Houston’s roads are filled with commercial trucks—semis, tractor-trailers, delivery vans, and box trucks moving goods through one of the busiest cities in Texas. Unfortunately, this constant truck traffic also means accidents are common. In 2022, Texas recorded more than 38,000 commercial vehicle accidents, the highest number in the country.
If you or a loved one is involved in a crash, it’s natural to feel shaken. But the actions you take in the moments and days after a truck accident can make all the difference for your health and your claim. At Hernandez Sunosky LLP, we guide injury victims through this process every day. Below are the essential steps to follow after a truck accident in Houston.
1. Move to Safety
- Pull your vehicle to the shoulder, curb, or safest nearby spot.
- Turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic.
- Avoid standing near your vehicle in active lanes of traffic.
2. Do Not Chase the Truck
Some drivers may leave the scene without realizing they’ve hit another car. Do not follow the truck—your vehicle may be unsafe to drive, and emotions are running high. Instead, try to:
- Note the truck’s license plate number.
- Record the trucking company name, logo, or identifying details.
- Take a quick photo or video if it’s safe.
3. Call 911 Right Away
- Request police and medical services.
- Provide your exact location and describe any visible injuries.
- Stay calm and follow the dispatcher’s instructions until help arrives.
4. Obtain a Police Report
- Officers will secure the scene and collect key details, such as:
- Driver’s license and insurance information.
- Vehicle registrations.
- Weather and traffic conditions.
- Initial observations on how the crash occurred.
- If the truck fled the scene, give the officer every detail you remember.
5. Seek Immediate Medical Care
Even if you feel “fine,” many injuries (concussions, whiplash, internal trauma) appear hours later. Emergency room records create crucial documentation. Always:
- Attend follow-up appointments.
- Complete prescribed treatments (rehab, therapy, medication).
- Keep copies of medical bills and discharge paperwork.
6. Document the Scene Yourself
Use your phone to capture:
- Damage to all vehicles.
- Roadway evidence—skid marks, debris, guardrails.
- Traffic signs, signals, or poor road conditions.
- Visible injuries to you or passengers.
- Ask passengers or bystanders to take photos if you cannot.
7. Preserve Critical Trucking Data
Commercial trucks are equipped with:
- Event Data Recorders (EDRs): track speed, braking, and steering.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): track driver hours and fatigue compliance.
- This data can disappear quickly. An attorney can send a preservation letter to secure it before it’s erased.
8. Be Careful With Insurance Communication
Adjusters may contact you soon after the crash. Tips to protect yourself:
- Do not give a recorded statement without legal advice.
- Never admit fault or speculate about the accident.
- Avoid signing settlement offers until your injuries are fully understood.
9. Keep a Recovery Journal
Track how the accident affects your daily life:
- Pain levels and mobility issues.
- Missed workdays and financial strain.
- Emotional effects such as anxiety, sleep problems, or PTSD.
- Journals or video diaries can provide strong support for claims related to pain and suffering.
10. Stay Off Social Media
Defense attorneys often monitor the accounts of accident victims. Posts showing you active—even if you’re forcing yourself—may be twisted to suggest your injuries aren’t serious. The best practice is to pause social media until your case is resolved.
+1. Retain a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney
Trucking cases are different from car accidents because:
- Multiple parties may share liability (driver, trucking company, manufacturer).
- Some companies are self-insured and fight aggressively to minimize payouts.
- Evidence, such as black box data and driver logs, may disappear without prompt legal action.
The attorneys at Hernandez Sunosky LLP are former insurance defense lawyers. We know the strategies trucking companies use, and we prepare every case with trial in mind to maximize your recovery.
Hernandez Sunosky Can Help
Being hit by a commercial truck can turn your life upside down in an instant. However, by moving to safety, documenting the scene, seeking medical attention, and consulting an attorney promptly, you can protect your rights and establish a solid foundation for your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Houston truck accident, contact Hernandez Sunosky LLP today for a free consultation. We move quickly to secure black box data, investigate trucking company violations, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.