Your car’s smashed. A huge truck just hit you. You’re rattled, maybe hurt, and unsure what comes next.

You’re not alone. Truck accidents are brutal. They cause more damage, more injuries, and way more confusion than regular fender benders.

That’s why you need a clear, simple plan to follow.

Here’s exactly what to do after a truck accident, step by step, to protect yourself, your health, and your rights.

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Safe

Before anything else, check if you’re okay.

Are you bleeding? Can you move?

Then check on any passengers with you. If it’s safe to do so, get out of the car. If not, stay inside with your seatbelt on and hazard lights blinking.

Now call 911. Always. Even if it seems like a minor accident.

Because of the size and weight of a truck, the injuries and damage are often worse than they first appear.

Step 2: Get Medical Help

One of the biggest mistakes people make?

Saying, “I’m fine” and skipping the hospital.

Here’s the thing: injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions might not affect you right away. Your adrenaline’s pumping. Pain can be delayed.

Get checked out as soon as possible. Even a walk-in clinic is better than nothing.

Medical records also give you proof if you end up needing legal help from an Austin car accident lawyer. 

Step 3: Call the Police

Even if the truck driver says, “let’s keep it off the books,” don’t.

Call the police. Get an official report.

That report gives you a neutral account of what happened. It will be very useful later if insurance tries to twist things.

Ask the officer for their name, badge number, and how you can get a copy of the report. Take a photo of their card if they give you one.

Step 4: Gather Info Like a Pro

This part matters. The more info you get now, the better off you’ll be later.

Get the following:

• The truck driver’s name, licence plate, and insurance
• The trucking company’s name (if listed on the side)
• Photos of your car, their truck, and the scene
• Pictures of skid marks, road signs, lights, weather—everything
• Contact info from anyone who saw it happen

Don’t assume police will get all this for you.

If you can do it yourself. If you’re too hurt, ask a passenger or witness to help.

Step 5: Watch What You Say

You might feel like saying “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them” because you’re polite or shocked.

Don’t.

Even small comments can be twisted later to make it seem like it was your fault.

Stick to facts. Be calm. Don’t argue with the other driver. Don’t point fingers. Just wait for help to arrive.

Step 6: Talk to a Lawyer Early On

Truck crashes aren’t like regular car accidents.

You’re not just dealing with one person’s insurance. You might be dealing with:

• The truck driver
• The company they work for
• Their insurance provider
• Even their cargo company, depending on the load

That’s a lot of moving parts. And guess what? Every one of those companies will have lawyers.

So should you.

It doesn’t mean you’re suing anyone. It just means you have someone on your side who knows what to do.

Legal support is available for these kinds of situations. Don’t wait until things get worse to ask questions.

Step 7: Report the Crash to Your Insurance

You’ll need to let your insurance company know what happened.

When you call, keep it short and stick to the basics:

• Time and place
• Who was involved
• That you’ve filed a police report

Don’t give opinions or guesses. And don’t downplay your injuries. Later, your lawyer can help handle the back-and-forth with adjusters and claims.

Step 8: Keep Every Bit of Info

This step often gets skipped, but it’s gold when things go legal.

Start a folder (physical or digital) with:

• Medical bills
• Prescriptions
• Emails and letters from insurance
• Police report
• Witness contacts

Also, keep a daily log.

Write down how you’re feeling, what hurts, and anything you couldn’t do because of your injuries. Missed work? Can’t sleep? Note it.

These things add up when it’s time to show how the accident affected your life.

Step 9: Don’t Post About It Online

Instagram? Facebook? TikTok? Leave the accident off them.

Anything you post – photos, comments, videos could be used against you by insurance or lawyers.

Even a post like “Feeling better after the crash!” could be twisted to downplay your injuries. Keep the updates private until your case is sorted.

Step 10: Give Yourself Time to Recover

Truck crashes hit harder than people expect, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

You might be sore for weeks. You might replay the accident in your head. That’s normal. Don’t rush back to work or everyday life too fast. Your health matters more than your to-do list.

And if you need help with costs, getting time off, or dealing with legal things, lean on the people who do this every day, like experienced personal injury lawyers.

Final Thoughts

No one’s ever ready for a truck accident.

But if it happens to you, don’t panic.

You’ve got the steps now:

• Stay safe
• Get help
• Collect info
• Talk to someone who’s on your side

You’re not stuck or alone. Just take it one step at a time—and lean on support like trusted accident lawyers who know the road when you need it most.