What to Do After a Truck Accident on Guam?

Step 1: Call GPD and Get a Crash Report

Call the Guam Police Department (GPD) immediately. A police crash report is essential evidence — it documents the truck's DOT number, carrier name, license plate, driver's license, and initial fault determination. Request the GPD crash report number at the scene and obtain the full report from GPD's Traffic Division within days. If a military vehicle was involved, also note the unit and base information.

Step 2: Document the Scene Before It's Cleared

Use your phone to photograph everything: all vehicles from multiple angles, the truck's DOT number and carrier name on the door, cargo condition, road conditions on Route 1 or wherever the accident occurred, skid marks, traffic signals, and any visible FMCSA violation stickers. Truck accident scenes are cleared quickly — this evidence cannot be recreated. If there are witnesses, get their names and contact information immediately.

Step 3: Preserve Black Box and ELD Data Immediately

Commercial trucks have an Electronic Control Module (ECM or 'black box') that records speed, braking, engine RPM, and other critical data. This data can be overwritten within 30 days. Your attorney must send a litigation hold letter to the carrier immediately to preserve this evidence. ELD (electronic logging device) logs showing driver hours-of-service violations are equally critical and must be preserved. Do not wait — contact an attorney the same day.

Step 4: Understand Who Is Liable

Guam truck accidents often involve multiple liable parties: the truck driver (fatigue, distraction, intoxication), the trucking company (negligent hiring, inadequate maintenance, FMCSA violations), the cargo loader (improper loading causing rollover or spill), and sometimes GovGuam or the U.S. military. If a military truck caused your accident, the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) applies — you must file an administrative claim with the relevant military branch before you can sue in federal court. If a GovGuam truck was involved, you must file a government tort claim within 18 months (5 GCA § 6106).

Step 5: Know Your Deadlines Under Guam Law

Guam's general personal injury statute of limitations is 2 years from the accident date (7 GCA § 11306(a)). However, critical exceptions apply: GovGuam vehicle accidents require a government tort claim notice within 18 months (5 GCA § 6106); FTCA claims against the military require an administrative claim within 2 years, but the 6-month agency response period means you must act well before the 2-year mark. Evidence deadlines are even shorter — black box data in 30 days, surveillance footage in 30–60 days. Contact an attorney immediately.

Key Takeaways

• Call GPD immediately and get the crash report number
• Black box (ECM) data can be overwritten in 30 days — an attorney must send a hold letter fast
• Military truck accidents require FTCA administrative claims before you can sue
• GovGuam truck accidents require a 18-month administrative claim requirement (5 GCA § 6106)
• FMCSA violations (hours-of-service, ELD, inspection failures) are powerful evidence of negligence
• Guam's general SOL is 2 years, but government claim deadlines are much shorter

Frequently Asked Questions