Denver Truck Accident Lawyer

Fight for Compensation For Truck Accident Victims in Colorado

Like all states in the U.S., Colorado relies heavily on the trucking industry to bring goods and products into the state and transport Colorado’s products out of state. A large number of commercial trucks travel through the state each day, adding to the overall traffic volume. In fact, over 4% of traffic on the roads is made up of large truck drivers.

Many states have laws that were implemented to protect truck drivers as well as other motorists. These laws and regulations are in place to help ensure trucking companies regulate their maintenance schedules and driver training.

Every year, truck accidents cause serious injuries and even fatalities. The I-70 semi-truck crash was a recent catastrophe that took place in our state. Large trucks are defined as 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, big rigs, semi-trucks, and hazmat trucks.

Large trucking accidents can involve catastrophic injuries and life-altering impairments. If you have been injured in a Colorado trucking accident, contact a trustworthy Denver truck accident attorney immediately.

Trucking companies are notorious for trying to settle for as little as possible. It takes a team of skilled attorneys to pursue the compensation that clients need and deserve.

Contact us today to begin your journey to compensation. Call us at (303) 647-9990 to get started now.

Topics from Our Denver Truck Accident Lawyers

• Contributing Factors to Trucking Accidents
• How do Truck Accidents Differ from Other Types of Auto Accidents?
• Act Quickly for Maximum Compensation
• Compensation Available after a Truck Accident
• The Settlement Process
• Call a Knowledgeable Denver Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consult!

Contributing Factors to Trucking Accidents

Although truck drivers are trained professionals, there are many factors that can contribute to a trucking accident. Any commercial truck accident is likely to have multiple factors that caused the collision, whether due to natural or negligent behavior.

In a Colorado commercial trucking accident, there are often multiple individuals and companies responsible for the accident.

Common causes of trucking accidents include:

• Failure to perform proper maintenance
• Poor load packing
• Carrying excessive and unsafe weight for a roadway
• Failure to observe all traffic laws
• Distracted driving

How Do Truck Accidents Differ from Other Types of Auto Accidents?

Truck accidents are usually more complex than normal auto accidents because there may be a number of defendants. The truck driver may have been responsible for your accident due to reckless driving, distractions, fatigue, or even drugs or alcohol.

The trucking company may be partially liable for your accident as they may have knowingly placed an inexperienced driver on the roadways or knowingly allowed the driver to exceed the mandated hours of service.

The shipping/loading company may be responsible if the accident was due to poorly secured cargo.

The truck maintenance company may be responsible if the truck was not properly maintained. Finally, the manufacturer of the truck or specific truck parts could be held liable if one of those parts was defective.

Truck accidents are also almost always more severe than a typical car accident. Victims of truck accidents are likely to experience extremely high medical expenses and may be unable to return to work for a long while, if ever.

Those severely injured in a truck accident may suffer chronic pain and emotional trauma related to the accident.

In short, these people need help following their truck accident, and they need it quickly. Perhaps even more so than in a "regular" traffic accident involving only passenger vehicles. When a truck accident occurs, time is even more of a factor. Quick legal intervention can safeguard vital evidence and ensure victims are not left vulnerable against well-prepared trucking companies.

In most cases, the trucking company will have people on the scene immediately following the accident. Crucial evidence may be removed, leaving victims helpless to prove negligence. Early legal involvement is crucial to counteract these tactics effectively.

The person who has a skilled Denver truck accident attorney by their side from the very beginning will be in a much better position than the person who waits, hoping the insurance company will offer them a fair settlement amount.

Act Quickly for Maximum Compensation

The actions you take in the first hours and days following your accident are crucial, especially if you hope to receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

The quicker you speak to an attorney about initiating a trucking accident lawsuit, the less likely you are to have to deal with insurance investigators or the trucking company's attorneys who will definitely not have your best interests at heart.

It is important to act quickly because valuable evidence can be lost or destroyed if you delay.

Lawyers for the trucking companies will immediately seek to show you were at fault in the accident, by claiming it was due to:

• Following the truck too closely
• Traveling in the truck's blind spots
• Unsafe passing
• Driving too fast for the posted speed limit or road conditions
• Merging too closely in front of the truck
• Inattentive driving

Your Denver truck accident lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you are not “railroaded” into accepting a settlement that is far below what you need to fully recover. 

Compensation Available after a Truck Accident

If you sustained injury in a truck accident, you are eligible to seek compensation. The damages in a truck accident lawsuit are awarded so you can get back to the life you were living before your accident, or as close as possible.

