh 20 times what a passenger vehicle does. If that truck hits your car, you could have broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and more.
There are several steps to take after a trucking accident, detailed below. If you have questions about a recent truck accident, contact Francis Injury Car & Truck Accident Lawyers as soon as possible. Their truck crash attorneys can assist with filing a claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Take a Breath and Stay Calm
If you ask, “What should I do after a trucking accident?” the first step is to remain calm. A tractor-trailer slamming into your vehicle is a terrifying event. The violence of the collision, shattered glass, pain, and disorientation can overwhelm you. But it is essential to take a breath and stay calm.
The calmer you are, the better your response to the accident. Don’t risk your safety by doing something rash, such as stepping out of the damaged vehicle into traffic. That would make a terrible situation worse.
Once calm, check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call first responders.
Call 911
After any truck crash, call 911 right away. Almost every trucking accident is serious, so you want the police and ambulance on the scene fast. The ambulance will treat anyone in a medical emergency, including those injured in your vehicle or someone else’s.
Calling law enforcement is also essential. The police will collect evidence to prove who is liable for the accident and write an accident report. They will preserve evidence that could be critical for your accident claim. Evidence can sometimes go missing after a car accident. If that happens, it may be more difficult to prove liability. When speaking with the police or anyone else, do not admit fault.
Get Medical Treatment
Whether you think you’re “fine” or not, always go to the emergency room for medical care after a truck accident. Adrenaline will rush through your veins, and you may be unaware of a severe injury. For instance, many truck crash victims have whiplash and back injuries but don’t realize it at first. It may take a few hours or days to notice your injuries' pain and discomfort. The long-term effects of whiplash can be severe.
You should seek medical attention immediately after an accident. First, the doctor will check your condition and note any injuries. Then, if you’re hurt, there will be ample documentation to prove your injuries to the insurance company. The insurer will check if you saw a doctor after the accident. They will probably argue you were not seriously injured if you wait a few days.
Gather Evidence
If you are not seriously injured, collect the evidence you can at the accident scene. Gathering evidence immediately will prevent it from disappearing after the truck wreck. If you cannot collect evidence, ask a passenger or witness to do it.
Take photos of the truck crash scene, skid marks, injuries, and closeups of vehicle damages. When the police arrive, they will move the vehicles, so it helps to have excellent photos of the accident from the start. Your trucking accident attorney will ask you for evidence you collected after the crash.
Obtain Witness Statements and Contact Information
You may be seriously injured after a truck accident. Your vehicle could be totaled. With so much at stake, you will need eyewitness testimony to prove your case to the insurance company.
Ask anyone who saw the truck collision and gather their contact information. Also, ask if they will remain at the scene to provide a statement to law enforcement. Witness testimony is usually a critical piece of evidence for obtaining a fair personal injury settlement.
Get Employment Proof from the Trucker
Trucking companies are liable if their employees injure people in accidents. You may obtain compensation from the employer. Trucking companies are required by state and federal law to carry significant commercial insurance policies.
The case could be more complicated if the truck driver was not working during the accident or was a contractor. Therefore, your attorney also will determine the trucker’s employee status when the accident happened.
Steps to Take After Receiving Medical Treatment
If you’ve already received medical treatment and are recovering from your injuries, your focus shifts to obtaining compensation for your losses. Here’s what to do next:
Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer
Contacting a truck accident lawyer is an essential step toward securing compensation. Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, and sometimes third-party manufacturers. A skilled attorney will investigate the accident, determine liability, and work to maximize your settlement or jury award.
Document Everything
While recovering, keep thorough records of your medical bills, lost wages, and any expenses related to the accident. Maintain a journal documenting your symptoms, daily struggles, and emotional distress. This information can strengthen your claim when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Avoid Speaking Directly to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may contact you while you recover to discuss your claim. Their goal is often to minimize the amount they pay. Avoid providing recorded statements or signing any agreements without consulting your lawyer. Your attorney will handle all communications with the insurer to protect your rights.
Calculate Long-Term Damages
Truck accident injuries often result in long-term consequences, including ongoing medical care, reduced earning capacity, or permanent disability. Your lawyer will help calculate future damages to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
Review Federal Safety Violations
Trucking companies and drivers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These regulations include limits on hours of service, vehicle maintenance standards, and driver qualifications. If violations contributed to the accident, they could bolster your case and establish liability against the trucking company.
Decide to Settle or Sue
Most trucking accidents in Texas are settled out of court. One reason is that injured parties often prefer to receive compensation quickly. In addition, trucking companies know that juries may award higher sums if a case goes to trial. However, if the truck’s insurance carrier refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will advise whether pursuing litigation is the best option.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Truck accident attorneys do more than file claims. They help accident victims access medical care when providers hesitate to treat personal injury patients. Your lawyer may work with healthcare professionals who agree to delay payment until your case is resolved, ensuring you get the treatment you need without upfront costs.
Additionally, an attorney can assist you in filing an insurance claim after being involved in the accident. They will communicate with the insurance company to ensure your claim is appropriately documented and submitted. A Texas truck crash lawyer will also carefully review the police report from the crash to identify critical evidence and establish liability. This includes details about the truck driver, the emergency medical response, and witness statements that can support your case.
Hurt in a Trucking Accident? Contact a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident involving a truck or commercial vehicle, you deserve to know your options for recovering compensation. A Texas truck accident lawyer at the Francis Injury law firm can guide you through the legal process, secure necessary medical care, and fight for the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and case review to protect your rights. Call 817-329-9001 or speak with an attorney online.