Turn on hazards and get out of traffic if you can. With trucks, watch for spilled cargo, diesel, or hazmat placards—stay upwind and away from leaks and live lanes.

Request police and EMS. Tell dispatch it involves a commercial vehicle so proper responders and hazmat (if needed) are sent. Ask for an official report and keep the report number.

• Driver name, phone, **CDL** number; employer/carrier name
• **USDOT** and **MC** numbers (from cab door or trailer)
• Truck & trailer plates; tractor/trailer unit numbers
• Insurance company & policy number (carrier and any broker/cargo policies if provided)
• Witness names and contact info

• Wide shots of lanes, traffic signals, signs, skid marks, debris field
• Close-ups of damage, **USDOT/MC** numbers, company name, unit numbers
• Trailer placards/labels, spilled cargo, tire condition, underride/override points
• Weather/lighting and any visible injuries

Tell providers it was a **commercial truck collision** so the mechanism is documented. Keep ER/urgent-care paperwork, imaging, and discharge instructions.

Report to your insurer promptly. For **trucking/cargo insurers**, provide basics only; consider counsel before any recorded statements.

• Keep photos, witness info, medical & tow/repair receipts; note report number
• Document carrier name, USDOT/MC, tractor/trailer unit numbers
• Ask counsel to send a **spoliation letter** to preserve ELD/ECM (black box), dashcam, logs, dispatch/route, maintenance, and drug/alcohol test results

Early legal action helps secure critical trucking data and handles adjusters while you focus on recovery.

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