Post-Crash Procedures for Commercial Drivers

A crash is every commercial driver's worst nightmare. What you do in the first 30 minutes after an accident can determine whether people survive, whether you keep your CDL, and whether you face criminal charges. This guide covers the exact steps you must take, the legal requirements, and how to protect yourself and others after a crash.

Step-by-Step: What to Do After a Crash

Step 1: Stop and Secure the Vehicle

Stop immediately. Do not drive away — leaving the scene of an accident is a felony under 49 CFR 383.201. Set the parking brake, turn on hazard lights, and assess whether the vehicle is in a safe position. If the vehicle is blocking traffic and can be moved safely, move it to the shoulder. If it cannot be moved, leave it and focus on scene protection.

Step 2: Protect the Scene

Set out warning devices immediately — the same triangles or flares you use for roadside stops. Place them to give approaching traffic enough warning to slow down. On a two-lane road: one device 100 feet ahead and one 100 feet behind. On a divided highway: all devices behind the vehicle at 100, 200, and 300 feet. Keep yourself and others off the roadway — don't become a second victim.

Step 3: Check for Injuries and Call 911

Check yourself first — adrenaline can mask injuries. Then check passengers and other parties. Call 911 immediately. Report your location, the number of vehicles involved, and whether there are injuries or a fire. Do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger (fire, fuel leak, oncoming traffic). Moving an injured person can cause permanent spinal damage.

Step 4: Notify Your Dispatcher

Call your carrier as soon as the scene is secure and 911 has been called. Tell them: location, what happened, injuries, whether the vehicle can be driven, and whether the cargo is compromised (especially if hauling hazmat). Your carrier will handle regulatory notifications and may send a representative to the scene.

Step 5: Document Everything

Use your phone to photograph and document the scene. Take more photos than you think you need:

• Vehicle positions before anything is moved (if safe to approach)
• Damage to all vehicles involved — multiple angles
• License plates of all vehicles
• Road conditions — skid marks, debris, road signs, traffic signals
• Weather conditions — fog, rain, snow, visibility
• Witnesses — get names, phone numbers, and written or recorded statements
• Other driver's license, insurance card, and vehicle registration
• Cargo damage — especially if hazmat is involved

Step 6: Do Not Admit Fault

Never admit fault at the scene. Do not say "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you." These statements can be used against you in legal proceedings. Let investigators determine cause based on evidence. Cooperate with police — provide your CDL, registration, and insurance — but do not speculate about what happened. Answer questions factually and briefly.

Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Testing

Federal law (49 CFR 382.303) requires post-accident drug and alcohol testing in specific situations:

• Fatality: Testing required for all CDL drivers involved, regardless of who was at fault
• Injury + citation: Testing required if you receive a citation for a moving violation and someone is injured badly enough to require medical transport away from the scene
• Tow + citation: Testing required if you receive a citation for a moving violation and any vehicle has disabling damage requiring a tow

Timing requirements: Alcohol test must be administered within 8 hours. Drug test must be administered within 32 hours. If testing is not completed within these windows, the carrier must document why. Do not consume alcohol for 8 hours after an accident — even if you haven't been tested yet.

Read more about drug testing requirements in our CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing Guide.

Reporting Requirements

After a crash, multiple reports may be required:

• Police report: Filed by the responding officer. You provide your information and a statement.
• Carrier accident report: Your company will have you complete an internal accident report — usually within 24 hours.
• FMCSA crash report: The carrier must report qualifying crashes to the FMCSA within 90 days. Qualifying crashes involve a fatality, injury requiring medical transport, or disabling damage requiring a tow.
• State report: Some states require a separate accident report filed with the DMV.
• Hazmat incident report: If hazmat was involved, a separate report is required under 49 CFR 171.15/171.16 — within 30 minutes for serious incidents.

What NOT to Do After a Crash

• Do not leave the scene — felony offense, immediate CDL revocation
• Do not admit fault — let investigators determine cause
• Do not move injured persons — unless immediate danger exists
• Do not consume alcohol — for at least 8 hours post-accident
• Do not discuss the accident with the other party's insurance company without your carrier's representative present
• Do not alter the scene — do not move debris or evidence before photos are taken
• Do not refuse drug/alcohol testing — refusal is treated as a positive test

Frequently Asked Questions