I WAS HIT BY A TRUCK! What should I do?
Whether your accident was with a pickup truck, a box truck or a tractor trailer, the steps you need to take remain the same- document what happened, get help from the police and medical assistance and contact your insurance company. If your claim is denied, or your insurance is not assisting you properly, then WithLaw can assist you with your recovery.
What steps should you take after an accident with a truck?
Step 1- SAFETY
Make sure everyone is safe.
Step 2- INFORMATION
Exchange information with the other driver(s) and any witnesses, including any passengers.
Step 3- PHOTOGRAPHS/VIDEOS
Document the accident scene.
- Take pictures and videos of the vehicles and all of the people involved
- Get pictures of any damage to the area around the accident too, like fences and signs.
- Don’t forget to carefully note the positions of the vehicles and any intersections or street signs.
Step 4- WORK OR COMMERCIAL TRUCK
If the truck in the accident was a work truck or a commercial vehicle, get the information for the company- if there is a logo or company name on the truck, take a picture.
Step 5- RENTED TRUCK
If the truck is a rented truck, like a U-Haul or Penske, you need to get the information about what truck it is, its license plate and vehicle number, as well as the driver’s information.
Step 6- CALL POLICE
You should report the accident to the police immediately. A police report provides an official account of the incident which may be crucial when dealing with insurance companies and legal matters. This is even more important when dealing with a work vehicle.
Step 7- GET MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Even if you don't feel seriously injured, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly. Some injuries may not be obvious right away and it can take days or weeks for them to become evident. A medical evaluation can help document any injuries related to the accident.
Step 8: NOTIFY INSURANCE
Promptly notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide them with the necessary information and cooperate fully during the claims process. DO NOT MAKE RECORDED STATEMENTS TO THE INSURANCE COMPANIES BEFORE TALKING TO AN ATTORNEY, DO NOT APOLOGIZE AND DO NOT ACCEPT BLAME FOR THE ACCIDENT.
TEXAS STATUE OF LIMITATIONS
The statute of limitations in Texas for a truck accident is two years from the date of the accident. Any personal injury must be filed within that two-year window for a settlement to be eligible. The following statutes of limitations apply to most car accident lawsuits in Texas
COLORADO STATUE OF LIMITATIONS
Colorado Has a Three-Year Statute of Limitations for truck accident claims. As a baseline, the state of Colorado has a three year statute of limitation for accident cases. This means that a victim must bring their claim within three years. Otherwise, they will not be able to bring a legal claim at all.
After an truck accident, especially if you or a loved one has suffered injuries
or there has been a tragic fatality, it is advisable to consult as soon as possible with
an experienced personal injury attorney. Here's why:
WITH LAW CAN HELP
If you encounter problems with the insurance claims process, like a denied claim, or a dispute over who is at fault, then you may need to consult WithLaw. Withlaw can assist you with guidance and will represent your interests, so that a denied claim is less likely, and you are more likely to receive a recovery that makes you whole again.
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