Truck and car accidents change lives in split seconds, leaving accident victims disoriented for days, weeks, and even months after the initial impact. Whether you’re in a minor fender-bender or a severe truck collision, your response in the moments following the crash matters. You need to know what to do after a truck or car accident in New Braunfels, Texas to take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your future – starting at the accident scene and ending with your free consultation with the team at Burch Law Firm.

Ensure Safety and Call Emergency Services Immediately

Start by protecting yourself and others. If you can move your vehicle safely, pull it to the side of the road and turn your hazard lights on to alert oncoming traffic. Depending on where and when the accident occurred, you may need to stay in your vehicle if you feel it’s safer. Once you’re secure, be sure to:

  • Dial 911 Immediately – Request medical assistance and remain on the scene until paramedics and an officer from the local police department arrives. You must report a car or truck accident to law enforcement under Texas law if someone suffers an injury or dies or if at least one of the vehicles cannot be driven normally and safely from the scene. Responding law enforcement officers will create a police report that includes information like the date, time, and location of the accident, contact and insurance information for all drivers involved in the accident, and diagrams and preliminary fault assessment. You can request a copy of the accident report for your records. You’ll need it for insurance claims.
  • Stay Calm – Avoid arguing with other drivers. Tensions may be high, but it’s best to avoid contributing to the stress.
  • Do Not Speculate – Don’t think out loud or talk about what you think happened to cause the accident. It may negatively harm a future claim.
  • Do Not Accept Blame – Other drivers involved in the car crash might try to blame you for the accident. Don’t apologize or admit fault, as doing so could damage your personal injury claim.

Document the Scene and Gather Key Evidence

Take matters into your own hands by documenting everything at the scene. Use your smartphone to take clear photos and videos of the involved vehicles, skid marks, vehicle damage, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, traffic signals, and other visual evidence. Capture various angles and take close-up photos of vehicle debris or visible injuries. You may need to use flash when taking the photos or videos if the accident occurred at dawn, dusk, or in shaded areas.

Exchange information with the other driver. Make sure you get the following:

  • Their full name and contact details
  • The name of the truck driver and trucking company, if applicable
  • Their license plate number and VIN
  • Their tag information
  • Their driver’s license number
  • The other driver’s insurance company and policy number
  • The make and model of their car

Ask other parties involved in the accident, such as passengers or witnesses, for their names and contact information, too.

Seek Medical Attention – Even If You Feel Fine

It’s not uncommon for car or truck accident victims to walk away from even serious collisions feeling fine. Don’t let this fool you. The adrenaline pumping through your system right now may mask the symptoms of serious injuries for hours or even days, but that doesn’t mean you’re uninjured. Seek timely medical care after any accident.

This helps prevent serious complications from common car and truck accident injuries, including:

  • Concussions and Other TBIs – TBIs are especially common in truck accidents due to the force of impact, but any bump to the head can lead to serious complications. Symptoms include loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision or confusion, mood swings or personality changes, and memory loss or trouble concentrating.
  • Broken Bones – Bones often snap under the intense pressure of a car wreck or truck crash. Truck accidents frequently lead to compound fractures or crushed limbs due to the vehicle’s size and weight. Severe fractures in the legs, arms, or pelvis can cause permanent mobility issues or chronic pain.
  • Spinal Injuries – The spine can suffer substantial damage during a car crash. These injuries can range from painful disc herniation to permanent disability. Symptoms might include intense back pain, numbness or weakness in limbs, difficulty walking or standing, and loss of bowel control or bladder control. In the most severe cases, spinal cord injuries lead to partial or complete paralysis.
  • Whiplash – This painful injury results from sudden movement of the head and neck, which commonly occurs in rear-end motor vehicle collisions. Common symptoms include dizziness, headaches stemming from the base of the skull, neck pain or stiffness, tingling in the arms or hands, and a limited range of motion.
  • Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage – Internal injuries may not cause visible signs, but they can turn fatal if ignored. Seat belts, steering wheels, or airbags can cause blunt force trauma to vital organs. Common internal injuries include collapsed lungs, abdominal bleeding, and liver or spleen lacerations. Signs like bruising, fainting, dizziness, or abdominal pain should prompt an immediate trip to the emergency room.

As you receive medical treatment, keep all your medical records to help with your insurance claim. You may be able to seek compensation to pay your medical bills and other accident-related losses.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Inform your insurance carrier of the accident as soon as possible after making sure everyone’s safe and receiving medical care. Failing to report the accident to authorities or your insurance company could delay your claim. You should:

  • Call Your Insurer – Contact your insurance provider as soon as you can, preferably the same day of the accident, as many insurers require notification within a tight timeframe. When talking to your insurer, avoid admitting fault or speculating about the accident. Stick to the facts and be honest about injuries, even if they appear minor.
  • Document Your Claim Details – Keep a written record of your insurer-assigned claim number, statements or timelines provided by your insurance adjuster, the names of insurance representatives you speak with, and the dates and times of calls or emails.
  • Do Not Give a Recorded Statement – Don’t agree to give your insurance adjuster a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to your personal injury attorney first. Insurers may try to use your words against you later, but a skilled car accident lawyer knows how to protect you and your rights through every interaction.

Contact a New Braunfels Car or Truck Accident Lawyer Right Away

Every moment counts after a motor vehicle accident. You need medical treatment, solid evidence, and strong legal support to seek compensation for your injuries. You don’t want to leave your future and health in the hands of an insurance company. You need a legal team that will put your recovery first.

At Burch Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling truck and car accident cases. We know how to construct powerful claims and fight for the maximum compensation you need. Contact us for a free consultation today with a car and truck accident lawyer in New Braunfels, and let us demand the money you need to put your life back together.