Trial Attorney Blog
A semi-truck crash can be one of the most devastating events a person might experience.
Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, the consequences often involve serious injuries, long-term disability, or even fatalities.
Knowing what steps to take immediately after such a traumatic event is crucial—not only for your health and safety but also to protect your legal rights.
This legal checklist is designed to help you understand the right steps to take following a semi-truck crash, ensuring you are in the best possible position to recover compensation with the help of a trusted truck accident lawyer.
Prioritize Medical Attention
Your first priority after a semi-truck crash should always be your health and safety.
- Call 911 immediately if you or anyone else is injured.
- Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, might not be immediately apparent.
- Keep detailed records of all medical visits, prescriptions, diagnoses, and treatments.
Your medical records will serve as crucial evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
Move to Safety if Possible
If your vehicle is in a dangerous position, such as in the middle of a busy road or at risk of catching fire, try to move it to a safer location—only if it’s safe to do so.
- Turn on hazard lights.
- Use flares or safety cones if you have them.
- Stay in your vehicle if stepping outside puts you at greater risk.
Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others around you.
Report the Crash to Law Enforcement
Reporting a semi-truck crash is not just good practice—it’s legally required in many states, especially when there are injuries or significant property damage.
- Wait for the police to arrive.
- Cooperate fully, but avoid admitting fault.
- Request a copy of the police report, as it will be an essential piece of evidence.
Truck crashes are often complex, and liability may be shared between multiple parties including the driver, the trucking company, and others.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, gathering your own evidence can make a big difference in your legal case.
- Photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any injuries.
- Take pictures of the semi-truck’s license plate, company name, and any DOT numbers.
- Collect contact information from the truck driver, their employer, witnesses, and other involved drivers.
If you’re not able to do this yourself, ask a passenger or someone you trust to assist you.
Avoid Discussing the Crash on Social Media
After a semi-truck crash, it’s natural to want to share your experience with friends or family.
However, doing so on social media can be harmful to your legal case.
Insurance companies and defense attorneys can use your posts against you, even if they seem harmless.
- Avoid posting photos, videos, or comments related to the crash.
- Do not discuss your injuries or speculations about who was at fault.
Keep all information private and only share details with your truck accident lawyer.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Promptly notify your insurance provider about the crash.
- Provide basic facts: time, location, and parties involved.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a truck accident lawyer.
- Be careful not to speculate or accept blame.
Your insurer may also help you begin a property damage claim or provide coverage for a rental vehicle if needed.
Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible
One of the most important steps you can take after a semi-truck crash is to consult with a truck accident lawyer.
Why is this so crucial?
- Complex liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties—driver, trucking company, maintenance crew, manufacturers, etc.
- Federal regulations: Commercial trucking is regulated by federal laws that may impact your case.
- Aggressive insurance companies: Trucking companies often have powerful insurers with legal teams who will try to minimize your compensation.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can guide you through these complexities, help preserve critical evidence, and negotiate on your behalf.
Preserve Evidence and Documentation
The evidence collected in the days and weeks following the crash can make or break your case.
Be sure to preserve:
- Medical records and bills
- Proof of lost wages and employment impact
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Photos and videos from the scene
- A personal journal documenting pain, emotional distress, or limitations in daily life
Your truck accident lawyer can also send a spoliation letter to the trucking company to preserve key data such as logbooks, GPS data, dash cam footage, and maintenance records.
Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts.
After a semi-truck crash, they may reach out quickly with a settlement offer.
Here’s why you shouldn’t accept it without legal counsel:
- It may not cover future medical costs.
- It could waive your rights to further compensation.
- You may not yet understand the long-term impact of your injuries.
Always review any offers with a truck accident lawyer before signing or agreeing to anything.
Understand the Statute of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations—a legal deadline for filing your claim.
- Missing this deadline means you lose your right to compensation.
- A truck accident lawyer will ensure that all filings are completed on time.
Don’t delay. The sooner you begin the process, the better the chances of building a strong case.
Identify All Potentially Liable Parties
Truck accidents can involve multiple liable parties. Your attorney will help identify whether any of the following contributed to the crash:
- Truck driver (negligence, fatigue, intoxication)
- Trucking company (poor training, scheduling pressures)
- Manufacturer (defective parts)
- Cargo loaders (improperly secured load)
- Maintenance companies (negligent repairs)
Your compensation could be significantly higher if multiple defendants are found liable.
Prepare for Litigation if Necessary
While many truck accident claims settle out of court, sometimes litigation is necessary to secure full compensation.
- A truck accident lawyer will prepare a case strategy and represent you in court.
- Trial preparation includes depositions, expert witnesses, and legal filings.
Your attorney’s job is to advocate fiercely for your rights and ensure you get the justice you deserve.
Final Thoughts
A semi-truck crash is a traumatic and often life-changing experience.
But knowing what to do in the aftermath can empower you to make informed choices, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Your best ally in this journey is an experienced truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases and is committed to fighting for your best interests.
🚨 Need Help After a Trucking Accident? We’re Here for You
At Finch McCranie LLP we understand how difficult and life-changing it can be to sustain critical injuries or to lose a loved one in a trucking accident. It is an unexpected and emotional time, and it can be hard to know where to turn for help.
Our team of truck accident lawyers have handled hundreds of these cases over the past 50 years.
We are proud of the fact that we have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients, and their families, especially in what is often a very difficult and challenging time for those that have been injured or lost a loved one.
👉 You can see a variety of examples of our settlements and verdicts in truck accident cases on our Results page.
FAQs
What should I do immediately after a semi-truck crash?
Immediately after a semi-truck crash, prioritize your safety and health. Call 911, seek medical attention, and if possible, move your vehicle to a safe location. Then, report the crash to law enforcement and begin documenting the scene by taking photos and collecting contact information from witnesses and drivers involved.
When should I contact a truck accident lawyer after a crash?
You should contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible—ideally within a few days of the crash. Early legal representation ensures evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and your rights are fully protected during communications with insurance companies and investigators.
Why is it important to see a doctor even if I feel fine after the crash?
Not all injuries are immediately apparent after a semi-truck crash. Some, like internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or brain injuries, may take hours or days to show symptoms. Medical documentation also strengthens your personal injury claim later on.
What kind of compensation can I recover after a semi-truck crash?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and in some cases, punitive damages. A skilled truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case to determine all potential sources of compensation.
Who can be held liable for a semi-truck crash?
Multiple parties could be liable in a semi-truck crash, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or even the truck manufacturer. Determining liability requires thorough investigation by a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer.
Should I talk to the truck driver’s insurance company?
No. Do not give statements to the truck driver’s or trucking company’s insurer without first speaking to your truck accident lawyer. Insurers often use your words against you to minimize or deny your claim.