Critical Action Guide
After a Truck Crash: What to Do Now
If you or a family member was hit by a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or commercial vehicle, follow this checklist. Evidence disappears quickly.
Evidence Can Disappear Quickly
Trucking companies deploy rapid response teams within hours of a crash. Dashcam footage, ECM data, ELD logs, dispatch records, and nearby surveillance video may be overwritten, repaired over, or discarded unless preservation demands are sent immediately.
Call (405) 759-0515 now →Immediate Steps (Day of Crash)
Get Medical Treatment
Go to the ER or urgent care even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks serious injuries. Medical records from day one are critical evidence.
Call 911 and Get a Crash Report
Ensure law enforcement responds and documents the scene. Ask for the report number.
Photograph Everything
Photos of your vehicle, the truck (including company name, DOT number, and license plate), the crash scene, skid marks, debris, and your injuries.
Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement
The trucking company's adjuster will call quickly. Do not give a recorded statement. Say: "I need to speak with my attorney first."
Do NOT Sign Anything
Do not sign medical authorizations, settlement releases, or any documents from the trucking company or its insurer.
Do NOT Post on Social Media
Anything you post can be used against you. Do not discuss the crash, your injuries, or your activities online.
Within 48–72 Hours
Contact a Trucking Litigation Attorney
Not a general personal injury lawyer — a firm that handles commercial trucking cases and knows how to preserve ECM data, ELD logs, and dispatch records.
Send a Spoliation Letter
Your attorney sends a formal preservation demand to the trucking company, its insurer, and any third-party logistics providers. This legally prevents evidence destruction.
Identify the Truck and Carrier
The DOT number on the truck door identifies the motor carrier. Your attorney will use FMCSA SaferSys data to identify the carrier's safety history, insurance, and authority status.
Preserve Your Own Evidence
Save your dashcam footage, phone records, photos, and any witness contact information. Back up everything.
First 30 Days
Follow All Medical Recommendations
Attend every appointment, follow-up, and therapy session. Gaps in treatment are the number one tool defense attorneys use to minimize your claim.
Keep a Pain Journal
Daily notes on pain levels, limitations, sleep disruption, and emotional impact. This becomes evidence of your daily suffering.
Do Not Accept an Early Settlement
Insurance companies make fast, lowball offers designed to close the claim before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Your attorney should evaluate the long-term value before any settlement discussion.
Need Help Now?
Truck Crash Case Review
Describe the crash — we will assess evidence preservation needs immediately.
Start with the facts
A clear summary of what happened, who was involved, and what evidence may exist is enough to begin.
Confidential review
The firm reviews your information and responds if the matter appears to fit.
Evidence and timing
Dates, locations, records, photos, video, and witness names help us understand what may need to be preserved.
How to reach you
Tell us how to reach you and when you are available for follow-up.
Need an Immediate Case Evaluation?
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Evidence in truck crash cases can be lost within days — call now to protect your rights.