Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Semi-Truck in Texas

Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Semi-Truck in Texas

Being involved in a collision with a semi-truck is a traumatic experience. The size and weight of these vehicles mean that accidents often result in severe injuries, significant damage, and lasting emotional strain. If you’ve suffered injuries in a truck accident, it’s understandable to feel stressed. The road to physical and emotional recovery will take time, but it doesn’t have to be traveled alone.

Understanding what steps to take in the days and weeks after a semi-truck accident can help you restore a sense of control, protect your rights, and focus on healing. Here are practical steps to guide you through this challenging time.

Prioritize Medical Care and Keep Track of Your Recovery

If you haven’t already sought medical attention, do so immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like internal trauma or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. A full medical evaluation will help ensure any potential health risks are caught early.

If you’ve already received care, the next step is to maintain consistent follow-ups with your healthcare providers. Stick to your treatment plan, whether it includes physical therapy, medications, surgeries, or rest. Recovery can feel frustratingly slow at times, but neglecting your treatment could worsen your condition and could also complicate future claims for compensation.

Consider starting a medical journal to document your physical and emotional recovery. Record your symptoms, treatment updates, and how you feel day to day. This can serve as a personal outlet for processing your experience, and it will also provide valuable evidence if you pursue a legal claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company, but Be Cautious

It’s important to notify your own insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. This step preserves your coverage eligibility and ensures they are aware of the incident. However, it’s equally essential to be cautious about what you say. Stick to the basic facts, such as when and where the accident happened, and avoid providing detailed statements about fault or injuries.

Beware of Quick Settlement Offers

You may receive calls from the at-fault truck driver’s insurance company in the days following the accident. They could pressure you into accepting a quick settlement, hoping to resolve the matter before the full extent of your injuries and losses becomes clear. If this happens, proceed carefully. These initial offers are typically much lower than what you may actually deserve.

Consulting with an experienced professional before agreeing to any settlement ensures your best interests are protected.

Organize and Preserve Evidence

Evidence can play a critical role in determining fault in a semi-truck accident case. Even in the days and weeks after the crash, you may still have opportunities to gather and preserve facts that could benefit your claim.

Documentation to collect include:

• Medical Records: Keep copies of every medical bill, diagnosis, test result, and communication with healthcare providers.
• Accident Report: Request a copy of the police report, which often includes valuable details about the crash.
• Photos and Videos: If you have pictures or videos from the scene of the accident, save them in a safe place. They can provide visual evidence of damages, injuries, or road conditions.
• Witness Information: If you haven’t already, try to contact witnesses who were present during the accident. Their statements might strengthen your case.
• Daily Expenses: Track all accident-related expenses, such as car repairs, medical supplies, or transportation to appointments. These costs could be included in a compensation claim.

If you still have damaged personal property from the accident, like clothing, a car seat, or pieces of your vehicle, hold onto them. These items may later serve as physical evidence to support the severity of the accident.

Understand the Role of Trucking Companies

Semi-truck accidents are often more complex than regular car accidents because they can involve multiple parties. The truck driver, trucking company, and even vehicle manufacturers could share liability in some cases. Understanding how these entities operate can help you recognize important details about your accident.

Commercial trucking companies are subject to strict federal regulations. For example, they must monitor driver work hours to prevent fatigue and properly maintain their fleet. If evidence shows that they neglected these responsibilities, they may share some blame for the crash.

Determining liability can be challenging, and commercial trucking companies typically have legal teams ready to protect their interests. Don’t hesitate to seek guidance when dealing with these complex details.

Take Care of Your Emotional Well-Being

Dealing with the aftermath of a semi-truck accident isn’t just about physical recovery. The emotional toll can be significant and should not be overlooked. It’s common to experience anxiety, fear, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after such an event.

If your mental health is suffering, reach out for support. Many communities in Texas offer counseling services, support groups, and other resources for accident survivors. Speaking with a therapist can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies.

Friends and family can be an incredible source of strength during this time. Don’t be afraid to lean on them for help with everyday tasks, emotional support, or simply sharing your thoughts. A strong support system can make a big difference in your recovery.

Know the Legal Deadlines in Texas

Texas law imposes a time limit for filing personal injury claims after a vehicle accident. This deadline, called the statute of limitations, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there can be exceptions depending on the circumstances of the case.

While two years may seem like plenty of time, building a strong case takes significant effort. Gathering evidence, reviewing medical records, identifying liable parties, and negotiating with insurance companies are time-consuming processes. 

It’s also worth pointing out that evidence like witness statements, photographs, and accident reports can become harder to obtain as time passes. Acting promptly to investigate and gather information will ensure your case is stronger if you decide to pursue legal action.

