What to Do After a Truck Accident in Fort Collins
While no one plans for a truck accident, it is a good idea to prepare for one in case you ever find yourself in this frightening situation. It is important to take the right steps after a truck accident in Fort Collins so that you can protect your rights and future as much as possible. If you’ve already been in a truck accident, an experienced truck accident attorney in Fort Collins can help you with the steps of the recovery process.
Check for Injuries
Pull over as close to the scene of the accident as is safely practicable, moving to the shoulder of the road if you can. If possible, move your disabled vehicle out of the way of oncoming traffic to prevent additional collisions. Then, check yourself for injuries. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Burn injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you are injured. Keep in mind that not all injuries show immediate signs or symptoms. Getting prompt medical care is critical to diagnose hidden or delayed injuries. It is also something an insurance company will look for when processing your claim.
Call the Police
You should always notify the police about a truck accident in Fort Collins, as these collisions are almost always serious enough to require reporting under Colorado law. Call 911 using your cell phone from the scene of the accident to report the crash. When the police arrive, give them your side of the story but do not admit fault. Write down your police report number so that you can obtain a copy from the City of Fort Collins Police Department later.
Gather Information
Exchange information with the truck driver, including names and contact information. Ask about insurance details and write down the truck number and the truck’s license plate numbers. Get the names and contact details of any passengers and eyewitnesses to obtain statements. Take pictures while you are still at the scene. Finally, look for surveillance, security or dashcam footage that may have recorded the truck accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning if the truck driver or trucking company is at fault for the crash, they will be responsible for paying for your losses. However, you should still contact your own automobile insurance company to notify them of the collision. Avoid giving an insurance claims adjuster a recorded statement. Provide basic details, then allow your attorney to handle communications.
Contact a Fort Collins Truck Accident Attorney
Consider speaking to a truck accident attorney after this type of crash. Trucking accidents can have many legal complications, such as evidence that is difficult to collect (e.g., the truck’s black box and trucking company compliance records), large and powerful adversaries, catastrophic injuries, and federal regulations.
An attorney can navigate your claim for you to ensure the best possible results. A Fort Collins truck accident lawyer will know how to negotiate with insurance providers aggressively and can bring your case to trial in Colorado, if necessary. With a lawyer handling your case, you can focus on recovering physically and emotionally.
Contact Cannon Law today to start with a free consultation.