A truck accident can turn an ordinary drive into a frightening and confusing situation within seconds. Because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, crashes involving semitrucks, tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and other large commercial vehicles can result in serious vehicle damage and significant injuries.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, knowing what to do next can make a difficult situation easier to manage. Your first priority should always be safety and medical attention. After that, documenting what happened, reporting the crash, notifying your insurance company, and preserving important information can help you deal with the consequences.
This guide explains what to do after a truck accident, what information to collect, when to seek medical care, how insurance claims generally work, and why truck accidents can require a more detailed investigation than an ordinary car accident.
Important: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Truck accident laws, insurance requirements, deadlines, and liability rules vary by state and individual circumstances.
1. Get Yourself and Others to Safety
The first thing to do after a truck accident is to assess whether you and anyone around you are in immediate danger.
If you can safely move your vehicle out of traffic, move to a safe location. If your vehicle cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights and remain in a location where you are protected from additional traffic as much as possible.
Do not walk into active traffic lanes to inspect damage.
A truck accident can leave debris, leaking fuel, damaged vehicles, broken glass, and other hazards on the road. There may also be a risk of another collision if vehicles are stopped in a dangerous position.
If someone is trapped inside a vehicle or there is a serious immediate danger, wait for emergency responders rather than attempting a risky rescue yourself.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends making safety the priority after a collision and calling 911 when someone is injured.
2. Call 911 and Report the Truck Accident
Even if the crash initially appears minor, contacting law enforcement can be important after a truck accident.
Tell the dispatcher where the accident occurred and explain whether anyone appears to be injured. If there is a fire, fuel leak, blocked roadway, or other danger, mention that as well.
When police arrive, provide a factual account of what happened.
Try to avoid guessing about speed, distance, or what another driver was thinking. You can describe what you personally saw and experienced.
For example, instead of saying:
“The truck driver was definitely speeding.”
you could say:
“The truck approached from behind, and I felt the impact before my vehicle moved into the next lane.”
That distinction can be important because the investigation should determine the facts rather than relying on assumptions made immediately after a stressful crash.
If police create an accident report, ask how you can obtain a copy or find out when it will become available.
3. Check for Injuries
After a serious collision, adrenaline can make it difficult to immediately recognize an injury.
You may feel relatively normal at the scene and develop pain later.
Common symptoms after a collision can include:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Joint pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
If you are injured or believe you may be injured, seek medical attention promptly.
Do not ignore symptoms simply because you were able to walk away from the crash.
Medical professionals can evaluate you and determine whether additional treatment or monitoring is necessary.
If you receive medical care, keep copies of medical records, bills, prescriptions, referrals, and other documents associated with the accident.
These records may also become important when dealing with an insurance claim or legal matter.
4. Exchange Information With the Truck Driver
If it is safe to do so, exchange basic information with the truck driver.
Depending on the circumstances and local requirements, useful information may include:
- Driver’s name
- Driver’s license information
- Trucking company’s name
- Truck company’s address
- Insurance company
- Insurance policy information
- Phone number
- License plate number
- Tractor number
- Trailer number
- USDOT number
- Commercial Motor Vehicle information
The truck may display identifying numbers on the cab or trailer.
Take photographs of these identifying details if you can do so safely.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends collecting identifying and insurance information from the other driver after a crash.
Do not argue with the truck driver about who caused the accident.
The roadside is not the place to settle liability.
5. Take Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene
If your physical condition and surroundings make it safe, document as much as possible.
Take photographs of:
- Your vehicle
- The truck
- Damage to both vehicles
- License plates
- Truck identification numbers
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs
- Traffic signals
- Lane markings
- Skid marks
- Debris
- Weather conditions
- Nearby intersections
- Visible injuries
- Damage to personal belongings
Take photographs from several distances.
A wide photograph can show how the vehicles were positioned, while close-up photographs can show individual areas of damage.
If there were witnesses, ask whether they are willing to provide their contact information.
Do not put yourself in danger just to take a photograph.
Your safety comes first.
6. Write Down What You Remember
Memory can become less reliable as time passes, especially after a stressful event.
As soon as you are able, write down what you remember.
Include details such as:
- Where you were driving
- Approximate time of the accident
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions
- Direction of travel
- Traffic conditions
- What happened immediately before impact
- Where the truck was positioned
- Whether you heard a horn or braking
- What happened immediately after the collision
Do not alter your notes later to make the story sound better.
Simply record what you remember.
