Immediate Safety Measures
When a commercial vehicle accident occurs, safety must be the first priority. Move vehicles out of traffic if possible, and it is safe to do so. Activate hazard lights and place warning triangles or flares according to regulations—typically 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle on regular roads or 100, 200, and 300 feet on highways. Check all parties for injuries and call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. For hazardous material transport vehicles, follow specific emergency response protocols listed on shipping papers, including appropriate distance evacuation if necessary.
Documentation Requirements
Thorough documentation is crucial for commercial accidents. Obtain the other driver's complete information, including name, contact details, license number, insurance information, and vehicle registration. Collect contact information from all witnesses before they leave the scene. Take extensive photographs documenting vehicle damage, accident scene layout, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any cargo spillage. Note weather conditions, visibility, and time of day. Commercial drivers should record hours of service status and duty period information at the time of the accident.
Regulatory Reporting
Commercial vehicle accidents trigger specific reporting requirements beyond personal vehicle incidents. Notify your company's safety department immediately following established protocols. Accidents meeting threshold criteria (fatality, injury requiring treatment away from the scene, or vehicle disablement) must be reported to the Department of Transportation within the required timeframes. Many commercial accidents require post-accident drug and alcohol testing within specific time limits—typically 2 hours for alcohol and 32 hours for controlled substances. Commercial drivers may also need to complete company-specific incident reports.
Insurance Notification
Proper insurance notification requires contacting both your commercial auto liability carrier and any cargo insurance providers. Report basic facts without admitting fault or making statements about coverage. Document the claim number assigned and the adjuster's contact information. Commercial policies often have specific reporting requirements and timelines that, if missed, could jeopardize coverage. For vehicles under dispatch, the motor carrier's insurance typically holds primary liability, though owner-operator policies may also apply.
Post-Accident Requirements
After the initial response, several follow-up actions are necessary. Schedule detailed vehicle inspections by qualified mechanics to document all damage before repairs. Preserve electronic logging device (ELD) data, dashcam footage, and telematics information as potential evidence. Complete any required follow-up medical examinations or fitness-for-duty assessments. Cooperate with your company's accident review board procedures and implement any corrective actions or additional training requirements identified during the review process.