What to do in the Aftermath of a Truck Accident
Victims of truck accidents in Fort Collins, Colorado are usually emotionally vulnerable and may not know what to do after the incident. To help understand what happens and to get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve, you should engage the services of an experienced personal injury or truck accident attorney in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Truck accidents are usually different from collisions involving motorcycles, cars and SUVs. Not only do they result in more grievous injuries (due to the momentum and weight of the trucks), but they also have a higher rate of fatalities than other kinds of accidents.
Causes of Truck Accidents
The investigation, settlement proceedings and possibly, litigation of truck accident cases are far more difficult to execute owing to the wide range of factors that cause the collision.
These factors can range from texting & driving, distracted driving and DUI to negligent maintenance of the tractor-trailer, a shoddy repair job by a contractor or errors from the truck or parts manufacturer.
Most truck wrecks occur as a result of driver error. Such errors include:
- Driver fatigue
- Substance abuse
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Records Falsification
However, even rule-compliant and prudent truck drivers can still get into an accident because of vehicle-related errors. Such scenarios are usually a result of
- Design defects either on the part of the truck or parts manufacturer. The installing of faulty parts such as poorly designed brakes and tires on a semi-truck or 16-wheeler can dramatically increase the chances of an accident.
- Improper or irregular maintenance on the part of the trucking company
- Overloading and incorrect weight distribution
What to do in the Aftermath of a Truck Accident
By law, truck drivers and trucking companies are required to follow specific regulations. If the violation of these regulations caused the truck to have a head-on accident or T-bone accident, victims may be entitled to more compensation on their truck accident claim. To ensure proper documentation and chain of evidence, the following steps should be followed in the aftermath of a truck accident
- Call the police
It’s essential that an accident report be filed, even where there is little damage on the car and the injuries sustained aren’t fatal or grievous. An accident report is required by law and could become an important piece of evidence during settlement negotiations and litigation.
- Medical attention
Even when victims think they sustained no injuries, they may suffer from internal hemorrhaging, concussions or other underlying injuries. Health always comes first and it’s advised to seek immediate medical attention. This is the only way to determine the existence and extent of injuries. Furthermore, victims that refuse medical attention endanger their case since the defendant’s counsel typically brings this up during legal proceedings. It’s also more difficult to prove that injuries sustained are a direct result of the truck accident if victims don’t seek immediate medical attention
- Contact an attorney to handle the case
Truck accident victims should get an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Evidence can disappear if not properly preserved and interviews with insurance companies and adjusters can damage your case. Hiring an attorney right away can ensure your case is handled properly from the beginning to get the compensation you deserve. Contact the experienced Truck accident attorneys at AGG law firm to see how we can help.
What’s Next?
Due to of all the possible scenarios and contributing factors, determining the party or parties responsible for a truck accident can be quite challenging. Which is why victims and their family members should contact the trusted attorneys at AGG Law Firm. Our expert personal injury and truck accident attorneys will work with you in Fort Collins, Colorado. We are equipped to handle the unique circumstances of your personal injury case resulting from truck accidents.
