Critical Action Guide
After a Truck Crash: What to Do Now
If you or a family member was hit by a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or commercial vehicle, follow this checklist. Some truck-crash evidence can be changed or lost under retention, repair, or ordinary business processes.
Evidence Can Disappear Quickly
Dashcam footage, ECM data, ELD logs, dispatch records, and nearby surveillance video may be affected by retention systems, repair work, or ordinary business processes. Early attorney review can help identify what records should be requested and preserved.
Call (405) 759-0515 →When this checklist may help
Use this checklist when a crash involves serious harm or time-sensitive records.
- A semi-truck, 18-wheeler, delivery truck, oil field truck, or commercial fleet vehicle was involved.
- There was a death, surgery, hospitalization, traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, or long-term work loss.
- The trucking company, insurer, or investigator has already called, inspected vehicles, or requested a statement.
- Video, ECM data, ELD logs, dispatch records, maintenance records, or witness information may disappear.
What to save now
A strong truck case starts with records that can be verified.
- Crash report number, officer names, and any citation information
- Photos of vehicles, cargo, skid marks, debris, road conditions, and injuries
- Truck company name, DOT number, license plate, trailer markings, and insurer contact
- Names and phone numbers for witnesses, first responders, tow companies, and nearby businesses
- Medical records, discharge papers, imaging orders, work restrictions, and follow-up appointments
Safety and Record Steps After the Crash
Seek Appropriate Medical Care
If there is a concern about injury, consider prompt evaluation by an appropriate medical provider. Some serious injuries may not be obvious at the scene, and medical records can help document symptoms and treatment.
Call 911 and Request a Crash Report
If it is safe and appropriate, request law-enforcement assistance and ask how to obtain the report number.
Photograph What You Can Safely Access
If it is safe, take photos from places you may lawfully access of your vehicle, the truck (including company name, DOT number, and license plate), the crash scene, skid marks, debris, and visible injuries. Do not enter a dangerous roadway or private area, handle debris, or interfere with responders.
Consider Advice Before a Recorded Statement
A trucking company or insurer may request a recorded statement. Consider obtaining legal advice before agreeing to one.
Review Documents Before Signing
Understand any medical authorization, settlement release, or other document from a trucking company or insurer before signing it.
Be Careful About Public Posts
Public posts about the crash, injuries, or activities may later be reviewed in connection with a claim.
Early Follow-Up
Consider a Trucking Litigation Attorney
Counsel familiar with commercial-trucking evidence can evaluate whether ECM data, ELD logs, dispatch records, or other materials may require preservation.
Evaluate a Preservation Letter
An attorney can evaluate whether a formal preservation request should be sent to a trucking company, insurer, or other potentially relevant entity.
Identify the Truck and Carrier
The DOT number displayed on a truck may help identify the motor carrier. Public FMCSA records can provide information about the carrier, insurance filings, and authority status.
Preserve Your Own Evidence
Save your dashcam footage, phone records, photos, and any witness contact information. Back up everything.
Ongoing Medical and Claim Records
Follow Medical Advice and Keep Records
Follow the guidance of your medical providers and keep treatment, appointment, and work-restriction records. Gaps may become an issue when injury severity or causation is disputed.
Keep a Symptom and Limitation Journal
Contemporaneous notes about symptoms, limitations, sleep disruption, and emotional effects may help document day-to-day changes.
Review Any Early Settlement Carefully
Before accepting an offer or signing a release, consider case-specific legal and medical advice about the known injuries, prognosis, treatment, wage effects, available coverage, and unresolved evidence.
Attorney review
Get the preservation issue in front of a lawyer.
Share the crash location, trucking company, injury severity, and any evidence you have. The first review focuses on what may need preservation and whether the matter calls for trucking-litigation experience.
Truck Crash Case Review
Describe the crash so we can assess evidence preservation needs.
Start with the facts
A short summary of what happened and how to reach you is enough to begin.
Need Attorney Review?
Contact us to request an initial attorney review if truck-crash evidence may need to be identified and preserved.