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5 Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

December 27, 2019Truck Accidents

Truck accident with red car

Collisions involving large trucks are on the rise in the United States. After a 34% decrease in fatal truck crashes between 2005 and 2009, fatality rates jumped 40% between 2009 and 2017. The effects of a crash can be devastating. You should know how to protect yourself and your potential claim after a truck accident.

Step 1: Check Everyone in Your Vehicle for Injuries

Safety is paramount after a crash. Prompt medical attention can mean the difference between life and death. Check yourself for injuries and ask everyone else in the vehicle if they are safe.

If you feel okay, check on the truck driver and any other involved parties too. Take note of any injuries and be ready to report them during your 911 call.

Step 2: Report the Crash to Local or State Authorities

After a truck accident, call emergency services right away. An officer will block off the accident scene and contact any other emergency services needed. Anyone injured in the truck crash should get medical care as soon as possible.

An officer will also write up a police report. This police report will contain details of the crash that could be useful for your claim.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Any evidence you can gather is very helpful to your truck accident attorney in Denver. Photos and videos of the crash scene may be useful in determining how a crash occurred, accident liability, and amount of damage.

If anyone observed the accident and stopped to help, get their contact information before leaving the scene. Make copies of every piece of evidence you collect and submit them to your attorney.

Step 4: Seek Medical Attention After Leaving the Scene of Your Truck Accident

Many people fail to get proper medical care after a crash. You may think your injuries are minor or worry about the possible expenses of medical treatment. Remember that your health is your top priority after a truck crash.

Injuries may not be immediately noticeable after a truck accident. The adrenaline released in a truck crash can hinder the pain response, so you may not feel the full effects of a crash for days or even weeks.

Even if you only have minor aches and pains, see a medical professional to get checked out. The longer you wait to seek medical attention, the harder it is to prove that the crash caused or worsened your injuries.

Step 5: Choose a Truck Accident Attorney in Denver

While we recommend that you speak with an attorney for any vehicle accident, it is particularly important for a truck accident. Truck accidents are often much more complex than collisions involving two non-commercial drivers.

Truck accident liability can involve many parties. These parties may include:

  • Truck driver
  • Truck driver’s employer
  • The truck owner
  • Manufacturing company

Our Lakewood truck accident attorney can investigate the cause of the accident. Then, we can determine liability using evidence such as trucking logs, drug and alcohol screening results and maintenance logs.

Then, our Denver truck accident lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve. We understand that truck accidents can be financially devastating. Medical bills, property damage, lost wages and permanent disability can result from these crashes.  With a record of experience and success, we may be able to help you get what you need to begin the path to recovery.

Contact a Lakewood Truck Accident Attorney From Our Firm to Explore Your Options

After a truck accident, you have a lot to process. Trying to negotiate with an insurance company is the last thing you want to do. Our team at Dormer Harpring fights aggressively for our clients at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Call us for a free consultation at (303) 747-4404 to discuss your situation. Our truck and car accident lawyers in Denver and other parts of Colorado can help you fight for your well deserved compensation.

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