Being involved in a truck accident in Houston can be overwhelming and traumatic. The decisions you make in the moments following the collision are crucial for your health, safety, and legal rights. After someone else caused a Houston truck accident, you should focus on following a few key steps that will give you the best chance of recovering your health and protecting your legal claims.
Learn what to do after a semi-truck crash in Houston by following these key steps.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call 911
First and foremost, check for injuries—both your own and for others involved. If possible, move to a safe location without leaving the scene. Dial 911 to report the accident. Law enforcement officers will document the incident, and emergency medical professionals can assess and treat injuries on-site.
2. Seek Medical Evaluation Promptly
One of the most important steps for what to do after a semi-truck crash is to see a doctor. Even if you feel fine, it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussions, may not present symptoms right away.
A medical professional can identify and document these injuries, which is crucial for both your health and your potential legal claims. Delaying medical evaluation can negatively affect your recovery and your ability to claim compensation.
3. Document the Accident Scene
If you’re able, take photographs of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signs, nearby business with security cameras, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses and note the names and badge numbers of responding officers. This documentation can serve as vital evidence in your case.
4. Request the Trucking Company Preserve the Truck’s Data from the EDR and ELD
Commercial trucks are equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDRs) or “black boxes” that record critical data such as vehicle speed and brake application, in addition to Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record a truck driver’s hours of service. The data from these devices can be crucial in determining fault. If the trucking company knows this data shows blame for its driver, it might try to quickly erase the data. Contact a qualified attorney promptly to force the trucking company to preserve this data.
5. Avoid Making Statements Without Legal Counsel
Be cautious about making statements to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters or representatives. They may attempt to minimize your claim or obtain statements that could be used against you. Consult with experienced Houston truck accident attorneys before providing any recorded statements.
6. Hire Legal Representation
Engaging lawyers experienced in Houston truck accident cases is crucial after a semi-truck crash. They can guide you through the legal process, gather and preserve evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive maximum compensation. An attorney can work with their team of experts to obtain and analyze the truck’s EDR (black box) and ELD data, which can be pivotal in your case.
7. Follow the Doctor’s Treatment Plans
Among the most important things to do is to strictly adhere to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Attend all follow-up appointments, even if you’re feeling better. Insurers may use non-compliance with medical instructions to challenge the severity of your injuries. This may impact your compensation amount.
Maintain a comprehensive record of all medical treatment, expenses, and doctor’s instructions. Also, keep a daily journal of your pain, symptoms, mood, sleep, limitations, and any other aspect of daily life that is being negatively impacted by your injuries from the crash. This documentation will support your claims and help your lawyer build a strong case.
Why Truck Accidents Cause Such Severe Injuries
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries for victims due to the sheer size, weight, and force involved in these collisions. An average passenger vehicle weighs slightly more than 4,000 pounds, while a fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This stark disparity in mass means that when a truck collides with your smaller vehicle, you absorb most of the impact.
Additionally, danger zones around large trucks create blind spots for truckers. When a truck driver is fatigued, distracted, or unable to brake in time, these are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Texas. The consequences can be deadly for any vehicle in the path of a trucker not paying attention.
Long-Term Health Consequences After a Truck Crash in Houston
Moreover, victims of truck accidents often suffer long-term or permanent injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord injuries (SCIs), broken bones, internal bleeding, and disfigurement are common. These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, significantly increasing the cost of care. You could be facing months or years of large medical bills needed for your treatments.
Some truck accident injury victims have lifelong physical disabilities. Victims might not be able to work any longer, which can be financially devastating for a family that relies on the victim’s paycheck. You might need home remodeling to accommodate a wheelchair or special care equipment.
The emotional toll is equally significant. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common, especially when victims are forced to adjust to a drastically different lifestyle.
In the worst-case scenario, the accident could cause a fatality. The families of the victims can seek the help of our Houston wrongful death lawyers in these tragic cases.
These challenges make it essential to pursue full and fair compensation through legal action. An experienced truck accident attorney in Houston can help victims account for all current and future losses.
Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law for Help with Your Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Houston truck accident, the steps you take in the aftermath can protect your health and legal rights. For expert legal assistance, contact Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law. Our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers dedicate themselves to helping accident victims navigate the complexities of their cases to secure the compensation they deserve.
Long-term disabilities resulting from a truck accident can drastically alter a victim’s quality of life, independence, and financial stability. You should not have to suffer these financial hardships without compensation after an accident that was not your fault. Our team fights hard for your best possible outcome and maximum financial award. For a free and confidential consultation about what to do after a semi-truck crash, call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.
Attorney Terry Bryant
Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]
