A car accident can turn your day upside down. In Fort Worth, crashes involving regular cars, commercial trucks, or 18-wheelers are all too common. Knowing what to do right after an accident is important. It helps you stay safe, protect your rights, and avoid mistakes that could hurt your case later.
This article explains the exact steps to take after a crash, from getting medical help to saving key evidence and speaking to the right kind of lawyer. If you’re feeling unsure about what comes next, this guide will walk you through it.
For personalized advice, please contact Attorney Tyler Monahan, partner at Turner-Monahan, PLLC, to discuss your case.
Steps to Take Right After a Car or Truck Accident
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Your first priority is safety.
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries.
- If possible, move your car to a safe spot out of traffic.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- If the crash is serious, call 911 immediately.
Example:
If you’re hit by a semi truck or commercial van, even a slow-speed crash can cause serious injuries. Don’t assume you’re fine. Let paramedics check you out if they arrive.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
Even for a minor accident, it’s important to have a police report.
- Call the Fort Worth Police Department or 911.
- Wait for the officers to arrive.
- Tell the truth, but stick to the facts.
- Ask how to get a copy of the accident report.
This report is a key piece of evidence, especially in crashes involving commercial vehicles. If you’re planning to speak with a commercial vehicle accident lawyer or a personal injury attorney, they’ll use the report to build your case.
3. Exchange Information
Get the contact and insurance details of everyone involved:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Driver’s license and plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Employer details (especially for commercial drivers)
Tip:
If the crash involves a truck driver, ask for the company name and whether the driver was on duty. This is critical for your commercial truck accident attorney to figure out who is liable: the driver, the company, or both.
4. Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Your phone is one of the most powerful tools after a crash.
Take clear pictures of:
- All vehicles involved
- License plates
- Road conditions and signs
- Injuries, if visible
- The truck’s logo or markings, if it’s a commercial vehicle
If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact info too. This evidence helps your truck injury lawyer or commercial vehicle injury law firm prove what really happened.
5. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you feel okay, it’s smart to see a doctor within 24 hours. Some injuries show up later, especially head, neck, and back injuries, which are common in truck crashes.
Doctors’ notes also help show that your injuries were caused by the accident. This is important if your case goes to court or you file a claim with the help of a semi truck accident attorney near me or a car accident attorney commercial.
For thoughtful, trial-tested representation from someone who truly understands what injury victims face, contact Attorney Matthew T. McLain at Turner-Monahan, PLLC.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance provider know about the accident as soon as possible. Just stick to the facts. Don’t accept blame or make guesses.
You may also need to speak with the truck company’s insurance team. Be careful with what you say. It’s often better to let your big rig accident attorney handle these conversations.
7. Write a Spoliation Letter (or Ask a Lawyer to Do It)
A spoliation letter is a written request asking the trucking company or other party not to destroy any evidence. This could include:
- Dashcam footage
- Maintenance records
- Driver logs
- Black box data from the truck
Sending this early helps your commercial vehicle crash lawyer protect evidence that could support your case. An experienced 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer or commercial truck crash attorney will usually write and send this for you.
8. Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Truck and commercial vehicle accidents are not like regular fender benders. These crashes often involve serious injuries, multiple parties, and companies that don’t want to take the blame.
Speaking to a personal injury attorney commercial, commercial vehicle accident lawyer, or 18-wheeler wreck lawyer right away can help you:
- Understand your legal rights
- Find out who is responsible
- Deal with insurance companies
- Recover money for medical bills, lost income, and pain
Common Questions After a Truck Accident
Q: Who is responsible — the driver or the company?
A: It depends. A lawyer for tractor-trailer accidents will check if the driver was working, whether the truck was maintained properly, and if the company followed safety rules.
Q: What if I were partly at fault?
A: Texas follows “modified comparative fault.” You can still recover money if you were less than 51% at fault. A good commercial accident attorney can help prove that the other party was more responsible.
Whether it’s a car accident, defective product, or serious injury, Matthew T. McLain brings the skill and compassion you need. Reach out today to discuss your case.
Protect Your Case from Day One – Talk to Turner Monahan PLLC
Turner Monahan PLLC is here to help you through it. We handle car crashes, commercial vehicle wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, and more. Our legal team can guide you every step of the way, from medical help to fighting for the settlement you deserve.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys, Tyler Monahan or Matthew McLain, to discuss your case and explore your options. Let us help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer
The commentary and opinions are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state to obtain legal advice concerning any particular issue or problem. You can become a client and enter the attorney-client privilege only after hiring Turner-Monahan, PLLC, by signing a written retainer agreement.
