Truck accidents can be devastating. They often result in severe injuries and complex legal situations. As an accident victim, you may be unsure of what to do if you are injured in a truck accident. If you find yourself injured in a truck accident in Colorado, knowing the right steps to take can protect your health. Additionally, these steps preserve important evidence and safeguard your legal rights. The actions you take immediately following a truck accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Colorado’s highways see thousands of commercial vehicles daily, from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs. This comprehensive guide outlines the important truck accident injury steps you need to take. These steps protect you legally and medically after a collision with a commercial vehicle in Colorado. The Wilhite Law Firm has helped countless accident victims handle these complex cases throughout Colorado, earning recognition for our client testimonials and successful outcomes.
Colorado Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), there were 5,816 accidents involving medium and heavy trucks in 2024 alone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Colorado accounted for 93 fatal large truck crashes in 2023. This makes truck accidents an unfortunate reality. Unlike typical car accidents, truck accidents involve federal regulations and multiple potentially liable parties. Furthermore, they often result in more severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Accident Scene
The moments immediately following a truck accident are critical. Your priority should be safety. However, you also need to begin protecting your legal interests from the very beginning. Colorado State Patrol data shows that proper immediate response can significantly impact case outcomes.
Put Your Safety First
Before anything else, assess your immediate safety and that of your passengers. If your vehicle is drivable and you can move safely, pull over to the shoulder or side of the road away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers to the accident scene.
If you cannot move your vehicle or if moving would cause further injury, stay where you are. Wait for emergency responders. Never attempt to move if you suspect you have sustained a spinal injury or other serious trauma. Your safety takes precedence over all other considerations.
Check on your passengers and occupants of other vehicles if you can do so safely. However, avoid moving anyone who appears seriously injured unless there is immediate danger such as fire or oncoming traffic.
Call 911 and Report the Truck Accident
Should I call the police after my truck accident? Always call 911 after a truck accident, regardless of how minor the collision may appear. Commercial vehicle accidents require official documentation. Police reports become crucial evidence in insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
When speaking with the 911 dispatcher, provide clear information about your location. Include the number of vehicles involved and whether anyone appears injured. Be specific about the fact that a commercial truck was involved. Colorado’s comprehensive emergency response systems deploy appropriate resources for serious traffic incidents involving commercial vehicles.
Request both police and medical personnel, even if injuries seem minor initially. Adrenaline can mask pain and injury symptoms. Some injuries like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately.
The responding police officer will create an official accident report. This report includes details about the accident scene, statements from involved parties, and the officer’s assessment of fault. This report becomes a vital piece of evidence in your personal injury case.
Get Medical Attention Even for Minor Injuries
One of the most critical truck accident injury steps is getting immediate medical attention. This applies even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor. The force involved in truck accidents can cause internal injuries and soft tissue damage. These conditions may not present symptoms immediately.
Emergency medical technicians can perform an initial assessment at the scene. They determine whether immediate hospital transport is necessary. Accept medical evaluation and treatment if emergency responders recommend it. Our experienced attorneys often see cases where delayed medical treatment complicates injury claims.
Even if you decline ambulance transport, visit an emergency room or urgent care facility within 24 hours of the accident. This creates a medical record linking your injuries directly to the truck accident. This documentation becomes important for insurance claims and potential legal action.
Keep detailed records of all medical treatment. Include emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications. These records serve as evidence of your injuries and the medical care required as a result of the accident.
Document Everything at the Scene
Thorough documentation of the accident scene can make or break your case. If you are physically able, begin taking photos of the accident scene and gathering evidence immediately. Do this while details are fresh and before the scene is cleared.
Use your smartphone to take extensive photographs of the accident scene from multiple angles. Capture images of all vehicles involved. Focus on damage to your vehicle and the commercial truck. Photograph license plates, DOT numbers on the truck, and any company logos or identifying information.
Document the accident scene itself. Include skid marks, debris, traffic signs, road conditions, and weather conditions. Take photos of the truck driver’s commercial driver’s license and insurance information. If the truck was carrying cargo, photograph any spilled or damaged freight.
Don’t forget to photograph your own injuries, even if they appear minor. Bruises, cuts, and swelling may become more pronounced in the days following the accident. However, initial photos can document the immediate impact.
