What Happens When a Semi Truck Hits Your Car — And What to Do Next

If a semi truck hits your car, it’s not your typical car accident. After all, trucks weigh 20–30 times more than passenger vehicles.

When tons of steel slam into your compact vehicle at highway speeds…

Needless to say, it causes serious problems.

But what most people don’t realise is that what happens after a crash is almost as important as the crash itself.

Knowledge is power. Knowing the right steps to take after a semi accident starts with talking to someone who handles these cases daily. Contacting a Dallas semi truck accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance company is the smartest move after an accident.

What You’ll Learn

• Why truck accidents are uniquely dangerous
• What happens to your body during impact
• Who could be liable for damages
• Step-by-step guide on what to do immediately following impact
• Why time is of the essence

Why Truck Accidents Are So Different

Semi trucks handle differently than other vehicles. They stop differently. They are driven differently. And the damage they cause is simply on another level.

Here’s why:

Trucks can weigh up to 80,000lbs when loaded. Passenger vehicles average around 4,000lbs. This isn’t just different sizes. That’s different magnitudes of force that a car cannot withstand.

Blind spots, longer stopping distances, and drivers hauling 832 miles/day (as permitted by federal regulations) aren’t helping matters either.

How Your Body Gets Hurt During An Accident

This next fact might come as a surprise…

According to the IIHS, 97% of occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a large truck were occupants of the passenger vehicle — not the truck driver.

That’s right. Truck drivers were only involved in 3% of the fatalities.

Our bodies are not designed to take that kind of impact. These kinds of accidents commonly result in:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Organ damage
• Severe burns

Here’s the thing most people don’t account for…

With soft tissue injuries like sprains, tears, and concussion injuries, symptoms can be masked by adrenaline for hours — even days after the crash.

That’s why seeking medical attention after a semi truck crash should be done as soon as possible, regardless of whether injuries are apparent or not.

Don’t take chances with your health. See a doctor.

Who’s At Fault?

Fault in truck accidents is far more complicated than a run-of-the-mill car crash.

While automobile accidents typically boil down to who’s more at fault between the two drivers involved, truck accidents can hold liability for numerous parties.

Including any or all of the following:

1. The Truck Driver
2. The Trucking Company
3. The Maintenance Company
4. The Cargo Loader
5. The Truck Manufacturer

Mind. Blown.

Gathering this information and legally proving fault against all responsible parties is why an experienced truck accident lawyer is needed ASAP.

Neglecting to build a strong case with an attorney immediately after a crash allows time for the trucking company to destroy that same evidence.

First Steps To Take After Getting Hit By A Semi Truck

Seconds count when giving the right first aid treatment. A similar concept applies after being in a wreck.

Here are the steps to take right after getting hit by a truck:

1. Call 911. Let them know police and medical personnel are needed at the scene. A police report will be needed.
2. Don’t admit fault. It’s human nature to apologise after a traumatic event, but don’t do it. Even saying “sorry” can come back to cause problems later.
3. Document as much as possible. Use a phone to take pictures and video footage of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, cargo contents (if any), and any traffic signs or signals nearby.
4. Gather the truck driver’s name, their CDL number, and insurance information. Also, jot down the trucking company name along with the DOT number on the side of the truck.
5. See a doctor that same day. Medical records from the day of the crash are a powerful form of evidence.
6. Contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance companies.

That last step is commonly missed — and it’s the most important one.

Don’t Fall Into This Settlement Trap

It won’t take long before insurance companies reach out.

A call will come within days — sometimes hours — with a settlement amount. It seems quick. It seems easy. But that amount will likely never cover medical bills, let alone compensate for injuries.

Here’s the unfortunate reality…

Insurance companies BANK on hurting victims taking their first offer. And once that settlement is accepted, there’s no going back — even if injuries get exponentially worse down the road.

Getting a free truck accident consultation to learn what a claim is worth before accepting anything is crucial.

In 2023, large truck crashes resulted in 4,354 fatalities across the United States, with Texas leading the country in fatal truck accidents. Getting hit by a semi truck is not “ifs” and “maybes”. It’s a disaster.

Proving Liability In Truck Accidents

Attorneys for the trucking company start working on the case the second they find out about the crash.

They work day and night to undermine a claim. Having a knowledgeable truck accident attorney on the other side of the table is essential.

Collecting evidence such as:

• ELD Data
• Black Box Data
• Driver’s qualification file
• Video surveillance
• Accident reconstruction experts

…and much more will paint a clearer picture of how the crash happened and who’s responsible.

Conclusion

It’s overwhelming after truck accidents. Injuries range from mild to life-threatening. Thousands of dollars in medical expenses. Dealing with insurance companies that are more worried about their bottom line than the victim.

The clock is ticking, and the second a crash happens.

Evidence vanishes. Legal deadlines come into effect. Insurance companies will pounce to give the smallest settlement amount.

Remember…

• Seek medical attention ASAP
• Document everything
• Get the DOT number and company name of the truck
• Don’t speak with insurance companies without consulting an attorney
• Contact a lawyer immediately

Hiring the right attorney quickly can mean the difference between a successful case and a failed one. Don’t wait any longer.