18-Wheeler Accident Checklist: The First 30 Days

Crashes with big rigs are different from ordinary car crashes. There are more parties involved, more evidence held by the trucking company and some short evidence deadlines. Use this checklist to keep track. Tick items off as you go (the boxes reset when you leave the page).

At the scene (if you can)

• Call 911 and get medical help for anyone hurt
• Photograph the truck's cab door (company name and USDOT number), trailer number and plates
• Photograph vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, the road, signs and the weather
• Get the truck driver's name, license, employer and insurance
• Get names and phone numbers of witnesses
• Ask the officer which agency is handling the crash and for the report or crash ID number

Days 1–3

• See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Some brain and spinal injuries show symptoms later
• Report the crash to your own insurer (stick to the facts)
• Look up the trucking company in the safety lookup to confirm its legal name, address and record
• Think carefully before giving a recorded statement to the trucking company's insurer. You aren't required to
• Start a folder for every bill, receipt, letter and photo

Week 1–2

• Order the CR-3 crash report once it's available (crash report finder)
• Make sure someone asks the trucking company in writing to preserve its black box (ECM), ELD logs, dashcam video and maintenance records (why this matters)
• Keep your damaged vehicle until it has been inspected or photographed in detail
• Start a short daily journal of pain, sleep, missed work and activities you can't do
• If a government vehicle was involved, check the notice deadline now. It can be 6 months or less (deadline calculator)

Weeks 2–4

• Follow every treatment plan and keep all appointments. Gaps in treatment are often used to argue an injury isn't serious
• Collect pay records for time off work
• Total your costs in the claim cost worksheet
• Find out who the trucking company's insurer is (how to find it)
• If you're thinking of hiring a lawyer, compare a few (questions to ask)
• Be careful what you post on social media about the crash or your activities

Dates to keep in mind

For the full explanation, see what to do after a truck accident in Texas and Texas truck accident deadlines.