Truck Accident: Insurance Checklist for the First Hour
Bottom Line Up Front
The first hour after a truck accident determines whether your insurance covers you or denies your claim. Follow this checklist exactly. The average truck accident claim is $150,000-$500,000. What you do right now matters more than anything.
Immediate Actions (First 15 Minutes)
1. Ensure Safety and Call 911
- Move to safety if possible
- Turn on hazard lights and set up triangles/flares
- Call 911 even for minor accidents — you need a police report
- Check on all involved parties for injuries
2. DO NOT Admit Fault — Ever
This is the single most important rule. Do not say:
- "I'm sorry" — this can be used as admission of fault
- "I didn't see you" — implies negligence
- "It was my fault" — obvious admission
Only state facts: "I was traveling eastbound on I-80." Let investigators determine fault.
3. Document Everything with Photos
Take 30+ photos minimum:
- All vehicles from every angle (4 corners minimum each)
- Damage close-ups on all vehicles
- Skid marks, debris, road conditions
- Traffic signs, signals, road markings near scene
- Weather conditions and visibility
- Other driver's license plate, insurance card, license
- Your truck's dashboard — speedometer, ELD screen
Within 30 Minutes
4. Get the Police Report Number
When officers arrive, get the report number and officer's name/badge number. You will need this for your insurance claim. Ask when the report will be available.
5. Exchange Information
Collect from all other parties:
- Full name, phone, address
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver's license number and state
- Vehicle make, model, year, license plate
Within 1 Hour
6. Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Test
Per 49 CFR 382.303, you must undergo testing:
- Alcohol test: within 8 hours of accident
- Drug test: within 32 hours of accident
- Required when: fatality, injury requiring medical transport, or you received a moving violation and a vehicle was towed
Warning: Refusing the test is treated the same as a positive result.
7. Call Your Insurance Company
Call order matters:
- Your insurance company — report the accident, get claim number
- Your motor carrier / dispatcher — if you are leased to a carrier
- Your broker/agent — they can advocate for you
8. Preserve All Evidence
- ELD data: Do NOT edit or tamper with logs
- Dashcam footage: Save immediately, do not overwrite
- Keep all receipts from towing, hotel, meals
FAQ
Should I admit fault at a truck accident?+
Never. Even if you think it was your fault, do not say so. Only state facts. Let investigators and insurance adjusters determine liability.
How long do I have for a post-accident drug test?+
Alcohol test within 8 hours, drug test within 32 hours per 49 CFR 382.303. Refusing is treated as a positive result.
Who do I call first after an accident?+
After 911, call your insurance company first to report the accident and get a claim number. Then call your carrier/dispatcher, then your broker.