You never quite forget the sound of a semi slamming into your car. It’s like thunder, but sharper. And the stillness that follows? Deafening.
You blink. You’re breathing. You’re upright. But nothing feels normal.
People always say, “You should stay calm.” Easier said than done when 80,000 pounds of truck just rerouted your day—and maybe your life. But here’s something you can do: follow the steps that protect your health and your case.
Below is your no-BS, attorney-approved checklist for what to do after Arlington truck accident lawyers. Don’t worry—this isn’t law school. Just practical steps from lawyers who’ve seen how quickly these cases can go south if you’re not prepared.
First, Get Safe or Stay Put
Can you move? Good. Get to the shoulder if it’s safe.
Can’t move? Stay still and wait for EMTs.
Do not try to “walk it off.” This isn’t a rom-com breakup. It’s trauma. And pushing through pain now could make your injuries worse later.
Call 911—Yes, Even If You Think You’re Fine
That truck didn’t just bump you. It hit you. Which means a crash report is mandatory.
Tell dispatch:
- “It was a truck.”
- “I think someone’s hurt.”
- “We’re on I-20 near Matlock Road.”
The police will write the official report. You want that. It’s your paper trail when the trucking company’s lawyers start spinning their version of events.
Become Your Own Crime Scene Photographer
Your phone is now a legal tool. Use it.
- Photos of all vehicles
- License plates, DOT numbers on the truck
- Damage to your car (inside and out)
- Skid marks, debris, road signs
- A wide shot of the whole scene
Don’t worry about angles or lighting. This isn’t Instagram—it’s insurance leverage.
Eyewitnesses: Don’t Let Them Vanish
Truck wrecks are chaos. But if someone says, “I saw what happened,” stop everything (unless you’re bleeding out) and ask:
- Name
- Phone number
- Bonus: Ask them to record a 30-second voice memo if they’re willing
Jurors trust independent witnesses. And if that witness leaves? That evidence might leave with them.
Exchange Info, Not Opinions
Get the basics from the truck driver:
- Name
- License number
- Insurance carrier
- Trucking company info
- Trailer number (they’re not always the same as the cab)
What not to do?
- Don’t apologize
- Don’t guess who was at fault
- Don’t overshare
Stick to the facts. This isn’t the time for Texas niceties.
Medical Care—Even if You Think You’re “Just Sore”
Spoiler: “soreness” can mean herniated discs, concussions, or internal bleeding.
Go to urgent care. ER. Your PCP. Just go. And tell them:
“I was in a truck accident.”
This puts it in your medical record. Without that documentation? Good luck convincing insurance you’re not faking it.
Notify Your Insurance—but Zip It
Yes, call them. Tell them:
- Where the accident happened
- That a commercial truck was involved
- That a police report was filed
- That you’re getting medical treatment
What not to do?
- Give a recorded statement
- Start speculating
- Say, “I think I’m okay now” (you might not be)
Lawyer Up—Before They Do
Truck companies aren’t waiting. Their insurance teams are already working on a defense. They might even send reps to the scene.
You need backup.
Why? Because truck accidents are legal minefields. Federal regulations, maintenance logs, GPS data, multiple potential defendants—it’s not your average fender bender.
Experienced Arlington truck accident lawyers know what to preserve, who to notify, and how to build a case while you’re still icing your neck.
And yes, they’ll talk to the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
Final Thought: You Get One Shot at This
Your body will heal at its own pace. But your legal rights? They’re on a timer. Evidence fades. Witnesses forget. And Texas has deadlines.
You don’t have to panic. You just have to act.