What to Do After a Truck Accident:

A Victim’s Comprehensive Guide

Truck accidents are among the most devastating and complex types of roadway collisions, often leaving victims grappling with severe injuries, financial hardships, and emotional trauma. Knowing the steps to take after a truck accident is critical for protecting your legal rights, securing evidence, and maximizing your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

At Willis Law, our experienced team has over 40 years of expertise handling truck accident cases. David P. Willis, a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, has dedicated his career to fighting for justice for accident victims. Backed by a reputation for tenacity and access to a nationwide network of co-counsel, Willis Law is well-equipped to handle even the most complex truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

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Immediate Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

01

Ensure Safety and Call Emergency Services

Your immediate priority is safety. Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the accident. Medical attention should be sought immediately, even if the injuries do not seem severe, as some conditions can manifest later.

03

Gather Witness Information

Obtain contact information (names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers) from witnesses who can provide accounts of the accident. Eyewitness testimony is critical for supporting claims, particularly when truck driver negligence is involved.

Another valuable source of witness names and contact information may be names of listed on the truck accident report, but not interviewed by police. Lastly, wrecker drivers and EMS personnel are always great sources as well.

02

Document the Scene

Collect evidence from the accident scene, including photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, your injuries and traffic signs. Be sure to capture the position of the truck, especially if it was improperly parked or involved in reckless behavior.

04

Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters

Avoid providing statements to insurance representatives before consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against your claim. Be aware many accident investigators are recording your every word from the moment you say “hello”.  Do let your guard down and become too friendly or tell them too much. This is a prime example of why it is best to have your lawyer involved protecting you at every move.

Conducting a Thorough Accident Investigation

Truck accidents require a meticulous investigation to uncover the factors that led to the collision. Engaging a legal team experienced in truck accident investigation is essential.

Preserving Evidence

One of the most crucial steps is issuing a preservation of evidence letter to the trucking company. This ensures that vital evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records, is not destroyed or altered.

Analyzing the Scene

Accident scene investigation and reconstruction experts can evaluate the crash site to determine the sequence of events leading to the collision. This includes measuring skid marks, examining the truck’s brake system, and evaluating tire wear.

Obtaining Driver Logbooks

Federal regulations under the Hours of Service (HOS) rules mandate that drivers record their hours behind the wheel. Reviewing these crucial truck driver’s logbooks can reveal whether the driver violated HOS regulations, which often lead to fatigue-related accidents.

Securing Cell Phone Records

Cell phone use while driving is a growing concern. By analyzing phone records, we can determine if the driver was texting or talking at the time of the accident, a clear violation of federal safety standards.

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Why Hiring the Right Lawyer in a Truck Accident Is Crucial

Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accidents due to the sheer number of factors involved, including federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and the need for expert testimony. Victims must contend with trucking companies and insurers who deploy aggressive legal teams to minimize payouts. Having the right lawyer ensures your case is handled with the expertise it deserves. Trucking companies and their insurers are backed by powerful legal teams. To level the playing field, you need a knowledgeable and trusted 18-wheeler accident lawyer with the resources and knowledge to fight for you. At Willis Law, our team has a proven track record of taking on major trucking companies and securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients.

David P. Willis brings over 40 years of experience to every case. As a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and a former attorney for the Supreme Court of Texas, Willis has the skills and resources to take on the most powerful defendants. His extensive knowledge of accident investigations, evidence preservation, and litigation strategies makes him uniquely equipped to handle truck accident cases.

With Willis Law, you gain a dedicated advocate who prioritizes your rights, fights for maximum compensation, and operates on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you owe nothing unless your case is won.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result from a combination of driver errors, mechanical failures, and external conditions. Driver negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue from violating Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, is a leading cause. Mechanical issues, including brake failures and tire blowouts, frequently occur due to inadequate maintenance. Improperly loaded or secured cargo can lead to rollovers and jackknife accidents. Additionally, poor weather conditions and hazardous roadways can exacerbate these risks. Identifying the causes of truck accidents is essential for determining liability and pursuing compensation, which underscores the need for experienced legal representation in these complex cases.

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Complex Defenses and Insurance Policies

Truck accidents often involve multiple layers of liability and insurance coverage. The trucking company, the driver, the owner of the cargo, and even the vehicle manufacturer may all bear responsibility. Insurers frequently deploy aggressive defenses, claiming that the victim was partially or entirely at fault.

An experienced legal team will navigate these defenses, ensuring that all liable parties are held accountable. Additionally, understanding the nuances of commercial insurance policies is crucial for maximizing compensation.

Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit

When negotiations with insurers fail to yield a fair settlement, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary. Knowing how to file a truck accident lawsuit is crucial for victims seeking justice. This process involves:

Drafting and filing the complaint.
Engaging in discovery to gather evidence.
Taking depositions from witnesses and experts.
Preparing for trial or settlement negotiations.

Proving Negligence and Liability

Proving negligence in a truck accident requires demonstrating that the responsible party breached their duty of care, resulting in injuries and damages. Key evidence includes:

Nationwide truck accident lawyers securing crucial date from logbook and black box data for injury lawsuits

Types of Commercial Trucks Involved in Accidents

Truck accidents can involve various types of vehicles, each presenting unique hazards on the road. These include:

Delivery Trucks:

Operated by companies like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon, these trucks frequently navigate urban areas, increasing the risk of pedestrian and intersection accidents.

Freight Trucks

Transporting goods nationwide, these 18-wheelers can cause multi-vehicle collisions due to their massive size and limited maneuverability.

Service Vehicles

Trucks used for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work often make frequent stops, creating sudden braking hazards for surrounding drivers.

What to Do After a Serious Truck Accident:

If you’ve been in a serious truck accident, take immediate steps to protect your health and legal rights:

  • Call 911 – Always report the crash to law enforcement.
  • Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries may appear later.
  • Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries.
  • Gather Witness Information – Their statements can support your claim.
  • Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney – A skilled truck accident lawyer can investigate the black box data, driver logs, and FMCSA violations to determine liability and maximize your compensation.


Our trucking accident attorneys, along with crashworthiness experts, use advanced investigative techniques, accident reconstruction, and black box analysis to build a strong case for injured victims.

No Fees Unless We Win

At Willis Law, we work on a contingency fee contract, meaning you owe nothing unless we win your case. This ensures that victims can access high-quality legal representation without financial barriers.

Truck accidents are complex and require a skilled legal team to navigate the intricate web of liability, defenses, and insurance policies. At Willis Law, we are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today at Law.net for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.

Call us at 1-888-LAW-2040 or fill out our online form.