Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Colorado
Truck accidents can be devastating, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. When an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car, the consequences can certainly be severe. As a victim of a truck accident, it’s crucial to know the steps to take to protect your legal rights and ensure a fair outcome in a potential personal injury claim.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the essential actions to take after a truck accident in Colorado, also listing what you need to avoid and the most common errors in seeking justice. You’ll walk away ready to make an informed decision on your case.
Steps We Recommend Taking After a Truck Accident in Colorado – Protect Your Legal Rights
Knowing what to do immediately after a truck accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, providing invaluable pieces of evidence that help establish the other party’s fault. Here are the steps we recommend you to follow as truck accident attorneys:
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
First and foremost, ensure your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident. Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible.
Then, seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor. Seeking prompt medical care not only ensures your well-being (as some injuries aren’t immediately apparent) but also creates an official record of your injuries, which will substantiate your case later when pursuing legal action.
Step 2: Report the Accident to Authorities
In Colorado, it’s a legal requirement to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 to the police, by calling 911. When law enforcement arrives, provide a clear and concise statement of what happened, but avoid speculating or admitting fault.
The officers will then document the scene and create an official accident report. Make sure to gather the contact information of the responding officers and request a copy of the accident report, as this is a piece of evidence that will be used in your claim.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
To further support your claim, it’s smart to collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damages, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Then, obtain contact information and statements from any witnesses. They can provide an unbiased account of the accident, which can be invaluable in establishing fault.
Additionally, gather information from other drivers involved in the accident, including their license, insurance information, and their name and contact information.
Step 4: Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Boesen Law
Choosing the right lawyer involves looking for someone with specific experience in truck accident cases and a deep understanding of Colorado’s legal landscape. At Boesen Law, our proven track record and dedicated team make us well-equipped to handle your case.
We can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, as our lawyers work to create strong legal strategies, manage all communication with insurance companies, and gather and present evidence to support your claim. We’ll fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Additional Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
After taking the initial steps of ensuring safety, seeking medical attention, reporting the accident, gathering evidence, and consulting with our personal injury lawyers, there are additional actions you can take to further protect your legal rights:
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with anyone other than law enforcement or your attorney, as anything you say could potentially be used against you in a legal proceeding later. Also, avoid signing documents or providing recorded statements before speaking with an attorney.
- Keep detailed records of all interactions, expenses, and treatments related to the accident. This includes medical bills, receipts for expenses incurred due to the accident, and any correspondence with insurance companies or other parties involved.
- Understand the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Colorado. According to C.R.S. § 13-80-101, the statute of limitations for motor vehicle cases is three years from the date of the accident. Failure to file within this timeframe will result in losing your right to compensation, so make sure you seek legal help as soon as possible after the accident.
Get in Touch With a Truck Accident Lawyer at Boesen Law
After suffering injuries from a truck accident caused by negligence in Colorado, you’re entitled by law to seek compensation for your damages and other losses. In this situation, our attorneys strive to make the claims process as stress-free as possible for you, relieving you of the burden of handling the legal system while you focus on recovery.
By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that you have the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim and secure fair compensation. Our legal team will assist you in gathering critical information, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary.
The next step is to reach out. We are ready to provide the guidance and support you need, so contact us today to schedule a free consultation with no strings attached. Remember, there are no fees unless we win your case.