In the moments after a crash with a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle, it can feel like your world has been turned upside down. The physical pain, emotional stress, and confusion in the immediate aftermath of a wreck can overwhelm even the most composed person.
However, in these chaotic moments, taking a beat to pause and approach the situation as calmly as possible can have a positive impact on the outcome of a personal injury case. That’s why we’ve put together this guide detailing what to do after a truck accident in Colorado:
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
The most important thing to do immediately after any accident is to make sure you’re safe and seek medical attention—even if you don’t feel badly hurt at first. Injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or spinal trauma may not be obvious right away, but can quickly turn serious.
Additionally, seeking medical attention helps prove the severity of your injuries. For example, if an ambulance arrived at the scene and you refused treatment, the liable party’s lawyers could see that as proof that you were okay. By accepting any medical assistance, you lend credibility to your injury claim and give doctors the chance to document your injuries.
Step 2: Call 911 and Get a Police Report
Always call the police after a truck accident. An official police report serves as a key piece of evidence when you’re filing a claim. The report contains crash details, driver statements, road and weather conditions, and any citations given out to the involved parties.
If you’re able, be sure to tell the officer exactly what happened, but avoid admitting fault. Lawyers working for trucking and insurance companies can use your admission of fault to limit their client’s liability.
Step 3: Take Photos of the Crash Scene
When possible, take photos and videos of the scene from a safe area. Capture damage to all vehicles, your injuries, skid marks, license plates, the truck’s company name, road signs, and traffic lights.
This type of on-the-scene evidence is often lost quickly and is occasionally missing in police reports. However, photo evidence is incredibly valuable in building your case. Some of the strongest claims after truck accidents in Colorado rely on evidence collected in the minutes after the crash.
Step 4: Don’t Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Company
Within days of the crash, you might get a call from the trucking company’s insurance representative. They may seem friendly, but make no mistake—they’re trying to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interest.
Do not give a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer before talking to your lawyer. These early offers are often far less than what you’re entitled to, and anything you say could be used against you if you choose to file a personal injury claim.
Step 5: Keep Track of Everything
Start a digital or physical folder for materials related to your accident and injuries. Include:
- Medical bills and records
- Prescription receipts
- Photos of your injuries
- A pain journal tracking how you feel each day
- Proof of missed work or lost income
Keeping clear records will help your attorney accurately calculate damages and prove the impact the accident has had on your life.
Step 6: Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Talk to an experienced truck accident attorney shortly after your accident. A good lawyer or law firm will help you understand if your case has a chance and give you a better sense of how much compensation you could recover.
Truck accidents in Colorado are legally complex and cannot be navigated without legal assistance. There may be multiple liable parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, or even the company that loaded the cargo. An experienced lawyer will know how to investigate the crash, secure black box data (which records speed, braking, and other vital info), and preserve evidence before it disappears.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
There are deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits in Colorado, and critical evidence like dashcam footage or electronic logs can be lost or destroyed within days or weeks. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of preserving the evidence needed to win your case.
Also, keep in mind that your memory is freshest immediately after the accident. By filing a case ASAP, you provide your lawyer with the clearest possible picture of the incident.
Don’t Face a Trucking Company Alone…Call McDivitt Law
Truck accident cases aren’t like regular fender-benders. Fighting these cases means going up against trucking companies with deep pockets and experienced attorneys. Fortunately, the truck accident lawyers at McDivitt Law know what it takes to go toe-to-toe with these companies.
If you were injured in a trucking accident and want to see if you have a case, reach out to us! Click the button below to schedule a free consultation to discuss your commercial truck injury case.