What To Do If You Get Hit By A Semi-Truck

Being involved in a collision with a semi-truck can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. In Colorado, there are nearly 2,000 crashes involving large trucks every year. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, knowing the proper steps to take is crucial for your safety, health, and potential legal cases. One of the most important actions you can take is to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer Colorado residents trust to protect their rights and interests.

Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene

The moments immediately following a collision with a semi-truck are critical. Your first priority should be ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident.

Next, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to remember that some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to shock or adrenaline. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor.

Gathering Information and Evidence

Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety and called for help, begin gathering information if you’re able to do so safely. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver, but avoid discussing fault or making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting guilt.

Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur. Their statements could be valuable if there are disputes about how the collision happened. Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a collision with a semi-truck. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can become serious if left untreated.

Prompt medical attention also creates an official record of your injuries, which can be important for insurance claims and potential legal action. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all medical records and bills related to your accident injuries.

Reporting the Accident

In Colorado, you’re required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. While law enforcement will likely file an official report if they respond to the scene, you should also file a report with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles within 60 days of the accident.

Contacting Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with basic facts about what happened, but avoid going into extensive detail or admitting fault. Remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and their goal is to minimize the company’s financial liability.

Preserving Evidence

In the days following the accident, take steps to preserve evidence that could be important for your case. Keep all documents related to the accident, including police reports, medical records, and correspondence with insurance companies. If you had to miss work due to your injuries, keep records of lost wages.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be complex and overwhelming. This is where a skilled truck accident lawyer Colorado residents rely on can make a significant difference. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Why Truck Accidents Are Different

Accidents involving semi-trucks are often more complicated than typical car accidents. Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or cargo loader. Additionally, trucking companies are subject to federal regulations that don’t apply to ordinary drivers.

A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer will understand these complexities and know how to investigate the accident thoroughly. They can obtain and analyze crucial evidence such as the truck’s black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

After a semi-truck accident, you may be contacted by the trucking company’s insurance provider. It’s important to be cautious in these interactions. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that could harm your case or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses.

An experienced truck accident lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. They can negotiate for a fair settlement that takes into account all your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Understanding Comparative Negligence

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases. This means that if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

A skilled truck accident lawyer can help build a strong case to minimize any allegations of fault on your part and maximize your potential compensation.

The Legal Process

If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. While most truck accident cases settle out of court, being prepared for litigation can strengthen your negotiating position.

The legal process typically involves several stages, including filing the complaint, discovery (where both sides exchange information), depositions, and potentially, trial. Your lawyer will guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively.

Statute of Limitations

In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there can be exceptions to this rule, and it’s always best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.

Potential Compensation

The compensation you may be entitled to after a semi-truck accident depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Potential damages may include:

- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Long-Term Considerations

Semi-truck accidents often result in severe injuries that can have long-lasting effects. Your lawyer will work with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries and their potential long-term impact. This is crucial for ensuring that any settlement or verdict adequately compensates you for future medical needs and life changes.

Final Thoughts

Being hit by a semi-truck can be a life-changing event, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. By taking the right steps immediately after the accident and seeking the help of a skilled truck accident lawyer Colorado victims trust, you can protect your rights and focus on your recovery.
Remember, the actions you take in the hours, days, and weeks following the accident can significantly impact your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Stay calm, document everything, seek medical attention, and consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Transcript

1. What To Do If You Get Hit By A Semi-Truck Being involved in a collision with a semi-truck can be a terrifying and life-altering experience. In Colorado, there are nearly 2,000 crashes involving large trucks every year. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, knowing the proper steps to take is crucial for your safety, health, and potential legal cases. One of the most important actions you can take is to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer Colorado residents trust to protect their rights and interests. Immediate Actions at the Accident Scene The moments immediately following a collision with a semi-truck are critical. Your first priority should be ensuring your safety and the safety of others involved. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident. Next, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to remember that some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to shock or adrenaline. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor. Gathering Information and Evidence Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety and called for help, begin gathering information if you’re able to do so safely. Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver, but avoid discussing fault or making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting guilt. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur. Their statements could be valuable if there are disputes about how the collision happened. Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Seeking Medical Attention Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a collision with a semi-truck. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately but can become serious if left untreated. Prompt medical attention also creates an official record of your injuries, which can be important for insurance claims and potential legal action. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all medical records and bills related to your accident injuries. Reporting the Accident In Colorado, you’re required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. While law enforcement will likely file an official report if they respond to the scene, you should also file a report with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles within 60 days of the accident.
2. Contacting Your Insurance Company Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with basic facts about what happened, but avoid going into extensive detail or admitting fault. Remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you, and their goal is to minimize the company’s financial liability. Preserving Evidence In the days following the accident, take steps to preserve evidence that could be important for your case. Keep all documents related to the accident, including police reports, medical records, and correspondence with insurance companies. If you had to miss work due to your injuries, keep records of lost wages. The Importance of Legal Representation Navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be complex and overwhelming. This is where a skilled truck accident lawyer Colorado residents rely on can make a significant difference. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Why Truck Accidents Are Different Accidents involving semi-trucks are often more complicated than typical car accidents. Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or cargo loader. Additionally, trucking companies are subject to federal regulations that don’t apply to ordinary drivers. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer will understand these complexities and know how to investigate the accident thoroughly. They can obtain and analyze crucial evidence such as the truck’s black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records. Dealing with Insurance Companies After a semi-truck accident, you may be contacted by the trucking company’s insurance provider. It’s important to be cautious in these interactions. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to make statements that could harm your case or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses. An experienced truck accident lawyer can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. They can negotiate for a fair settlement that takes into account all your current and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Understanding Comparative Negligence Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases. This means that if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot recover damages. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. A skilled truck accident lawyer can help build a strong case to minimize any allegations of fault on your part and maximize your potential compensation. The Legal Process If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. While most truck accident cases settle out of court, being prepared for litigation can strengthen your negotiating position. The legal process typically involves several stages, including filing the complaint, discovery (where both sides exchange information), depositions, and potentially, trial. Your lawyer will guide you through each step, ensuring your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively. Statute of Limitations In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, there can be exceptions to this rule, and it’s always best to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Potential Compensation The compensation you may be entitled to after a semi-truck accident depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Potential damages may include: • Medical expenses (current and future) • Lost wages and loss of earning capacity • Pain and suffering • Property damage • Loss of enjoyment of life • In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded. Long-Term Considerations Semi-truck accidents often result in severe injuries that can have long-lasting effects. Your lawyer will work with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries and their potential long-term impact. This is crucial for ensuring that any settlement or verdict adequately compensates you for future medical needs and life changes. Final Thoughts Being hit by a semi-truck can be a life-changing event, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. By taking the right steps immediately after the accident and seeking the help of a skilled truck accident lawyer Colorado victims trust, you can protect your rights and focus on your recovery.
4. Remember, the actions you take in the hours, days, and weeks following the accident can significantly impact your ability to receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Stay calm, document everything, seek medical attention, and consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.