The aftermath of a semi-truck collision can be overwhelming and traumatic. It is helpful to have some kind of post-accident guide to understand what to do after a semi-truck accident in Colorado. For those injured in such an accident, it may be easier to navigate the recovery process with help from a qualified Greeley truck accident attorney.
A knowledgeable attorney can streamline the process of pursuing compensation and may reduce the accident victim’s stress after the incident. Injured parties should secure their safety and legal representation by following these steps:
Semi-Truck Accident Checklist for Injured Parties
In 2020 alone, around 101,000 people were injured in large truck crashes (per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). Given the significant number of these incidents, personal injury attorneys generally recommend a similar protocol after an accident.
1. Secure Your Safety First
The most important step after an accident is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Motorists should pull their vehicles off the roadway. If this is impossible, motorists and passengers should walk to a secure place, exercising caution when traversing roads and highways.
2. Report the Accident
After a commercial vehicle crash, police will create a report that provides an objective account of the accident. This report is key to later filing insurance claims or lawsuits. Contacting emergency services is also crucial for receiving timely medical attention.
3. Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Those involved in an accident should seek urgent medical attention, even if their injuries appear minor or are not immediately noticeable. Internal injuries, such as concussions or bleeding, may not be apparent or may only develop later. Even if on-scene EMTs do not recommend a hospital visit, seeing a doctor for urgent care is vital as soon as possible after the accident.
Beyond the health and safety benefits, quickly seeking medical care is essential in forming a legal case. Accident victims should retain all medical care records, including bills, written treatment plans, and doctor’s notes. These documents form evidence that can support compensation claims and lawsuits.
Bills are especially important, as they record the accumulating medical expenses after a serious injury.
4. Document the Scene
Those involved in an accident should take pictures and videos of the vehicles involved, any damage, and any road conditions that contributed to the accident. Collecting information from witnesses, including their names and phone numbers, is also important. Documenting the accident as much as possible will make it easier for a qualified attorney to compile evidence for insurance claims and potential legal action.
5. Work With a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
After a semi-truck collision, legal help can make the recovery process easier to manage. Those injured in an accident should rely on an experienced attorney to advocate for them, compile evidence, and negotiate settlement claims.
Speaking to an insurance adjuster without legal representation is generally not advisable, except to answer any required questions. The adjustor may use any statements about the incident to deny claims or lower settlement offers. These companies may attempt to underpay or deny claims whenever possible to save money; however, hiring a lawyer gives accident victims more leverage in pursuing compensation.
Contact Grant & Associates Law Firm for Assistance
Wondering what to do after a semi-truck accident in Colorado? Grant & Associates Law Firm offers reliable legal counsel to those injured in car accidents. Working with a knowledgeable attorney with experience in commercial trucking accidents is essential to streamline the compensation-seeking process.
Grant & Associates Law Firm is highly familiar with Colorado’s laws and can diligently advocate for your case, removing some of the stress of the healing process. Call 970-356-5666 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.