Steps After a Truck Accident in Denver, CO

In the moments after a truck accident in Denver, it can be difficult to know what to do next. These collisions are often severe and traumatic. In some cases, a loved one may lose their life in the crash, deepening the emotional and legal burdens.

Understanding the steps to take after a truck accident isn’t just about safety or medical care; it’s about protecting your legal rights and giving yourself the best chance in a truck accident claim. 

Whether you’re dealing with a life-changing injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, the process can be overwhelming without guidance. That’s where The Morgan Law Group can help. As a law firm in Denver experienced in handling truck accident claims, we have a Denver truck accident lawyer who will work closely with injury victims and their families to recover the compensation they’re entitled to. 

Here’s a breakdown of what to do after a truck accident, how to initiate a claim, and why hiring a truck accident attorney may be one of the most important decisions you make.

What Steps to Take After a Truck Crash in Denver

Knowing the right steps to take after a truck accident can safeguard both your health and your legal interests. 

Here’s what to do immediately after the crash and in the following days:

1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

The first priority is safety. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Truck crashes often involve high-impact forces that may cause hidden injuries like internal bleeding or brain trauma.

2. Remain at the Scene and Gather Evidence

If you’re able to do so safely, remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. Exchange information with the truck driver, including:

• Driver’s name and contact information
• Commercial driver’s license (CDL) number
• Trucking company details
• Insurance information
• Vehicle and trailer registration numbers

Also, take photographs or videos of the following:

• All involved vehicles
• Skid marks or road debris
• Traffic signs, signals, or obstructions
• Visible injuries
• Vehicle damage
• Surrounding area and weather conditions

This evidence may prove crucial in demonstrating fault and liability later.

3. Speak Carefully and Never Admit Fault

When speaking with the truck driver, witnesses, or police officers, be honest but avoid making assumptions about who caused the accident. Even a simple statement like “I didn’t see them coming” can be twisted into an admission of fault by insurers.

Let the police complete their investigation and make sure to request a copy of the crash report once it becomes available. This document will become important when filing your insurance claim or lawsuit.

4. Follow Up on Medical Treatment

Documenting your injuries through medical records is essential when seeking compensation. Attend all follow-up appointments, take prescribed medications, and follow any therapy or rehabilitation recommendations.

Delaying or skipping care can be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. It can also weaken your legal case.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company

You’ll need to notify your own insurance company of the accident within a reasonable time frame, even if you weren’t at fault. When doing so, avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything without first speaking with a truck accident attorney in Denver.

Commercial trucking companies and their insurers often deploy rapid response teams to accident scenes to gather evidence in their favor. Having legal representation as soon as possible ensures that your rights are protected and that evidence favorable to your case is preserved.

How Soon Should You Claim for a Truck Accident in Denver?

Colorado’s statute of limitations generally gives injury victims 3 years to file a personal injury claim from the date of the truck crash. However, wrongful death claims must be filed within 2 years.

Even though this may seem like plenty of time, it’s not advisable to wait. The sooner you start your claim, the better. Evidence can fade or be lost over time. Trucking companies may also move quickly to protect themselves, sometimes even deploying investigators to the scene within hours.

Filing a truck accident claim sooner rather than later gives your legal team time to investigate the crash, preserve evidence, and build a strong case.

How Much Damages Can You Recover for a Trucking Accident? 

The amount you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and whether there’s clear evidence of negligence. 

In Colorado, injury victims may be able to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages 
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or permanent disability

In wrongful death claims, surviving family members may also be entitled to damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Loss of household income and support

Punitive damages may be available in rare cases where the truck driver or company acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct (such as driving under the influence or knowingly violating federal safety regulations).

How Do You File a Claim to the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company?

Filing a claim against a trucking company or its driver requires careful attention to detail. Commercial carriers are backed by aggressive insurers, and these cases often involve multiple parties. Here’s an overview of how the process typically unfolds:

• Identify All Liable Parties: In a truck crash, the at-fault party isn’t always just the driver. Liability may also extend to the trucking company, a cargo loading company, a truck manufacturer, a maintenance provider, and other drivers on the road. A Denver truck accident lawyer will investigate the crash thoroughly to determine who is liable.

• Gather and Submit Evidence: Supporting documentation is crucial for your claim. This includes medical records, police reports, photos and videos, witness statements, truck maintenance logs, driver logs (hours of service), black box data, etc. This information helps demonstrate how the accident occurred and the extent of your damages.

• Submit a Demand Letter: Once liability and damages are clear, your truck accident attorney will send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries, expenses, and a proposed settlement amount.

• Negotiate the Settlement: The insurance company may respond with a counteroffer or request additional documentation. Your attorney will handle negotiations on your behalf, pushing for a settlement that covers your losses without accepting less than what you’re owed.

It is important to remember that insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to deny or minimize payouts, which is why having a truck accident lawyer can level the playing field for you.

Can You Sue After a Truck Accident in Denver?

Yes, you can sue if you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck crash caused by someone else’s negligence. 

Filing a lawsuit may be necessary when:

• The insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement
• Liability is disputed
• Multiple parties are involved and pointing fingers
• Your damages exceed the insurance policy limits
• You’re facing long-term or permanent injuries

Your truck accident attorney in Denver will help determine whether to proceed with litigation and guide you through the entire legal process, from filing the complaint to representing you in court if needed.

Consult a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately After a Crash

Knowing what to do after a truck accident in Denver is not just about taking the right immediate steps; without legal support, victims often accept low settlement offers that don’t account for future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, or ongoing pain. 

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a trucking accident, the best course of action is to consult with a knowledgeable Denver truck accident lawyer who can guide you through your rights and options. At The Morgan Law Group, we’re committed to helping victims get the compensation they deserve.

Call us today at (303) 625-6388 or contact us using our online form to schedule a free consultation.