According to the CMCA (Colorado Motor Carriers Association), semi trucks pulling trailers transport at least 84% of the manufactured tonnage in the state of Colorado. That means more than 128,512 tons of goods are transported every day! This 5.7 billion dollar industry employs thousands of drivers who must traverse Colorado’s interstates and highways each day. Since trucks are far larger than the average passenger vehicle, safety is paramount. When truck drivers fail to implement safe operational procedures, catastrophic accidents can happen.
If you were in an accident with a semi-truck caused by negligence or the actions of another party, knowing how to file claims properly is essential for compensating your losses. At Matlin Injury Law, we want all of our current and future clients to feel confident flailing claims.
Understanding the steps to take when filing a claim after an accident of this kind can help. Below are the legal steps to take after a truck accident if you want to file claims to gain maximum compensation for damages, losses, injuries, and other harm.
Need Skilled Assistance Filing a Semi Truck Accident Claim? Let Us Handle Things For You.
Injured victims may find it difficult to navigate the claims filing process. This is especially true if your injuries have put you in the hospital. At Matlin Injury Law, we have a skilled team of truck accident personal injury attorneys who can help you with every step of the claims process. Victims can contact Matlin Injury Law 24/7 with questions using an online chat portal! Remember, with commercial trucking accidents like this, multiple parties may be liable for your damages. Contacting a lawyer right away can help you get a better claims case started. Our team can ensure that everyone responsible for your injuries will be held accountable and brought to justice. You can call 303-487-8911 to learn more or start the process of your free claims consultation by clicking here.
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Steps to Take For Filing Accident Claims After a Semi-Truck Crash
If you were injured in an accident with a large rig, tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or another large commercial vehicle, the most important thing you can do is hire a skilled truck accident lawyer right away. Your lawyer will protect your rights and make sure that corporate insurance adjusters do not try to minimize your claims.
Be careful what you say after your accident and avoid posting anything about the wreck on social media or giving a recorded statement until you have spoken with a lawyer. Once you have chosen a skilled legal team to assist you with filing claims, here are the steps to take for your personal injury commercial vehicle or semi-truck crash.
1. Sign A Retainer Contract Or Letter Of Engagement
First, you will need to sign a letter of engagement with your attorney. Sometimes, this letter is also known as a retainer agreement. Basically, this is a contract that will outline important matters between you and your lawyer. A letter of engagement will usually address:
- Confidentiality: Your confidential lawyer-client relationship and its acknowledgment will be part of this contract
- Payment Terms: Contingency fees and percentages owed to the legal team or other details about how expenses and legal services will be paid are addressed in this contract. Many lawyers are paid from the claim or settlement amount.
- Cancelation Terms: These will simply be terms on which you or your attorney can cancel the agreement.
- Expected Timelines: Some contracts will address the timeline of what can be expected with your claims, case, and communications.
- Disclaimers: Disclaimers about negotiations, investigations, medical statements, and other matters will also likely be included in your contract.
2. Commit To Channeling Communications Through Your Attorney
Once you have signed a letter of engagement, you and your legal team will begin investigating your claim case thoroughly. It is possible that you will be advised to limit communications regarding your case between yourself and your attorney. This is because commercial truck crashes can get very complicated. In many instances, they are handled differently than collisions involving passenger-only vehicles.
Primarily, this is because multiple parties could be involved in your case. Some parties will be on your side, while others will not. Keeping communications between you and your attorney confidential is a smart way to protect your rights and ensure that your claims will be paid in full. Your attorney can speak with the trucking company, claims adjusters, the court, and other parties to help safeguard your interests.
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3. Begin An Investigation And Collect Evidence
In order to prove your claims are true, you may have to provide evidence. There are many different types of evidence that can support your claims. This could include doctor records, police reports, pictures of the crash, pictures of your injuries, and more. Your attorney can help gather this evidence and interview witnesses to help you build a solid case.
4. Send Your Personal Injury Demand Letter
After your case has been reviewed and everything has been decided, you will send a personal injury demand letter. This will be a big step toward getting your claims paid. You, the claimant, will describe how you have been financially, physically, and mentally affected by the accident. This letter puts in writing specific demands that must be met for justice to be restored and for the liable parties to compensate you for your losses.
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5. Proceed Based On The Defendant’s Response
Once the truck company has your demand letter to review, they will be able to decide how to proceed. In most cases, defendants will move forward based on the circumstances of the case. They could accept your demands and begin settling outside of court, negotiate the terms you have offered and present you with a counteroffer, or respond in a way that means you need to go to trial. Ignoring your letter of demand or denying your claims may merit a lawsuit. If the company does not want to treat you fairly, the courtroom might be precisely where your case belongs.
Our Team of Personal Injury Lawyers are Here to Help Colorado Truck Accident Victims
If you were injured in a crash with a semi-truck in Colorado, our team is here to assist you. The Matlin Injury Law truck collision attorneys can offer you a free case consultation to discuss the details of your accident. Not only do we have years of experience helping injured victims recover from their losses, but we will work hard to make sure that your case is handled exceptionally at every stage. Contact us now online or over the phone at 303-487-8911 today to take back control after your truck wreck.
Matlin Injury Law is Ready to Help You With Your Truck Crash Claims; Call Us at 303-487-8911!
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