Truck accident claims in Texas: first steps

At the scene

• Check for injuries and call 911. Set out your warning triangles.
• Stay at the scene and wait for law enforcement. Get the officer's name and the report number.
• Photograph every vehicle, the road, skid marks, signs, weather, and your cargo.
• Get names, phone numbers, plates, and insurance details from other drivers and witnesses.
• Don't argue fault or sign anything except the police paperwork.
• Call your dispatcher or carrier, then report the claim to your insurer.

Drug and alcohol testing

FMCSA rules require post-accident testing after certain crashes, such as any fatality or a crash with a moving violation citation plus an injury treated away from the scene or a vehicle towed. If you are a carrier, know your testing obligations before a crash happens, and confirm the details with your consortium.

Save your records

Keep your ELD data, dashcam footage, inspection reports, and bills of lading from that trip. Insurers and attorneys will ask for them, and Texas truck crash claims often turn on that evidence.

Where to report

Use the claims number on your policy or insurance ID card. Most trucking insurers take reports 24/7. If you bought through the partner agency and can't find the number, contact the agency and they will connect you.