Every year in the U.S., tens of thousands of people are injured in large truck crashes. Over 3,000 deaths occur annually in these crashes.   In Texas, there were nearly 35,000 crashes involving commercial motor vehicles, resulting in 584 fatalities and 1,426 incapacitating injuries in 2016, the most recent year for which statistics are available.

1. I'VE BEEN INJURED IN A TRUCK
ACCIDENT - WHAT NOW?
After a terrifying collision with a tractor-trailer, knowing the
right steps can make all the difference.

2. How Common are Large
Truck Crashes?
■ Every year in the U.S., tens of thousands
of people are injured in large truck
crashes. Over 3,000 deaths occur
annually in these crashes.
■ In Texas, there were nearly 35,000
crashes involving commercial motor
vehicles, resulting in 584 fatalities and
1,426 incapacitating injuries in 2016, the
most recent year for which statistics are
available.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

3. Before We Get Started…
You should know that every case is
different. The guidelines we set forth in the
following pages can vary greatly depending
on the circumstances of your crash. Safety
is always the biggest priority following a
collision with a tractor-trailer. Pay attention
to the severity of the injuries anyone
involved has suffered and, if you are in a
dangerous situation, first make sure to get
yourself out of harm’s way.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

4. Step #1 - Call 911 and get
medical attention
■ First, call 911 to request a police officer. If your
injury is severe, request an ambulance, too. Even
if you aren’t quite sure whether your injuries are
worse than they seem, it’s best to err on the side
of caution and seek a doctor’s care as soon as
possible.
■ If you choose to stay on the scene and can do so,
only then should you take the following steps...
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

5. Step #2 - Get out of
danger, if possible
If your vehicle is in harm’s way, you
should make sure that you and your
passengers are put in the safest
position possible. If your vehicle can
be moved to the side of the road out
of traffic, then do so. If not, walk to a
safe place and wait for the police.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

6. Step #3 – Cooperate with
the police
Regardless of whether anyone has been
hurt, a police officer should always be called
to the scene of the crash. Once the officer
arrives, answer their questions honestly and
comply with their requests. The police
officer will file a report, which will then be
used by insurers and, in the event you file a
personal injury claim, by you and your
attorney.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

7. Step #4 - Get the other
driver’s information
While you wait for the police, gather the
basic information of the truck driver,
including their name and contact and
insurance information. There’s no need to
be confrontational with the other driver, but
also take care not to engage in lengthy
dialogue. The words you use immediately
following a crash can be used by other
parties to place the burden of responsibility
for the crash on your shoulders.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

8. Step #5 - If possible, take
pictures and talk to witnesses
If your injuries don’t prevent you from
doing so, take pictures of the scene
of the crash, including any property
damage that has occurred. If there
were witnesses to the crash, consider
gathering their contact information in
case you need to get their account of
the accident.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

9. Step #6 - Keep a file
In the hours, days and weeks that
follow the accident, keep copies of
anything you receive that relates to
your crash. This includes a copy of
the police report, medical bills, repair
bills, doctor bills and everything else
that documents your costs and
experiences related to the crash.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

10. Step #7 - Contact a truck
accident attorney
Unfortunately, it’s often the case that insurance
companies don’t offer the compensation
someone deserves in the wake of crash-related
injury. For this reason, people should contact an
attorney soon after their accident to deal with
insurance companies, attorneys and anything
else that might result from a crash. A truck
accident attorney will handle correspondence
and fight to make sure you aren’t given less
compensation than you deserve.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

11. Step #8 - Listen to your doctor
and prioritize your health
In the weeks and months that
follow your crash, make recovery
from your injuries your top
priority. Follow all the advice
given to you by your doctor and
keep track of your progress,
setbacks and challenges.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

12. The Importance of Hiring
a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases aren’t like other types of
crashes. There are several federal and state laws
that govern commercial vehicles. Unlike most other
car accidents, these crashes often involve
businesses that have legal teams in place to mitigate
a trucking company’s liability for a crash involving
their driver. For these reasons, it’s best to seek an
attorney who has experience in crashes involving
large trucks. They’ll know what to expect and how to
deal with insurance companies, trucking businesses
and opposing attorneys.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621

13. Contact Guajardo &
Marks to Get Started
If you’ve been injured in a crash with a
large truck in Texas, we encourage you
contact Guajardo & Marks to schedule a
free consultation. We’ve built our
reputation on the results we get for
clients who have suffered serious
injuries. Put our experience and
resources to work in your case. Give us
a call or visit us online to get started.
FOR A FREE CONSULT CALL: 972.426.2621