A head-on truck crash is one of the most dangerous types of collisions. The force involved often causes serious injuries or worse.
In the chaos that follows, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what we do after matters a lot. When trucks are involved, the legal and insurance issues can get complex. That’s why it helps to reach out to a truck accident lawyer near you who understands how to handle these specific cases.
This article breaks down the key steps you should take right after the crash to protect your health, rights, and any future decisions you may face.
Immediate Safety Actions
Your first priority is checking for injuries, yours and any passengers. If you can move safely, get to the side of the road away from traffic. The hazard lights should go on immediately to warn other drivers.
Never try to move someone who’s seriously hurt unless there’s immediate danger, like fire or smoke. There have been too many cases where good intentions made injuries worse. Stay put and wait for emergency crews if there’s any doubt.
Contact Emergency Services
Dial 911 immediately, no matter how minor things might seem. Truck collisions often cause hidden damage and injuries. When the dispatcher answers, clearly state your location and if anyone needs medical attention.
Police documentation is crucial. Answer their questions honestly but stick to the facts, “I was heading west on Main Street,” not “I think I might have been going a little fast.” These reports become key evidence later.
Document the Scene
Whip out your phone and start taking pictures before anything gets moved. Get shots of:
- Vehicle positions and damage
- Road conditions and skid marks
- Traffic signs or signals
- The truck’s USDOT number and company name
Jot down the exact time and weather conditions, too. If witnesses are willing to talk, get their names and numbers. This evidence disappears fast; there have been countless cases where critical details were lost within hours.
Exchange and Secure Information
Swap basic info with the truck driver: name, contact details, insurance, and license numbers. Keep it brief; this isn’t the time to discuss what happened or who’s at fault.
Watch for anything unusual, like slurred speech or the smell of alcohol. If something seems off, mention it discreetly to the police when they arrive. Just state facts, not accusations.
Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation
Get checked at an ER or urgent care immediately, even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, don’t show symptoms right away.
Keep every medical record, from the ambulance ride to follow-up visits. Document all symptoms and treatments. This paper trail connects your injuries directly to the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
Call your insurer within 24 hours. Stick to basic facts: when and where it happened, vehicles involved, and that the police responded. Don’t speculate about fault or injuries beyond the medical report. Always get the adjuster’s name and your claim number for reference.
Preserve Evidence for Legal and Insurance Purposes
Create a dedicated file for everything related to the crash:
- Medical bills and notes
- Repair estimates
- Police reports
- Correspondence with insurance companies
- Receipts for accident-related expenses
Don’t clean your car or repair anything until it is fully documented. These items often become critical evidence if there are disputes about what happened.
