Over 38,900 traffic crashes involving commercial motor vehicles happened in Texas in 2023 alone. This number includes 549 fatal crashes that sadly killed over 600 people — and thousands more were injured in semi truck crashes.
Although these crashes occur under varied circumstances, the steps you will need to take after experiencing one tend to remain the same.
5 Steps to Take After a Semi Truck Wreck
What you do after a truck accident matters to your physical, financial, and legal recovery. No matter how your crash occurred, make sure to take these five key steps:
1. Ensure the Safety of Yourself and Others at the Scene
Your first concern after a semi truck accident should be to ensure you and others involved in the crash are safe and out of the way of any oncoming traffic. If you suspect anyone might be injured, contact 911 and request emergency assistance.
Keep in mind that there can be many dangers at the scene of a truck crash. Besides the injuries you sustained in the wreck itself, watch for leaking flammable fluids and other traffic.
2. Document Essential Evidence
While on scene, try to gather the name and insurance information of the truck driver and others involved in the crash. If there are witnesses who saw the wreck or stopped to render aid, gather their names and contact information, too.
It’s also a good idea to try to take photographs of the wreck itself, the damage to your car, and the road where the crash occurred.
3. Seek Medical Attention
The size and weight of semi trucks mean there is an increased likelihood that you will suffer some injury in a truck crash. To ensure you get the medical treatment you need promptly, visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Not only will doing so protect your health, but it can also leave a record of your injuries, which you will need if you file a claim later.
4. Report the Accident to Law Enforcement and Your Insurance Provider
In Texas, you must report any crash that results in injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage to the police. You can do this by calling 911 or completing a CR-2 and submitting it within ten days of your crash. Failing to do so can lead to criminal penalties.
You may also be obligated to inform your insurance company, especially if you need benefits from your policy. Failing to notify your insurer according to the terms of your policy can lead them to deny your claim.
5. Consult With a Semi Truck Accident Lawyer
It is easy to forget or put off speaking with a truck accident lawyer until you run into problems with your claim. However, there are numerous reasons to hire an attorney long before you reach this point. Specifically, your attorney can:
- Help you gather evidence necessary to support your claim
- Speak with insurance companies, law enforcement, and others on your behalf
- Assist in assembling bills, statements, and other documents proving your losses
- Negotiate a fair settlement for your case
- Represent you in court proceedings
When you hire an attorney, that lawyer becomes your legal representative. They can advocate for your interests in various settings, including in court, and they can also take steps like contacting agencies, businesses, and individuals on your behalf as they build your case.
FAQ
Should I Go to the Hospital if I Feel Fine After a Semi Truck Accident?
Even if you do not believe you have suffered any severe injuries after a crash, it is still wise to go to the hospital for a medical evaluation. Traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, and other similar injuries can be debilitating but may not show any initial symptoms. Medical imaging can diagnose these injuries so they can be treated.
A medical evaluation also helps document any injuries you sustained in the accident. This can ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your medical-related expenses.
Do I Have to Report a Trucking Accident to the Police?
Texas law requires you to report any traffic accident to local law enforcement if someone is injured or killed, or if there is more than $1,000 in property damage. Most trucking accidents will meet at least one of these criteria. If you do not know whether to report a crash, err on the side of caution, and notify law enforcement about the accident.
You have ten days to file a report if you do not contact law enforcement when the crash occurs. To do this, you would complete a CR-2 form. An attorney can assist you in completing and submitting this form.
What Should I Know Before Consulting With an Attorney?
The compensation process typically begins with scheduling a consultation with an attorney. At this consultation, you can discuss the details of your case, ask questions, and learn what the lawyer can do for you. You can also find out about the attorney’s fee structure during this consultation.
To get the most from this meeting, you’ll want to have any questions prepared beforehand, and gathering any documentation or other details related to your case to present to the attorney can be helpful as well.
Contact Our Experienced Houston Truck Accident Attorneys
At Ramsey Law Group, we have a proven track record of success in securing the compensation that Houston truck accident victims need to recover and move forward. You can trust your semi truck lawyer from Ramsey Law Group to guide you every step of the way through the claims process. Contact us to schedule your consultation today.