What to Do After a Truck Accident in Austin | Legal Guide for Victims

A crash involving an 18-wheeler or commercial truck can change your life in an instant. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—and when they collide with a smaller passenger car, the results are often devastating. If you’ve been involved in a serious truck accident in Austin, knowing what to do next is essential to protecting your health, your finances, and your legal rights.

This guide walks you through what to do after a truck accident in Austin, step by step. Whether you were injured in the crash, lost a loved one, or are helping a family member navigate recovery, the right decisions early on can significantly impact your claim.

Step 1: Prioritize Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the top priority. Call 911 and request emergency medical services if anyone at the scene is injured. Even if you don’t believe your injuries are serious, it’s critical to get checked by a medical professional—many truck accident injuries are internal and may not show symptoms immediately.

Common Injuries in Truck Crashes Include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord damage
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Neck and back injuries
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)

Medical documentation will also serve as important evidence if you decide to file a personal injury claim later.

Step 2: Call Law Enforcement and File a Report

Under Texas law, you must report any motor vehicle accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. When the police arrive, provide an accurate and honest account of what happened—but avoid speculating or admitting fault.

The responding officer will document the crash and file a police report, which will include key details like:

• Date and location
• Weather or road conditions
• Witness statements
• Citations or violations
• Preliminary fault assessment

Your Austin truck accident lawyer will later use this report to support your claim.

Step 3: Document the Scene (If It’s Safe)

If you’re physically able, gather evidence from the scene before vehicles are towed or debris is cleared away. This may include:

• Photos of vehicle damage
• Skid marks or debris
• Road signs or traffic lights
• Injuries sustained
• Truck company logos or license plates
• Contact and insurance info from all involved drivers
• Names and numbers of any eyewitnesses

These details can help your legal team establish fault and build a strong case.

Step 4: Avoid Speaking With the Trucking Company or Their Insurer

Shortly after the crash, you may be contacted by the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. They may ask you for a recorded statement, push for a quick settlement, or request access to your medical records.

Do not agree to anything or sign any documents without speaking to your attorney. These companies are protecting their own interests—not yours.

To understand more about liability in these cases, check out our article on truck crash liability in Austin.

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases are more complex than typical car crash claims. They often involve:

• Federal trucking regulations
• Multiple liable parties (driver, company, maintenance team, cargo loaders)
• Black box data and logbooks
• Large insurance policies and aggressive legal defense teams

Hiring an experienced attorney ensures your rights are protected and evidence is preserved. At Zinda Law Group, our attorneys can launch an immediate investigation, gather expert testimony, and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Austin Truck Accident?

Unlike car accidents, truck collisions often involve more than one negligent party. Depending on the circumstances, the following may share responsibility:

• The truck driver (e.g., for speeding or distracted driving)
• The trucking company (e.g., negligent hiring or overworking drivers)
• Maintenance providers (for failing to address mechanical issues)
• Cargo loaders (for improper loading or securing)
• Truck or part manufacturers (in product defect cases)

Identifying all liable parties is critical to maximizing your compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of truck accidents may be eligible to recover damages for a wide range of losses, including:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Future treatment or rehabilitation costs
• Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of companionship (in wrongful death cases)

In rare cases involving gross negligence—such as a trucking company ignoring federal safety violations—punitive damages may also be available.

What if You Lost a Loved One in a Fatal Crash?

If you’ve lost a family member in a truck accident, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim under Texas law. These claims allow spouses, children, and parents of the deceased to pursue damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost future income
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of guidance, love, and support

Our attorneys can walk you through this process with care and compassion.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, and some evidence (like black box data) may only be preserved for a short time.

To protect your rights, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.

Why Choose Zinda Law Group?

At Zinda Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of truck accident victims across Texas, including right here in Austin. Our clients trust us because we offer:

• Free case evaluations
• No fees unless we win your case
• Trial-ready attorneys with experience handling complex truck claims
• Local knowledge of Austin’s roads, judges, and crash patterns
• Access to expert witnesses and investigators

We understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a truck crash can be. Let us help you focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.

Need to Know More?

You can also learn more about your rights by visiting our personal injury page for Austin.

Talk to an Austin Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’re wondering what to do after a truck accident in Austin, the most important thing you can do is take action. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner you can begin protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and seeking the compensation you deserve.

Call 800-863-5312 or visit https://www.zdfirm.com/contact-us/ to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Austin truck accident attorney today.