If possible, take note of any nearby security cameras from businesses. Look for traffic cameras or dash cameras from other vehicles that may have captured the accident. This information can be valuable for your experienced Colorado truck accident lawyer to pursue later.
Exchange Information with All Parties Involved
Collect comprehensive information from all parties involved in the accident. Pay special attention to details specific to commercial vehicles. From the truck driver, obtain their full name, commercial driver’s license number, employer information, and insurance details.
Record the trucking company’s name, address, phone number, and DOT number. The DOT number is particularly important. It allows your attorney to research the company’s safety record and compliance history with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Get the truck’s license plate number, make, model, and year. If the truck is leased or owned by a different company than the driver’s employer, collect that information as well. Multiple parties may bear liability for your injuries. Understanding liability in truck accidents can be complex and requires legal expertise.
Provide your information to other parties as required, but limit your statements to basic facts. Share your name, insurance information, and contact details. However, avoid discussing fault, how the accident happened, or the extent of your injuries.
Collect Witness Statements and Contact Information
Independent witnesses can provide crucial testimony about how the truck accident occurred. Look for people who saw the accident happen. This includes occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, or people in nearby businesses.
Approach witnesses politely and ask if they would be willing to provide a brief statement about what they observed. Use your phone to record their account of the accident. Alternatively, ask them to write down what they saw. Be sure to collect their full name, phone number, and address.
If witnesses are reluctant to provide detailed statements at the scene, at minimum collect their contact information. This allows your Colorado truck accident lawyer to follow up with them later. Witness memories fade quickly, so gathering this information immediately is crucial.
Pay attention to any witnesses who may have captured the accident on their phone or dash camera. This footage can provide invaluable evidence about the cause of the accident and the actions of all parties involved.
Avoid Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case
Several common mistakes can significantly damage your ability to recover compensation after a truck accident. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid actions that might harm your case. Our client reviews often mention how proper guidance helped them avoid these costly errors.
Never admit fault or apologize at the accident scene, even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident. Statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be used against you later. This applies even if you were simply being polite or expressing concern for others involved.
Avoid giving detailed statements to insurance companies. This is particularly important with the trucking company’s insurer. Don’t do this without first consulting with a Denver personal injury attorney. Insurance adjusters work to minimize payouts and may use your statements to reduce or deny your claim.
Do not sign any documents at the scene other than a police citation if issued. Trucking companies or their representatives may appear quickly at accident scenes. They may attempt to get you to sign releases or settlement agreements before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Resist the urge to post about the accident on social media platforms. Insurance companies and defense attorneys routinely monitor social media accounts of accident victims. They look for posts that contradict injury claims or suggest fault.
Understanding Your Rights After a Truck Accident
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed 50%. This makes it crucial to have skilled legal representation to protect your interests and maximize your recovery.
The types of damages you may be entitled to include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in severe cases, punitive damages. Motorcycle accident, car accidents, and truck accident cases often result in similar types of catastrophic injuries requiring long-term care. Understanding your rights after a truck accident under Colorado trucking laws is important before you claim compensation for your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after being injured in a truck accident in Colorado?
Your immediate priorities should be putting safety first, calling 911, getting medical attention, and documenting the scene. Move to safety if possible and turn on hazard lights. Call for police and medical assistance. Even if injuries seem minor, get medical evaluation and begin documenting everything with photos and witness information. Avoid admitting fault and contact an experienced Denver truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Colorado?
Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeline. Evidence preservation must begin immediately. It’s important to contact an attorney promptly to work toward meeting all deadlines and preserving evidence while it’s still available.
What makes truck accidents different from regular car accidents?
Truck accidents involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and often result in more severe injuries. Commercial drivers must follow specific hours-of-service rules, maintain detailed logs, and undergo regular safety inspections. These factors create additional evidence sources and legal complexities that require specialized knowledge.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Colorado, don’t handle this complex process alone. The Wilhite Law Firm is here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward after a truck accident injury.
Contact a Colorado Truck Accident Attorney
The Wilhite Law Firm understands the challenges of truck accident cases throughout Colorado. From our offices throughout Colorado in Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, Greeley, Colorado Springs, and Grand Junction, our legal team of attorneys is here to help. Our law firm can handle communications with insurance companies, investigate the accident thoroughly, and fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Call 303-466-3529 or fill up our online contact form for a free consultation.
