Someone Hit Your Truck: What to Do First (Step by Step)
A not-your-fault crash is still your scene to manage. The order that matters: stop safely, check for injuries, call 911, put out triangles, call dispatch, document everything, and keep calm with the other driver.
Even when the other driver is completely at fault, the first minutes after a crash are on you. How you handle them protects people, your license and your job. In our mock job interview (video above), the veteran driver walks through the order. Here it is, step by step.
1. Stop safely and secure the truck
If you can move, get onto the shoulder or out of the travel lanes. Set the brakes and turn on your hazard flashers right away.
2. Check for injuries and call 911
Check yourself, then anyone else involved, if it's safe to get out. Call 911 even if it looks minor. You want police on scene and a report number. Tell them about any injuries, fuel leaks or hazmat placards.
3. Put out your warning triangles
Federal rules require reflective triangles within 10 minutes of stopping. On a typical two-way road: one about 10 feet from the truck on the traffic side, one about 100 feet ahead and one about 100 feet behind. On a divided highway, all three go behind the truck at about 10, 100 and 200 feet. Hills and curves need more distance so traffic can see them in time.
4. Call dispatch or your safety department
Your carrier has a crash procedure and probably an accident kit in the truck. Call them early. They'll tell you what they need, and whether a post-accident drug and alcohol test is required.
5. Document everything
- Photos of all vehicles, damage, plates, the road, signs, skid marks and weather. Take more than you think you need.
- The other driver's license, insurance and plate number.
- Witness names and phone numbers. Witnesses leave fast, so get them first.
- The police report number and the officer's name.
- Dash cam footage, if your truck has a camera. Make sure it's saved.
6. Keep it calm with the other driver
People are often upset after a crash. Keep your voice level, don't argue about whose fault it was, and don't apologize. Being polite is fine, but "sorry" can be read as admitting fault. Exchange information and let the police and insurers do their jobs.
7. Write it down while it's fresh
Before you leave, write a short account: time, location, direction, speed, what you saw. Your memory fades fast, and your carrier's insurer will ask.
Why carriers ask about this in interviews
Recruiters and safety managers like to ask "what would you do?" because the answer shows how you think under pressure. Knowing the order and saying it calmly is a good look. You can watch the whole interview, five questions carriers really ask, in the video at the top.
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Questions drivers ask
Should I say sorry to the other driver?
Stay polite and calm, but don't apologize or argue about fault. Either can be taken as an admission. Exchange information, let police document the scene, and let your carrier and insurers sort out fault.
Where exactly do the warning triangles go?
Within 10 minutes of stopping. On a two-way road, one about 10 feet from the truck on the traffic side and one about 100 feet ahead and 100 feet behind. On a divided highway, place them about 10, 100 and 200 feet behind the truck. Hills, curves and other obstructions have their own spacing rules (49 CFR 392.22).
Will I have to take a drug and alcohol test after a crash?
Only if the crash meets the federal triggers - for example a fatality, or an injury treated away from the scene or a vehicle towed away when the CMV driver gets a citation. Your carrier will tell you if a test is required; alcohol tests should happen within 2 hours if possible (no later than 8), and drug tests within 32 hours.
Sources
Written by The Truck Jobs team with help from AI, and checked against the sources above. Rules change: confirm anything that affects your license or your safety with FMCSA or your carrier. This is general information, not legal or medical advice.