What to Do After a Trucking Accident
The step-by-step guide you hope you never need — but absolutely should have saved on your phone before you need it.
The First 60 Minutes (Critical)
What you do immediately after an accident determines how the next weeks and months go — for your claim, your record, and potentially your freedom. Follow these steps in order.
Stop. Stay at the scene.
Never leave the scene of an accident involving a commercial vehicle. Leaving — even if you think the damage is minor — can result in criminal charges, loss of your CDL, and immediate insurance policy cancellation.
Check for injuries.
Your safety first, then passengers, then other vehicles. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured. Even if no one seems hurt, call 911 anyway — you need a police report for any commercial vehicle accident.
Secure the scene.
Turn on hazard lights. Set out reflective triangles (you're required to carry them). If it's safe, move your vehicle to avoid blocking traffic. If the truck can't be moved, make sure the scene is visible to oncoming traffic.
Call your insurance company.
Call your agent or insurance company's claims line as soon as the scene is safe. Many policies require you to report accidents within 24 hours. Earlier is always better — your insurer can start working on your behalf immediately.
Call your motor carrier (if applicable).
If you're leased on or driving for a carrier, notify them immediately. They have their own reporting requirements and may send their safety department to the scene.
Document everything.
While you wait for police, start documenting. Photos, video, notes. Details you remember now will be fuzzy in a week. See the full documentation checklist below.
Exchange information with other parties.
Get the other driver's name, phone, insurance, license plate, and driver's license number. Give them yours. Be polite and factual. Don't discuss fault.
Get witness information.
If anyone saw the accident, get their name and phone number. Witnesses disappear quickly once traffic clears. Their statements can be critical if fault is disputed.
Documentation Checklist
Your phone is your best tool at an accident scene. Take photos and notes of everything on this list while details are fresh.
Photos to Take
- All damage to your truck (multiple angles)
- All damage to other vehicle(s)
- The overall accident scene (wide shots)
- Road conditions (wet, icy, potholes)
- Traffic signs and signals near the scene
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- The other driver's license plate
- The other driver's insurance card
- The other driver's license
- Your truck's DOT number and VIN plate
- Any cargo damage or spill
- Weather conditions (sky, visibility)
Notes to Write Down
- Exact time and date
- Exact location (mile marker, intersection, GPS)
- Direction you were traveling
- Speed you were going
- What you were doing just before impact
- What the other vehicle was doing
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Names and badge numbers of responding officers
- Police report number (ask for it)
- Tow company name and where truck is taken
- Names and numbers of any witnesses
- Your current HOS status
What NOT to Do (Seriously)
In the stress of an accident, people say and do things that hurt them later. These mistakes can turn a manageable claim into a business-ending event.
Don't Admit Fault
Don't say "I'm sorry," "My fault," "I wasn't paying attention," or anything that could be construed as accepting blame. Even if you think you caused it, there may be factors you don't know about. Say "I'm glad no one is seriously hurt" if you need to say something.
Don't Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver's Insurance
The other party's insurance company may call you quickly — sometimes within hours. They are not your friend. They're looking for statements they can use to deny your claim or establish your fault. Tell them to contact your insurance company.
Don't Post on Social Media
No Facebook posts, no tweets, no photos of the scene on Instagram. Attorneys for the other side WILL search your social media. Even an innocent post can be twisted. Stay off social media about the accident — period.
Don't Sign Anything at the Scene
Unless it's the police report or a medical form, don't sign anything at the scene. No releases, no settlement offers, no agreements. If someone puts a document in front of you, tell them you need to review it with your insurance company first.
Don't Leave Without a Police Report
Even if the other driver suggests "we can handle this between us" — no. Commercial vehicle accidents need a police report. Without one, you're left with a he-said-she-said situation that's much harder for your insurance company to manage.
Don't Skip the Drug & Alcohol Test
Under FMCSA regulations, you're required to be tested for drugs and alcohol after certain accidents (fatality, citation + injury, citation + vehicle towed). Refusing the test is treated the same as a positive result — automatic disqualification from driving.
Filing Your Insurance Claim
Once the immediate situation is handled, here's how the insurance claim process works — and how to make it go as smoothly as possible.
Report the Claim
Call your agent or the carrier's claims hotline. Provide the police report number, your policy number, and a factual summary of what happened. The sooner you report, the faster the process starts.
