2024 What to Do After a Truck Accident in Texas?

Commercial trucking plays a vital role in our nation’s economy. These large vehicles are a familiar sight to practically anyone on Texas roadways, but an accident involving one can be disastrous. Though truck accidents are rare, they are an unfortunate reality that can cause devastating damage to one’s life and property. In the aftermath, you may find yourself wondering what to do after a truck accident in Texas.

Because these accidents can raise many questions involving liability, it may prove vital to seek legal counsel. A knowledgeable attorney can help you recover appropriate compensation for your injuries, damages, and any pain or suffering you experience. After retaining an attorney to take over the legal aspects of your case, you can focus on your physical and emotional healing.

Ensure Personal Safety

The first course of action following a collision with a commercial truck in Texas is to get yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the accident to safety. If possible, the vehicles should also be moved from the roadways to prevent further accidents from occurring. If you cannot move or the vehicle is no longer operational, turning on the hazard lights will indicate to other motorists that there is an issue and to proceed with caution.

Contact Emergency Services

The next thing to do following a commercial truck collision is to call emergency services and report the accident immediately. Having the police on the scene can help direct traffic and ensure there is a police report of the incident. This report will have valuable information about the accident; police reports are typically useful in supporting a claim filed against the party that caused the accident.

Even if you believe that you or others involved are not injured, the professionals can help you determine if you should be taken to the hospital. It is recommended, however, that anyone involved in an accident with a truck be thoroughly evaluated to ensure no late-presenting injuries are present.

Even if you or others do not feel injured or in pain, it is still wise to seek medical support and receive an evaluation in case there are unseen injuries. The size and weight of a commercial truck are immense and can cause life-threatening injuries, even unseen conditions like internal bleeding. Ensuring your injuries are thoroughly documented can help your case if you choose to file a claim against the at-fault driver and any other liable parties.

Exchange Information With Other Parties Involved

After you have spoken to the responding officers and received medical attention, your next step is to exchange contact and insurance information with other parties. This information should include:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• License plate number
• Driver’s license number
• Name of the trucking company
• Insurance companies and policy numbers
• Make and model of all vehicles

You and the other parties involved should be able to get in touch with each other, especially if you or your lawyers have any questions following the collision.

Take Photos for Necessary Case Evidence

The most important aspect of your truck accident case will be the evidence you collect while on the scene. If you can move without pain or risk of further injury, it is a good idea to take photos of your vehicle and any damage sustained, along with the positioning of all vehicles involved, your injuries, and anything else you may deem relevant to the case like skid marks or debris in the roadway.

Another piece of evidence that could prove crucial to your case is a self-taped video of you documenting the scene while the details of the crash are still fresh in your mind. You could also write down details of the accident instead of taking a video, as long as it happens shortly after the accident, for a detailed recollection.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do at the Scene of a Truck Accident?

A: At the scene of a truck accident, it is prudent that you remain as calm as you can and allow the authorities to go about their respective duties. It is important that you say nothing that might be seen as you taking responsibility for the collision. Make sure that you and the other passengers in your vehicle are safe before beginning the process of collecting evidence from the scene for your case.

Q: What Are You Recommended to Do First at the Scene of a Collision?

A: The first thing you should do at the scene of a truck collision is get to a safe location. If you are not able to move to a safe place, call the authorities so they may respond to the scene and assist you in calling for medical assistance, documenting evidence, and diverting traffic to avoid any more collisions or injuries.

Q: Why Should You Never Leave the Scene of a Car Accident?

A: Leaving the scene of an accident is considered “fleeing the scene” and is illegal. It may subject you to criminal charges and could also harm your chances of receiving any monetary compensation for the accident. It could also make it difficult for an attorney to prove you were not at fault for the accident.

Q: What Should a Driver Do if a Person is Injured in a Collision?

A: If someone is injured in a truck collision, it is important to call emergency services right away. Police and medical support can be sent to ensure the accident scene is safe and get the injured person medical treatment right away. If possible, move the vehicle to a safe location. The injured person should not be moved if a spinal injury is suspected unless they are in danger in their current location.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

One crucial step if you’re considering pursuing a legal case for compensation after a truck accident is to get in touch with an experienced and skilled truck accident lawyer. The truck accident attorneys at Stevenson & Murray can assist you in building a solid case and are here to answer any questions that may arise through the course of your proceedings.

If you’re in the aftermath of a commercial trucking accident, we’re here to help. Contact us today, and let us give you the guidance and support you deserve.