You can receive compensation for direct costs that you have had to pay or will have to pay in the future. You can also receive compensation for trauma and emotional injuries.

The types of compensation you can receive to cover your economic damages include those for:

• Medical bills paid
• Future medical costs
• Ongoing treatment
• Rehabilitation
• Homecare and home adjustments
• Income lost during recovery
• Loss of potential future income

The types of compensation you can receive to cover your emotional injuries include those for:

• Pain and suffering
• A decline in your quality of life
• Emotional stress
• Physical impairment or disfigurement
• Inconvenience

Additional damages may be available to your family for loss of consortium. These damages are to provide your financial assistance if you or your loved one are unable to provide the same level of companionship to your spouse or children, including general care, affection, or intimacy.

Generally, the court will not award punitive damages in a truck accident, but it may happen in extreme cases. Punitive damages, in most cases, are only available when the defendant intended to cause harm or acted in such a way that they should have known they would be causing harm.

In Colorado, a plaintiff cannot ask for punitive damages at the beginning of the case. Additionally, a punitive damages award in Colorado cannot exceed an award for actual damages.

The Settlement Process

Too often, those that sustain injury in truck accidents do not seek appropriate legal counsel. This may be due to the belief that dealing with it on your own will help you settle the case faster or with less expense. At Denver Trial Lawyers ® ®, we don’t get paid unless you do. We take all our cases on a contingency fee basis, which means if you don't recover, you don't owe us anything.

Dealing with insurance companies on your own is never a good idea. The insurance companies know you are facing mounting medical bills and may wish to settle quickly. Because of this, they offer very low settlements. Without appropriate legal counsel, you may be bullied into accepting a settlement that doesn’t serve you.

The insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. They are for-profit businesses that are looking to impact their bottom line as little as possible. In other words, they will offer you the lowest settlement amount they think you will accept. They are not worried about you, your family, your medical bills, or your future life.

When you work with Denver Trial Lawyers ® ®, you'll be working with attorneys who have years of experience dealing with these insurance companies. We'll make sure you are aware of all of your rights and your recovery options.

We’ll also ensure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family. We won’t let you get “railroaded” into accepting a settlement that is far below what you need to fully recover.

If you don't feel you received a settlement offer that addresses your needs, Denver Trial Lawyers ® ® is ready to take the case as far as it needs to go to get you what you deserve. We regularly obtain compensation of over $500,000 for our truck accident clients, and have obtained an $8,000,000 settlement in one case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident?

After a truck accident, it is important to avoid certain pitfalls that can undermine your legal claims. First, never leave the accident scene until it’s appropriate to do so; this can result in significant legal penalties and negatively affect your claim. Second, refrain from admitting fault or discussing specifics about the accident with anyone other than your attorney. Such statements can be used against you in potential litigation. Additionally, do not delay medical evaluations; untreated injuries may worsen over time, and a lack of documented treatment can be detrimental to your claim for compensation. Finally, avoid directly negotiating with insurance companies without legal counsel, as they may offer settlements that do not fully cover your needs.

How is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?

Determining fault in a truck accident involves careful investigation and analysis of various factors. Law enforcement officials typically examine physical evidence from the accident scene, review eyewitness accounts, and reconstruct the accident to identify contributing factors. In many cases, multiple parties can share responsibility, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, or even third parties like shipping companies. An attorney experienced in truck accident cases will delve into driver logs, maintenance records, and federal regulation compliance to strengthen your case. Utilizing expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists, can also provide crucial insights into how the accident occurred and who should be held accountable.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

In Denver, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim related to a truck accident is generally two years from the date of the accident. This time frame is crucial to ensure your legal rights are preserved and that you maintain the ability to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. It's important to act promptly because extensive investigation and preparation are essential for building a strong case. Delays can result in evidence degradation, loss of witness availability, or other obstacles that could compromise the quality of your claim. Consulting with a qualified Denver truck accident lawyer early can help you navigate complex legal timelines and ensure all necessary steps are taken efficiently.

What makes truck accidents different from car accidents?

Who could be held liable in a truck accident?

Why should I hire a Denver truck accident attorney?

What if the truck driver was working for a company?

Tell us about your accident. A Denver truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation and submit a demand letter describing your injuries and the way the accident changed your life. Begin a free case evaluation by calling Denver Trial Lawyers® today at (303) 647-9990.