Assess Your Financial and Employment Options

The financial aftermath of a semi-truck accident can feel just as oppressive as the physical and emotional challenges. Between medical bills, vehicle repairs, and potential lost income, it’s normal to worry about how you’ll make ends meet.

Talk to Your Employer

If your injuries are preventing you from working, communicate openly with your employer. Ask about possible accommodations, short-term disability benefits, or any available paid leave. Keeping your employer informed about your condition helps them better support you and ensures transparency about your situation.

Consider All Compensation Avenues

You may be entitled to various forms of compensation. These could include money to cover medical bills, lost income, property damage, and even non-economic losses like pain and suffering. Taking time to understand your compensation options will help ease some of your financial stress as you move forward.

Maintain Communication with Insurers

After you’ve contacted your insurance company, it’s essential to maintain an organized and consistent line of communication in the weeks following the accident. Document every interaction, including the dates of calls, the names of representatives you’ve spoken with, and the details of your conversations. Avoid giving recorded statements or discussing fault unless you’ve consulted with a truck accident attorney first. Insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of your injuries or the extent of the damages to limit their payouts, so treat these interactions carefully.

Be honest but cautious in your discussions. If you’re unsure about how to answer a question, don’t hesitate to say that you’ll follow up later. This can give you time to review the question with a legal professional who can guide you through your response.

Address Vehicle Repairs and Transportation Needs

If your car was damaged in the accident and is no longer drivable, arranging repairs or securing a replacement vehicle should be one of your top priorities. The at-fault party’s insurance may cover your car’s repair costs or offer a settlement if the vehicle has been deemed a total loss. However, it’s not uncommon for disputes to arise regarding the value of your car or the cost of repairs. If this happens, you can negotiate with the insurer or seek assistance to ensure you’re being treated fairly.

While your vehicle is being repaired or replaced, you may need a temporary solution for transportation. The at-fault driver’s insurance may cover the cost of a rental car, so be sure to ask about this option. Keep all receipts related to your transportation expenses, as these may be reimbursed later.

Evaluate the Full Extent of Your Costs

One of the most pivotal steps after being hit by a semi-truck is assessing the financial impact of the accident. Beyond immediate medical bills and vehicle repairs, you’ll need to factor in additional costs that may arise weeks or months down the line. These can include:

• Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you deserve compensation for the income you’ve lost. Save pay stubs, employment contracts, or any other evidence of your pre-accident earnings.
• Future Medical Costs: Long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, or ongoing medication could be necessary, so be sure to account for these projected expenses.
• Non-Economic Damages: Emotional suffering, physical pain, and loss of quality of life are all forms of damage that deserve to be recognized.

Documenting these financial impacts fully is an important part of preparing for any settlement negotiation with the at-fault party or their insurer.

Avoid Common Mistakes After an Accident

Your actions in the aftermath of a semi-truck collision have a critical impact on the outcome of your case. Unfortunately, there are common mistakes that accident victims make, such as:

• Settling Too Quickly: Insurance companies may offer a settlement soon after the accident, but initial offers are often far lower than what you actually deserve. Take your time to understand the full scope of your damages before agreeing to any terms.
• Not Seeking Legal Advice: It’s tempting to handle the claims process on your own, but semi-truck accidents often involve complex liability issues and large-scale damages. An experienced attorney can help level the playing field.
• Sharing Too Much on Social Media: Be cautious about posting updates about your accident or recovery online. Insurance companies may search social media for statements or photos they can use to discredit your claim.

Taking a thoughtful and informed approach can help you avoid these pitfalls and set yourself up for success.

Plan for the Long Term

As time passes, it becomes clearer how the accident will affect your life in the long run. Maybe you’ll need job retraining for a new career path, or perhaps home modifications to accommodate a disability. Planning for these possibilities ensures you’re prepared to adapt no matter what comes next.

Talk with your medical providers about a long-term care plan, and consider consulting a financial advisor to manage settlement funds or ensure your compensation covers your costs moving forward. The goal is to restore as much normalcy to your life as possible, even after such a disruptive event.

Partner With a Trusted Advocate

Suffering injuries in an accident involving a semi-truck can be challenging. Whether you’re dealing with insurance disputes, recovering from life-altering injuries, or trying to secure fair compensation, having a dedicated advocate by your side makes all the difference.

That’s where Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC steps in. Since 2001, Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC has been helping accident victims across Texas reclaim their lives. With a proven track record of securing meaningful results, their team prioritizes your recovery and fights aggressively for what you deserve.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a semi-truck accident, don’t wait any longer. Contact us today at (512) 477-7333 or through our online form to discuss your case and legal options during a free case consultation. 

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation