By Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn on January 26, 2026
Knowing what to do after a truck accident shapes both your physical recovery and your legal options. At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we recognize how stressful these crashes can be for Texas drivers who suddenly find themselves hurt, confused, and facing mounting challenges. Taking the right steps early can help you stay safe, document important details, and avoid mistakes that might limit your ability to seek compensation. When you act quickly and protect your well-being, you also protect your future, giving yourself a stronger position as you move through the aftermath of a serious truck collision.
After a Texas truck accident, start by checking for injuries, moving to a safe location, calling 911, and documenting what you can. Texas law also requires drivers to take specific actions under Sec. 550.021. These steps include:
When emergency responders arrive, provide accurate details without assuming fault. Collect contact information, insurance details, and photos, if possible. Even when injuries seem minor, schedule a medical evaluation since some conditions may not appear until hours or days after the collision.
$8 Million Trucking Wrongful Death Case: When the Official Crash Report Was Wrong
Two co-workers were killed while traveling together on a business trip along IH-10 in New Mexico. They were driving a rental car eastbound toward El Paso when an 18-wheeler crossed the median and struck them head-on. Both men died at the scene. The truck driver survived.
From the beginning, the case presented a serious challenge: the only surviving participant in the collision gave an account that placed all fault on the deceased driver—and that account became the basis of the New Mexico State Police crash report.
The Initial Narrative—and the Claim Denial
The truck driver told state troopers that the rental car had been traveling westbound and made an unsafe lane change in front of his semi, clipping the bumper and causing him to lose control. According to that version of events, both vehicles were then carried across the median into the eastbound lanes.
Because the two men in the rental car were killed, they could not contradict that account. The investigating officers accepted the truck driver’s explanation and cited the rental car driver for an unsafe lane change. Relying on that report, the trucking company’s insurer denied the parents’ wrongful-death claims, asserting that its driver was not at fault.
The families then turned to our firm to determine whether the official explanation was accurate.
Independent Investigation and Evidence Review
Our approach in serious trucking cases is not to rely solely on a crash report, particularly when physical evidence and common-sense questions remain unanswered. We began a comprehensive investigation that included:
As these pieces came together, it became clear that the reported crash sequence was inconsistent with the evidence. The data showed that the rental car had been traveling eastbound continuously and had not crossed the median.
Accident Reconstruction Reveals the Truth
We retained a highly qualified accident-reconstruction team to analyze the physical evidence, vehicle damage, roadway geometry, and the truck’s electronic control module (“black box”) data. Their findings established that:
In short, the truck driver’s statement to law enforcement was false.
Correcting the Record and Achieving Accountability
Once confronted with the reconstruction findings and supporting data, the defense could no longer rely on the original narrative. The case ultimately resolved for $8 million, representing the full limits of all available liability insurance covering the tractor and trailer.
For the parents, the result was not simply financial. It corrected the public record, restored their sons’ reputations, and confirmed that they were not responsible for the crash that took their lives.
Why This Case Matters
This case highlights a recurring problem in catastrophic trucking collisions: when victims are unable to speak for themselves, an initial narrative—especially one provided by a surviving commercial driver—can become entrenched, even when it is wrong.
Our firm’s role is to test those narratives against objective evidence, technical analysis, and independent investigation. In this case, doing so made the difference between a denied claim and full accountability.
Unlike typical car crashes, commercial truck incidents involve heavier vehicles, stricter safety regulations, and more severe injuries. Large trucks can weigh much more than smaller passenger vehicles, which greatly increases the force of impact. This size difference explains why passengers in smaller cars face a higher risk of harm when a truck is involved.
At the end of the day, these collisions create challenges that go far beyond the damage seen on the roadway. The trucking company, its insurer, and other parties may respond quickly, gathering their own evidence long before an injured driver has the chance to act. Understanding these differences helps our team build a stronger strategy for victims in Fort Worth and throughout Texas.
Truck accident cases often require extensive investigation and involve far more moving parts than a typical motor vehicle claim. Several entities may share responsibility, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, loading crews, and even parts manufacturers, each with its own insurer and legal team. This creates a more layered and demanding claims process.
These cases also require a detailed review of state and federal transportation rules, safety records, and compliance documents. Because commercial trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles, victims are more likely to suffer severe or life-changing injuries. Higher claim values often prompt insurers to push back harder, which is why thorough documentation, expert analysis, and experienced legal representation become critical for protecting your rights.
No Fees Unless We Win
Texas follows a proportionate responsibility rule that prevents an injured party from recovering damages if they are found more than 50 percent responsible. Because of this, preserving all available evidence becomes critical. This may include black box data, driver logs, dash camera video, maintenance records, load documentation, and photographs.
These materials help confirm liability and protect your position if any party disputes the facts. Once evidence disappears, it can be difficult to replace, so early action provides a meaningful advantage.
Insurance companies often approach truck accident claims with significant resources and adjusters trained to limit payouts. Their goal is usually to challenge injuries, reduce damages, or shift blame, which can weaken your case if you respond without guidance.
Because truck accident injuries may require long-term treatment and substantial financial recovery, the first step should be to contact a lawyer who can protect your rights, handle communications, and prevent insurers from using your statements against you. Speaking with a legal attorney early helps you avoid errors that could affect your case.
No Fees Unless We Win
If you are unsure what to do after a truck accident, our team is here to guide you. As a Fort Worth firm committed to injured Texans, we handle evidence, insurers, and every detail of your claim. If you were hurt in a Texas truck accident, call 817-920-9000 for support from a team that knows how to protect your rights.
As a Fort Worth native and a double-Board Certified trial lawyer, John Cummings is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured. With a track record that includes record-setting verdicts and multi-million dollar settlements, he is an aggressive advocate who isn’t afraid to take on tough cases.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Seth Anderson, whose team has more than 50 years of combined legal experience in helping victims of personal injury seek justice.
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