What to Do After a Serious Auto or Truck Accident in Texas

A serious auto or truck accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. The steps you take immediately after a crash can affect your health, your insurance claim, and your ability to pursue compensation.

No matter how or where the collision occurred, the priority is to protect your health and safety first and your legal rights next.

1. Check for Injuries and Call for Help

After a crash, check yourself and others for injuries. TxDOT recommends checking for injuries first, moving vehicles to a safer place when possible, exchanging information, noting the crash location, and gathering witness information. TxDOT also says police should be called when an injury or fatality is involved, a vehicle cannot be moved, intoxication is suspected, a driver has no insurance, or a driver leaves the scene.

2. Report the Collision When Required

Texas law requires immediate reporting of certain collisions, including those involving injury, death, or a vehicle that cannot be safely driven. A written officer’s collision report is required when law enforcement investigates a crash involving injury, death, or apparent property damage of at least $1,000.

3. Preserve Evidence

If you are physically able, document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, roadway, traffic signs, skid marks, debris, injuries, and anything else that may help explain what happened.

For truck accidents, evidence may include additional records such as driver logs, inspection history, maintenance records, company policies, and electronic data.

4. Understand Why Truck Accidents Are Different

Truck accident cases are often more complex than standard car accident claims. Commercial motor vehicle drivers and carriers may be subject to federal safety rules, including hours-of-service regulations that limit driving and duty time and require rest periods to help drivers stay awake and alert.

Because trucking companies and insurers often act quickly after a crash, early legal involvement can help preserve key evidence before it disappears.

5. Be Careful With Insurance Conversations

Insurance companies may contact you shortly after the accident. Before providing a recorded statement or accepting an offer, it is important to understand the full extent of your injuries and losses.

A settlement that seems helpful at first may not account for future medical care, lost earning capacity, long-term pain, or permanent limitations.

Never settle with an insurance company until you have sought sound legal advice.

6. Speak With an Auto and Truck Accident Attorney

Amos Barton Law Firm represents individuals injured in serious auto and truck accidents across the Texas Hill Country. Our firm investigates the crash, identifies responsible parties, and pursues compensation for medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impact.

To discuss your case, contact Amos Barton Law Firm at 830-257-7575.

FAQs

What should I do first after a serious accident?

Check for injuries, call for help, seek medical care, and report the crash when required.

Why are truck accident claims more complicated?

Truck accident claims may involve the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, insurers, and federal safety regulations.

Should I talk to the insurance company?

You may need to notify insurance, but it is wise to speak with an attorney before giving recorded statements or accepting a settlement.

Source Notes

Primary sources used: TxDOT crash guidance, Texas Transportation Code Sections 550.026 and 550.062, FMCSA hours-of-service guidance.