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Truck accidents are catastrophic and deadly. When an 80,000-pound big rig slams into a 3,000-pound passenger vehicle, the results are often tragic. Due to the sheer size and weight discrepancies between these two vehicles, occupants in passenger vehicles suffer the majority of the injuries. Even worse, their injuries are often life-threatening. After a truck accident, injured accident survivors may need to tend to their injuries and receive medical care. However, sometimes passengers are lucky enough to escape without serious and grave injuries. When this occurs, the steps they take after a serious truck accident can make a difference in their case. Even if you are unable to perform these steps, an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer can help you. Here are seven steps that our lawyers recommend you take after a truck accident.
As mentioned above, truck accidents are serious and often result in fatal injuries. Therefore, anyone at the accident scene should immediately call 911 and report the crash. In the event of a serious crash, or a crash with a pedestrian or bicycle, calling emergency services immediately can be lifesaving. Reporting the accident alerts both the police and emergency medical teams. The faster injured passengers can receive medical help, the better. While injured accident victims receive life-saving medical help, the police will begin investigating and documenting the accident scene. This includes filling out a detailed police report with accurate information about all involved vehicles. The police report is an invaluable tool when seeking to file an accident claim.
If the accident victim is seriously injured, then you can help by gathering evidence at the scene. This means snapping pictures of the crash damage, the road debris, and any other important factors. Be sure to take pictures of the scene from multiple angles. (Only do this if it is safe to walk around the scene.) If you are able, then collect contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the accident.
It is important to exchange contact information with other drivers involved in the crash. Some of this information includes:
Any settlement you accept must include sufficient money to repair your vehicle accurately. As such, a repair estimate is an important part of the insurance claim process. Every insurance company has their own requirements for getting vehicle damage appraised. Even still, you have the right to have your vehicle appraised by your own company, as well as the body shop your insurance company requests. Yet, be careful not to let your body shop perform work on your car until after you speak to your attorney and the insurance company.
Most insurance policies require policyholders to let them know when an accident occurs. While you may need to call your insurance company to report the accident, be careful about what you say. Also, if the trucking company’s insurance company calls, then be polite. However, do not talk about the details of the accident or your case. It is important to speak to a truck accident lawyer before speaking to the insurance company and giving them a statement. Insurance adjusters will look for any reason to reduce or deny your claim. As such, call an attorney before speaking to the insurance company.
It is tempting to post about your accident on social media. However, it is best to avoid social media altogether after a truck accident. Even simple pictures and phrases are often used against accident survivors in court. Insurance companies may claim that these pictures show that the survivors are not as injured as they claim. For example, consider the phrase, “I was in a truck accident today. Luckily I am not too injured.” Insurance companies could claim that you admitted to not suffering an injury after the accident, which could hurt your case in court. As such, avoid posting on social media until after you accept a settlement.
One of the best ways you can protect your rights to full compensation is to call a Denver truck accident attorney. Your lawyer will help you through this difficult time and ensure that you do not miss any critical deadlines for filing your claim. Your attorney can also help preserve valuable evidence and fight the large insurance companies. At Dormer Harpring, we know that truck accident survivors need help after a serious truck accident. That is why we work tirelessly for them from the very start.
Truck accidents throughout Colorado are severe. They often result in life-changing and catastrophic injuries. When this occurs, injured accident survivors need someone they can trust. At our firm, a Denver truck accident lawyer will meet with you personally to help answer all of your questions and concerns.
Call our Colorado personal injury law firm today at (303) 747-4404 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information. We can review all your legal options with you, and help you choose the one that is best for you and your situation. Do not face trucking companies and insurance companies on your own. We have what it takes to win!