If you noticed something unusual before the crash, record that too, but distinguish what you personally observed from what someone else later told you.
7. Get Witness Information
Independent witnesses can sometimes provide useful information about what happened.
If people stopped at the scene and saw the collision, ask for their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
If someone says they recorded the accident, ask whether they are willing to preserve or share the recording.
Do not pressure witnesses.
Simply collect their information and allow the appropriate authorities, insurance representatives, or attorneys to contact them if necessary.
8. Seek Medical Attention Even If Your Injuries Seem Minor
One of the biggest mistakes people make after a serious vehicle accident is assuming that they are fine because they do not immediately feel severe pain.
Some injuries may not be obvious immediately.
If a healthcare professional recommends follow-up treatment, attend those appointments.
Keep documentation of:
- Doctor visits
- Emergency room visits
- Diagnostic tests
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy
- Specialist appointments
- Medical bills
- Travel expenses related to treatment
Following medical advice is also important for your own recovery.
If you stop treatment, miss appointments, or ignore medical recommendations, questions may later arise about the extent of your injuries or whether additional treatment was necessary.
9. Notify Your Insurance Company
You should generally notify your insurance company about the accident according to the requirements of your policy.
Your insurer may ask for:
- Date of accident
- Location
- Police report information
- Other driver’s information
- Vehicle information
- Photographs
- Description of damage
- Medical information related to the claim
Be truthful and provide accurate information.
Avoid guessing when you do not know an answer.
For example, if you do not know how fast the truck was traveling, say that you do not know.
The insurance claims process can vary depending on your policy, the state where the accident occurred, the parties involved, and the circumstances of the collision.
The NAIC advises policyholders to collect information and document damage when filing an auto claim.
10. Do Not Rush to Accept a Settlement
After a truck accident, an insurance company may contact you relatively quickly.
You may be asked questions about the accident or offered a settlement.
Before accepting a settlement, understand what the payment is intended to cover.
A settlement may involve issues such as:
- Vehicle repairs
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Future medical treatment
- Property damage
- Other accident-related losses
Once certain claims are settled, it may become difficult or impossible to seek additional compensation later, depending on the agreement and applicable law.
That is why it can be useful to understand the full extent of your injuries and losses before making important decisions about a settlement.
11. Be Careful About Giving Recorded Statements
Insurance companies may ask for statements about the accident.
That does not automatically mean the request is improper. However, you should understand what you are being asked and why.
A recorded statement can become part of an insurance claim.
If you are unsure about your rights or the potential consequences of answering particular questions, consider speaking with a qualified attorney before providing a detailed recorded statement.
The safest approach is to remain truthful and avoid speculation.
12. Preserve Evidence From the Truck
Truck accidents can involve evidence that does not exist in a typical passenger-car crash.
Depending on the circumstances, potentially relevant evidence can include:
- Electronic logging device records
- Driver duty records
- Vehicle inspection records
- Maintenance records
- Driver qualification records
- Dispatch records
- GPS information
- Dash-camera footage
- Company communications
- Cargo records
- Weigh-station information
- Black-box or event-data information
- Accident reports
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration explains that electronic logging devices record information such as date, time, location, engine hours, vehicle miles, and driver/carrier identification.
FMCSA also states that motor carriers generally must retain electronic records of duty status and supporting documents for six months.
This is one reason truck accident investigations can become more complicated than ordinary car accident claims.
13. Identify the Trucking Company
The truck driver’s employer may be important to the investigation.
The company name may appear on:
- The truck
- Trailer
- Shipping documents
- Insurance information
- Police reports
- Driver documents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration maintains safety information that can be searched using identifying information such as a company’s name or USDOT number. Its SAFER system can provide information about a motor carrier’s identification, inspections and crash data.
This information can help identify the carrier involved in the crash.
However, a company’s safety record does not by itself establish liability for your particular accident.
The facts of the individual crash still matter.
14. Keep Every Accident-Related Document
Create one folder for everything related to the accident.
Save:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Insurance correspondence
- Repair estimates
- Photographs
- Videos
- Witness information
- Pay records
- Employer correspondence
- Rental-car documents
- Towing invoices
- Receipts
- Attorney correspondence
Keep digital copies as well as physical copies when possible.
A simple accident folder can save significant time later.
15. Keep Track of Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, keep documentation of the financial impact.
Depending on your circumstances, relevant records may include:
- Pay stubs
- Employment records
- Vacation or sick leave used
- Employer statements
- Missed work dates
- Reduced hours
- Self-employment income records
Do not exaggerate lost income.
