What to Do After a Truck Accident in Irving: A Step-by-Step Guide

Truck accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries, vehicle damage, and emotional distress. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents often result in more catastrophic consequences than standard car crashes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Irving, knowing the proper steps to take can help protect your health, legal rights, and financial future.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the crucial steps to take immediately after a truck accident, from ensuring safety at the scene to filing a claim for compensation.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call 911

Immediately after a truck accident, your first priority should be safety. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check for injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries. If you or anyone else is seriously hurt, avoid unnecessary movement to prevent further harm.
• Move to a safe location: If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent additional collisions. However, if your vehicle is heavily damaged, it’s best to leave it where it is.
• Call 911: Always report a truck accident to law enforcement, even if the damage seems minor. In Texas, it’s legally required to report accidents that result in injury, death, or significant vehicle damage.
• Wait for emergency responders: When the police and paramedics arrive, follow their instructions and seek medical attention if needed.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s crucial to get checked by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time.

• Accept medical treatment at the scene if offered.
• Visit an emergency room or your doctor as soon as possible.
• Keep all medical records and bills—these will be important for your insurance claim or lawsuit.

If you delay medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident, which can hurt your claim.

 

Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, collecting evidence at the accident scene can strengthen your case. Here’s what you should document:

Take Photos and Videos:

• The entire accident scene, including the vehicles involved
• Damage to your car and the truck
• Road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and signals
• Your injuries

Get Witness Information:

If there were any bystanders who saw the accident, ask for their names and contact information. Witness statements can be valuable when proving fault.

Exchange Information with the Truck Driver:

Get the following details from the truck driver:

• Name and contact information
• Insurance details
• License plate number
• Trucking company name and employer details
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number

Step 4: File a Police Report

When the police arrive, they will assess the scene and create an accident report. This report is a critical piece of evidence in your truck accident claim.

• Give a factual statement to the police. Stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault.
• Request a copy of the police report—it will contain important details about the accident and can support your case.

If the officer does not provide the report at the scene, you can obtain it later from the Irving Police Department or the Texas Department of Transportation.

Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company

Most insurance companies require policyholders to report accidents as soon as possible. When notifying your insurer:

• Stick to the facts—avoid giving recorded statements without consulting an attorney.
• Do not admit fault—liability in truck accidents can be complex and requires investigation.
• Provide necessary documents—such as the police report and photos from the scene.

Step 6: Contact Truck Accident Lawyer in Irving

Truck accident cases are more complicated than standard car accident claims. Trucking companies, insurance providers, and multiple parties may be involved, making it difficult to secure fair compensation.

Hiring our experienced truck accident lawyer in Irving can help you:

• Investigate the accident and gather crucial evidence
• Identify liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a lawsuit if necessary to recover maximum compensation

Our skilled lawyer will handle legal complexities while you focus on recovery.

Step 7: Determine Liability in a Truck Accident

Determining fault in a truck accident can be challenging since multiple parties may be responsible, including:

1. Truck Driver Negligence

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence
• Fatigue from exceeding hours-of-service regulations

2. Trucking Company Liability

• Negligent hiring or lack of driver training
• Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines
• Failure to maintain trucks properly

3. Truck Manufacturer Defects

• Faulty brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms
• Defective safety equipment

A thorough investigation by your attorney can uncover liability and ensure you pursue the right parties for compensation.

Step 8: Pursue Compensation for Your Damages

A truck accident can result in significant financial and emotional burdens. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses (current and future treatment)
• Lost Wages (if you’re unable to work)
• Pain and Suffering
• Vehicle Repairs or Replacement
• Wrongful Death Damages (if you lost a loved one)

An attorney can calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.

Final Thoughts

A truck accident can be life-changing, but taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your health, finances, and legal rights. From seeking medical attention to hiring our experienced truck accident lawyer in Irving, following this guide will help you navigate the legal process with confidence.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait—contact Feizy Law Office today for a free consultation and let their legal team fight for the compensation you deserve.