What You Should Know About Truck Accident Investigations

Accidents involving semi-trucks, big rigs, eighteen-wheelers, and tractor-trailers can leave a lasting impact on people and property. The immense size of these vehicles means that even “minor” accidents can cause life-threatening injuries or death. 

At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we put people ahead of profits. We know that a truck accident is more than property damage—it’s your life. Every one of our clients receives individualized attention from the attorney assigned to the case, meaning you are not just a face in the crowd. We tirelessly work to help our clients regain what they lost in the accident. We’ll also help you understand what you should know about truck accident investigations. Contact us today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

In a rapidly growing state like Colorado, traffic is on the rise. And an increase in traffic means an increased risk of truck accidents. Common causes of these Colorado crashes include:

• Distracted driving,
• Failure to yield the right of way, 
• Tired driving, 
• Lane violation, 
• Following too closely behind another vehicle, 
• Mechanical failures, 
• Poor training, 
• Bad driving conditions, and
• Intoxicated driving.

Because of the enormous size of commercial trucks, any one of these can cause a devastating accident resulting in catastrophic injuries. In many cases, the passenger vehicle driver and other occupants suffer the most significant injuries in the crash. 

For truck accident victims, having a legal team that understands the underlying medical basis of your injury can make a difference in receiving the compensation you need to move forward. Attorney Eric Steiner, M.D., is a partner at Gerash Steiner Blanton, who worked as a cardiac anesthesiologist for 17 years and has over 20 years working as a personal injury lawyer. Because of his invaluable background in the medical field, he can sift through the medical jargon and put it into words that a judge and jury can understand. Our team leverages his talents to benefit personal injury victims like you and provide top-tier legal representation.  

What to Do After a Truck Accident

The first thing that you should do after a truck accident is to notify authorities that the accident occurred. When communicating with the officers about the accident, try to stick to just the bare facts. Statements like, “I didn’t see them coming,” may be used against you later as an admission of fault. Help set yourself up for success by telling the officers what happened without commentary. 

Additionally, you should seek medical attention for yourself and others on the scene. Being seen by a doctor close in time to when the accident occurs accomplishes two important goals:

• It helps protect your health. Many injuries seem minor or don’t appear immediately after the accident but develop into severe conditions if untreated. Help avoid these complications by being diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. 
• It helps protect your legal claim. To recover compensation, you must have evidence that you were injured. Seeing a doctor early on establishes a “paper trail” that you can use to prove that you suffered injuries from the crash and deserve compensation. 

Next, you should file a claim with your insurance company and contact a truck accident attorney. 

What You Should Know About Truck Accident Investigations

Truck accident investigations are where the parties determine the cause of the accident and who is responsible. Here, we cover what you should know about truck accident investigations.

Having Legal Representation Is Critical 

After filing a claim with your insurance company, you should contact an attorney you trust. The insurance companies (even yours) typically have their own best interests at heart, no matter what they tell you or how entertaining their commercials are. For many insurance companies, their bottom line is at the top of their mind at all times. They may try to get you to accept a quick-fix, low-ball settlement, making you believe it’s the best offer they can get. Many times, this is just not true. 

A lawyer works for you and represents your best interests. They are your advocate when communicating with third parties on your behalf, negotiating a fair settlement or taking the case to trial. During this challenging time in your life, you need to focus on healing and taking care of your family, not worrying about legal matters. A lawyer takes care of the legal paperwork so that you can focus on what matters to you. 

Finding the Cause of the Accident Can be Complicated

Figuring out the cause of the accident and who is at fault can be more complicated than you might expect. An attorney investigates the circumstances leading up to the accident. They look at the police reports, call on expert help from accident reconstructionists, and interview witnesses. From there, they develop a picture of what happened, what went wrong, and how to protect your legal rights going forward. 

You May Be Dealing with Multiple Insurance Companies

The tractor and trailer may be owned by different people and be covered by different insurance policies. Because of that, determining liability and what insurance policy was at play at the time can be far from straightforward. 

What Happens After a Truck Accident Investigation?

After the truck accident investigation, a couple of things can happen. You or your lawyer may begin negotiations with the insurance companies and at-fault parties. During this time, you will engage in a back-and-forth to find a fair settlement amount on which both parties agree. 

If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, you or your lawyer may file a lawsuit to recover your due compensation. If the investigation occurred in a court case, you might decide to go to trial. 

Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.—We Fight for Colorado’s Truck Accident Victims and Their Families 

Our attorneys understand what it takes to win a fair settlement, and we get the job done. 

Since 1988, Dan Gerash has fought for his clients in Colorado. His dedication and hard work earned him the highest rating in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards from Martindale-Hubbell. Call us today or contact us online.