Keep accurate records that can be supported with documentation.
16. Consider Speaking With a Truck Accident Lawyer
A truck accident can involve multiple potentially responsible parties.
Depending on the facts, these could include:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Vehicle owner
- Maintenance company
- Cargo-loading company
- Manufacturer
- Another motorist
- Insurance companies
- Other entities involved in the transportation operation
This does not mean every truck accident involves multiple liable parties.
An investigation is needed to determine who may legally be responsible.
A truck accident attorney can review the circumstances, explain applicable state law, communicate with insurers and help determine what evidence may be important.
If you decide to speak with a lawyer, bring the documents and photographs you have collected.
17. Do Not Post Detailed Accident Information on Social Media
It is understandable to want to tell friends and family what happened.
However, be careful about posting detailed statements, photographs, videos or opinions about your accident online.
Avoid posting things such as:
- “I was completely fine after the crash.”
- “The truck driver was drunk.”
- “I wasn’t paying attention.”
- Detailed descriptions of your injuries
- Arguments with the insurance company
- Settlement discussions
Even innocent comments can potentially be misunderstood when removed from their original context.
Keep important accident communications factual and private.
18. Understand That Truck Accident Claims Can Take Time
A serious truck accident may require more investigation than a simple vehicle-damage claim.
Investigators may need to examine:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage
- Driver records
- Truck maintenance
- Electronic records
- Witness statements
- Road conditions
- Weather
- Cargo
- Company records
FMCSA’s public crash data is based on federal, state and local police crash reports involving commercial motor carriers in the United States.
Because there can be several sources of evidence, patience and organized recordkeeping are important.
What Not to Do After a Truck Accident
Knowing what not to do can be just as important as knowing what to do.
Avoid:
Don’t leave the scene unnecessarily
Remain until you have completed the appropriate reporting and safety procedures, unless you need emergency medical treatment or authorities instruct you otherwise.
Don’t admit fault
Do not tell the truck driver, insurance company or witnesses that the accident was your fault before the facts are established.
Don’t exaggerate your injuries
Be honest with medical professionals and insurers.
Don’t destroy evidence
Keep photographs, documents, damaged property and other relevant information.
Don’t repair everything before documenting it
Take photographs and follow your insurer’s procedures before repairs when practical. The NAIC advises consumers to document damage before permanent repairs where possible.
Don’t ignore medical symptoms
Seek professional medical advice if you experience pain or other symptoms after the crash.
Don’t wait indefinitely to investigate your legal options
Every state has its own laws and deadlines concerning accident claims. Waiting too long can create problems, so understand the applicable deadlines as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
What should I do immediately after a truck accident?
Get to a safe location if possible, call 911 when appropriate, check for injuries, exchange information, document the scene if it is safe, and seek medical attention for injuries.
Should I call the police after a truck accident?
In many situations, reporting a truck accident to law enforcement is appropriate, especially when there are injuries, significant property damage, or roadway hazards. Specific reporting requirements vary by location.
Should I see a doctor after a truck accident?
If you are injured, experiencing symptoms, or concerned about a possible injury, seek medical attention. Some problems may not be obvious immediately after a collision.
What information should I collect from the truck driver?
Collect the driver’s name, insurance information, trucking company’s information, license plate, truck and trailer identification numbers, and other identifying information that can safely be obtained.
Do I need a lawyer after a truck accident?
Not every accident requires an attorney. However, legal advice may be useful when injuries are serious, liability is disputed, multiple parties may be involved, or an insurance company disputes your claim.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?
There is no single nationwide deadline. The applicable deadline depends on the state, type of claim and circumstances. Because missing a legal deadline can affect your rights, get advice about the applicable deadline promptly.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to do after a truck accident can help you protect your safety, organize important information and make informed decisions during a stressful period.
Start with the basics: get to safety, call for emergency assistance when needed, seek medical attention, report the collision appropriately and document the scene if it is safe.
Afterward, keep your medical records, insurance documents, photographs, repair estimates and other evidence organized. Truck accidents can involve additional evidence such as driver records, vehicle inspections, maintenance information and electronic logging data. Federal rules require many motor carriers to retain certain electronic duty-status records for six months, making timely preservation and investigation important.
Most importantly, do not feel pressured to make major decisions immediately after a serious crash. Take care of your health first, understand the insurance process, and consider professional legal advice when the circumstances are complicated.
Every truck accident is different. The best next step depends on the injuries, damage, evidence, insurance coverage, location of the crash and applicable law.