When: Within 24 hours (ideally from the scene)
Claims Adjuster Assigned
Your insurance company assigns an adjuster to your claim. They'll contact you within 1-3 business days to discuss the incident, review documentation, and explain next steps. They're on YOUR side — cooperate fully with them.
When: 1-3 business days after report
Damage Assessment
An appraiser inspects your truck (and possibly the other vehicle). They'll estimate repair costs or determine if the truck is a total loss. If your truck needs to go to a specific shop, coordinate this with your adjuster first.
When: 3-10 business days
Repair Authorization
Once the estimate is approved, repairs can begin. If there's a disagreement on repair cost, your adjuster will negotiate with the shop. Make sure any additional damage found during repairs gets documented and approved before the shop proceeds.
When: Varies (depends on parts, shop schedule)
Settlement / Payment
For repairs: insurance pays the shop directly (minus your deductible). For total loss: insurance pays you the truck's actual cash value (minus deductible). If you have gap coverage, it pays the difference between ACV and your loan balance.
When: 2-6 weeks for repairs, 4-8 weeks for total loss
What to Expect: Claim Timeline
Here's a realistic timeline for how long the process takes. Every situation is different, but these are typical ranges.
Day 1
Accident happens. Report to police, insurer, motor carrier. Document scene. Drug/alcohol test if required.
Days 1-3
Claims adjuster assigned. Initial contact. Tow truck moves vehicle to repair facility or holding yard.
Days 3-10
Damage appraisal. Repair estimate generated. If rental reimbursement applies, rental truck arranged.
Days 10-30
Repairs in progress (minor to moderate). Parts ordered. If total loss, settlement negotiation begins.
Days 30-60
Major repairs completed. Total loss settlement finalized and paid. Replacement truck sourced (if total loss).
Days 60-90+
Subrogation (if other party at fault — your insurer chases their insurer). Any third-party injury claims resolved. Final disposition.
FMCSA Reporting Requirements
Beyond your insurance claim, there are federal reporting requirements for commercial vehicle accidents. Missing these can result in fines, compliance issues, or problems with your authority.
DOT-Reportable Accident
An accident involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is DOT-reportable if it involves any of the following:
- A fatality (any person)
- A bodily injury requiring immediate medical treatment away from the scene
- Any vehicle being towed/carried away from the scene due to disabling damage
If any of these apply, it goes on your safety record in the FMCSA's MCMIS database.
Post-Accident Drug & Alcohol Testing
Required testing when:
- Fatality: Always test — regardless of citation
- Injury + Citation: Test required if the driver receives a citation
- Tow-away + Citation: Test required if the driver receives a citation
Testing must occur within 8 hours (alcohol) or 32 hours (drugs) of the accident. Refusing a test = positive result = disqualification.
Accident Register
Motor carriers must maintain an accident register for each accident. This record must include:
- Date, time, and location
- Driver name and CDL number
- Number of injuries and fatalities
- Whether hazmat was involved
These records must be kept for 3 years. If you're an owner-operator with your own authority, YOU are the motor carrier — this is your responsibility.
Protecting Your Business After an Accident
An accident doesn't have to end your business. Here's how to limit the damage and get back on the road.
Get Back Earning ASAP
If you have rental reimbursement coverage, use it immediately. Don't wait for the claim to settle — get in a rental truck and start hauling. Every day you wait costs you $700-$1,500 in lost revenue. See the exact cost with our calculator.
Communicate with Your Shippers
If you have regular customers, let them know what happened and that you're handling it. Most shippers will give you a week or two — but if they hear nothing, they move on. Honest communication keeps relationships alive.
Document Your Losses
If you need to pursue the other party for lost income, you need records. Keep track of every load you miss, every day of downtime, every rental cost. This documentation supports subrogation and any potential lawsuit.
Prepare for Insurance Renewal
An accident WILL affect your next renewal. Expect a rate increase of 10-40% depending on severity and fault. Start shopping 90 days before renewal. Having an independent agent who can access multiple carriers gives you options. Talk to us about your situation.
Invest in Prevention
After an accident, install a dash cam (front and rear), take a defensive driving course, review your maintenance schedule, and honestly assess whether fatigue, distraction, or rushing contributed. Some insurers offer credits for these improvements.
Better to Have It and Not Need It
The right insurance doesn't prevent accidents — but it prevents an accident from ending your business. Physical damage, rental reimbursement, and proper liability limits are the difference between a setback and a shutdown.