First steps after a truck crash
After a Commercial Truck Crash
30-second answer
Get to safety and get medical help first. When safe, photograph every truck and trailer identifier. Save witness contacts, report and tow details, medical papers, and insurer messages. Do not climb on the truck or open cargo.
Legal information from Wildeboer Legal · Updated August 5, 2026
Do this now
- 1Get to safety, call 911 when needed, and follow medical and responder directions.
- 2Photograph both sides of the cab, truck and trailer plates, company names, USDOT or CA numbers, unit numbers, and visible cargo markings.
- 3Write down witness contacts, the agency and report number, and where the tractor, trailer, and your vehicle were towed.
- 4Save original photos, dashcam files, medical papers, work notes, receipts, and every insurer message without editing them.
- 5Write down who may hold or control the tractor, trailer, cargo, and any electronic records, then get prompt advice about a focused preservation request before repair, transfer, or routine overwriting.
Avoid this
- Do not enter traffic, climb on the truck, open cargo, handle leaking material, or enter a yard without permission.
- Do not guess about speed, fault, work relationships, or what an electronic system recorded.
- Do not sign a release or broad authorization until you understand who sent it and what it covers.
Save these
- Cab, tractor, trailer, plate, unit, USDOT, CA, seal, and placard photos
- Original scene, vehicle, cargo, and dashcam files
- Witness names and contact information
- CHP, police, fire, ambulance, tow, and report details
- Tractor, trailer, cargo, and personal-vehicle storage locations
- Medical papers, bills, prescriptions, restrictions, and symptom notes
- Work records, receipts, and damaged-property records
- Insurer, adjuster, claim, represented-party, and message details
Common questions
Is the company name on the cab enough?
No. It may identify the operating carrier, but the tractor, trailer, cargo, driver, or insurance may involve other companies. Save every visible identifier.
Does every truck have an ELD or camera?
No. Systems and legal requirements vary. Ask what was installed, who controlled it, and whether data may still exist.
What if the truck and trailer were already towed?
Write down the tow company and storage location for each vehicle. Ask who controls access and whether repair, transfer, or release is scheduled. Do not enter a yard without permission.
Do I need to report the crash to DMV?
California DMV generally requires an SR-1 within 10 days when someone is injured or killed or one person’s property damage exceeds $1,000, subject to exceptions. It is separate from a police report and insurance claim.
Want more detail?
Read the full explanation
California Truck Crash Evidence: Who Has the Records?Official resources
- 49 C.F.R. section 390.21T: Commercial-vehicle markings (opens in a new window)
- 49 C.F.R. section 395.8: Duty-status record retention (opens in a new window)
- 49 C.F.R. section 396.3: Inspection, repair, and maintenance (opens in a new window)
- California Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Section (opens in a new window)
- California DMV accident reporting (opens in a new window)
- MedlinePlus: Recognizing medical emergencies (opens in a new window)
Questions about your situation?
Talk with Arta Wildeboer
A short guide cannot account for every fact. A free consultation can help you understand the next step without pressure.