A car or truck accident can turn your day upside down in seconds. Between the shock, confusion, and damage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet what happens in those first few hours can strongly affect your recovery and your ability to claim compensation later.
Talking to a car or a truck accident attorney in Texas early on can make a big difference. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you handle those first 24 hours with confidence.
1. Focus on Safety First
After a crash, safety comes before anything else. Check for injuries on yourself and anyone nearby. If it’s safe, take pictures of the vehicles and scene, then move to the side of the road and switch on hazard lights. Avoid standing in traffic lanes.
Call 911 right away. Even if the damage looks small, an officer’s report and paramedic notes will be valuable later. Paramedics can check for injuries that aren’t visible at first, like whiplash, concussion or internal bleeding.
2. Get Medical Care Right Away
You might not feel hurt immediately, but adrenaline can mask pain. Visit an emergency room or urgent care clinic within the same day. Medical documentation connects your injuries to the accident, which is vital for insurance and legal claims.
Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries because of the vehicle’s size and weight. An 18 wheeler accident attorney in Texas can use your medical records to show how the crash has affected your health and quality of life.
3. Report the Crash to Law Enforcement
Always have an official report made. When police arrive, they’ll record details such as vehicle positions, visible damage, road conditions, and statements from both drivers. Request the report number before leaving.
If police don’t respond, file a crash report with the Texas Department of Transportation. Having a report helps your lawyer prove what happened and protects you from inaccurate statements later.
4. Gather Useful Evidence
If you can, take photos or short videos at the scene and of the other driver and their passengers . Capture the vehicles, traffic lights, tire marks, debris, and any visible injuries. Ask witnesses for their contact information.
Even small details matter. For example, if a truck changed lanes suddenly, your lawyer might review whether lane splitting is legal in Texas and if traffic rules were broken. (Lane splitting isn’t legal for motorcycles in Texas, which can affect fault in certain cases.)
5. Exchange Information Carefully
Share your name, contact details, and insurance information with the other driver. Avoid arguing or admitting fault. Even simple comments like “I’m sorry” can be used against you later.
Stay calm, collect the facts, and let the professionals handle the legal interpretation.
6. Let the Lawyer Call Your Insurance Company
Let an 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer notify your insurance provider soon after the crash. Insurance companies often aim to settle quickly and cheaply. Working with an 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer in Athens, Texas ensures nothing is said that could hurt your claim. Your lawyer can communicate directly with adjusters and handle the paperwork for you.
7. Avoid Early Settlement Offers
It’s common to get a quick settlement offer within days of a crash. It might seem like a relief, especially if you’re facing medical bills or missed work. But most early offers don’t cover long-term costs like physical therapy, lost income, or ongoing treatment.
Before signing anything, have your attorney review it. A knowledgeable 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer can calculate the full value of your damages and negotiate a fair settlement.
8. Keep Track of Everything
Organization helps your case. Start a simple folder or digital file where you keep:
- All medical bills and prescriptions
- Repair estimates and receipts
- Photos, witness names, and contact details
- Notes about your pain, recovery, and time missed from work
These records show how the crash has affected your daily life and help your lawyer build a strong case.
9. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Accidents involving large trucks can be complicated. More than one party might share responsibility, the driver, trucking company, maintenance crew, or cargo handlers.
An experienced 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer in Athens, Texas understands how to investigate these cases. Your lawyer can collect driver logs, black box data, and company safety records to prove what caused the crash.
If you were involved in a major truck collision, visit Mandy Rodriguez Law’s truck accident attorney page to get experienced legal support right away.
10. Stay Off Social Media
It’s natural to want to update friends and family, but social media can cause problems. Insurance companies check posts to find anything that contradicts your claim. Avoid posting photos, videos, or comments about your accident or recovery.
Even a simple picture could be taken out of context and used to reduce your settlement.
11. Follow Up With Doctors and Your Lawyer
Keep up with all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions. Missing checkups or ignoring treatment plans can make it seem like your injuries aren’t serious.
Stay in touch with your attorney. They’ll update you on progress, gather evidence, and deal with insurance so you can focus on healing.
12. Understand the Importance of Legal Deadlines
In Texas, you usually have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim. That might sound like plenty of time, but it goes by quickly when dealing with recovery and insurance companies.
Contact a lawyer soon after the crash so all evidence, witness statements, and deadlines are handled properly.
Helpful Resources from Mandy Rodriguez Law
To learn more about personal injury and accident law in Texas, check out related posts from the firm’s blog:
- How a Motorcycle Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover
- Do You Need a Specialized Workplace Injury Attorney in Texas?
- Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Explains Common Causes of Injuries
Each one offers practical tips for injury victims across East Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
(More at Mandy Rodriguez Law FAQ)
Q1: Should I talk to the truck driver’s insurance before calling a lawyer?
No. Always consult your attorney first. Insurance companies often record calls and use your words to lower or deny your claim.
Q2: What if the police report says I’m partially at fault?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can still receive compensation as long as you’re less than 51% at fault.
Q3: How long do truck accident cases take?
It depends on how complex the case is and whether a fair settlement can be reached. Some resolve in months, while others may take longer if court action is needed.
Q4: Can I get compensation if I was a passenger in the car?
Yes. Passengers can file claims for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the at-fault driver.
Conclusion
The hours after a car or truck accident can be confusing, but taking the right steps protects both your health and your legal rights. Stay calm, document everything, and seek help quickly.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a crash involving a large truck or 18 wheeler, reach out to Mandy Rodriguez Law in Athens. The team is ready to guide you through every step, from medical recovery to fair compensation, so you can move forward with peace of mind.