What To Do When Involved in a Truck Accident Outside of Colorado
Traveling outside of Colorado on business or vacation means you risk being involved in a traffic accident. Truck accidents that happen near home are catastrophic. However, being involved in a commercial truck accident out of Colorado could add more stress and complications for victims.
Problems You May Encounter When Involved in a Truck Accident Out of Colorado
Several problems arise when you are injured in a truck accident in another state. Things to be aware of include:
- The commercial truck driver may also live in another state.
- The laws for traffic accidents could differ from Colorado traffic laws.
- You might have trouble finding adequate health care outside of your network.
- Catastrophic injuries may keep you out of state for several weeks.
- The state may have different laws regarding damages for car accident cases.
- Your family members may need lodging until you are well enough to travel.
Hiring a Denver truck accident lawyer as soon as possible is one of the best ways to handle out-of-state truck accidents. Your attorney can retain local counsel on your behalf if necessary. They also deal with the insurance and trucking companies to settle the claim for a fair amount to avoid the hassle of dealing with an out-of-state lawsuit.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Another State?
The same steps apply if you are involved in a truck accident out of Colorado. Things to do include:
- Call 911 to report the truck crash and request help. Calling 911 is the quickest way to report a truck accident and usually complies with laws requiring you to report the crash by the quickest means possible.
- Stay at the accident scene and wait for EMS and police to arrive. Gather evidence by photographing the accident scene and making notes about the truck, such as the USDOT number, the trucking company name, and the state on the license tag.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries. Do not state that you are not injured. The trauma of being involved in a truck accident could mask injury symptoms.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident. Do not downplay your injuries or exaggerate the details of the crash.
- Don’t accept blame or discuss fault with the insurance company.
- Don’t sign documents or agree to a recorded statement without consulting a truck accident attorney first.
Contact a Denver truck accident lawyer as quickly as possible. If your injuries are severe, ask a family member to contact an attorney. The insurance company and trucking company work quickly to “clean up” the accident. They may destroy or conceal evidence you need to prove fault.
Hiring an attorney early in the case allows the lawyer to investigate the truck accident, monitor truck accident investigations by law enforcement and government agencies, and document the severity of your injuries and damages.
What Damages Can I Receive for an Out-of-State Truck Accident?
The damages you can receive for a truck accident claim depend on your injuries, state laws, and other factors. Generally speaking, accident victims can seek compensation for their economic damages. These damages include:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Personal care and household services
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Decreased earning capacity
Accident victims may also see compensation for their non-economic damages. Because large truck accidents often result in severe injuries, pain and suffering damages can be substantial. Examples of these damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical pain
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Impairments and disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
You may also be entitled to punitive damages. However, each state defines when punitive damages may be awarded, so you need an attorney to determine your options.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Claim for an Out-of-State Accident?
Each state sets the deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits within their state. Therefore, the statute of limitations in truck accident cases varies. However, you cannot file a lawsuit once your time runs out.
Seek legal advice as soon as possible so an attorney can review the statute of limitations applicable in the state where the accident occurred. It is also wise to review the contributory fault laws, which vary by state.
If you were injured in a truck accident in Colorado or out-of-state, contact our Denver truck accident lawyers for a free consultation. We are here to help you navigate a personal injury claim that occurred in another state.
Contact our Denver Truck Accident Law Firm Today For Help
For more information please contact Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver truck accident lawyer.
Zaner Harden Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
24/7
