Truck Accident Lawyers in Colorado

How Can a Colorado Truck Accident Lawyer Help?

Truck accidents can be more complicated than most motorcycle collisions or car accidents because they’re more likely to involve multiple parties, large companies, and federal regulations. Experienced truck accident lawyers in Colorado can conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Trucking companies are typically well-insured, and their lawyers and insurance companies will often aggressively seek to minimize your claim. Truck accident lawyers in Colorado know how to handle negotiation with these insurance companies. They can prevent you from being pressured into settling for less than you deserve.

Commercial trucks are governed by a set of strict rules, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. If the driver or truck company in your case violated federal regulations or laws, your lawyer will use this information to strengthen your claim.

One of the most important roles of truck accident lawyers in Colorado is to maximize your compensation. Your lawyer will do everything possible to get you fair compensation, so you pay fewer costs out of pocket.

Common Injuries From Truck Accidents

While every truck accident is different, here are some of the injuries that happen most commonly in these collisions:

• One of the most common injuries from truck accidents is whiplash, which occurs when the head is suddenly jolted forward and backward during a collision. This can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and in more severe cases, nerve damage.
• Spinal cord injuries. Herniated discs, fractures of the spine, and other spinal cord injuries can cause loss of motor function, chronic pain, and even full, permanent paralysis.
• Traumatic brain injuries. (TBI) Traumatic brain injuries can happen if your head strikes the dashboard, windshield, or other hard surfaces during a crash. TBIs can result in memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and even cognitive impairment.
• Broken bones, in various parts of the body, including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, are common incar accidents. Depending on the severity, fractures may require surgical intervention, followed by physical therapy for recovery.
• Internal injuries. Truck accidents can cause severe internal injuries, including damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, or spleen.
• Burn injuries can result from fuel leaks, truck engine fires, or the collision itself. Treatment for burns often requires long-term care, including skin grafts and rehabilitation, and can result in permanent scarring.
• In particularly severe truck accidents, there is a risk of loss of limbs due to crushing injuries.
• Emotional trauma. Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional trauma following a truck accident.

These injuries can be devastating, and they aren’t always obvious right away. That’s why it’s always important to get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible after the collision, so you can start a treatment plan.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Colorado

Many truck accidents are caused by more than one factor. Following are some of the leading causes of truck accidents in Colorado:

• Fatigue. Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, which can lead to long hours on the road without sufficient rest (even though adequate rest is a federal requirement for commercial truck drivers). Fatigued drivers may have reduced reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
• Distraction. Truck drivers, like all motorists, can be distracted by activities such as texting, using a GPS, or eating while driving. Even a brief lapse in focus can lead to a collision.
• Cargo issues. Commercial trucks are required to follow strict weight limits and loading protocols. If a truck is improperly loaded or overloaded, it can become unstable, leading to a higher risk of rollover accidents or difficulty stopping in time. Trucks with uneven weight distribution can also experience tire blowouts or may have difficulty navigating turns.
• Speeding. Trucks require a longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles, and excessive speed reduces the driver’s ability to stop safely in an emergency. On Colorado’s icy roads in the winter, speeding can be especially dangerous.
• Impaired driving. Whether it’s prescription medication, illegal substances, or alcohol, impaired driving significantly affects reaction time and judgment. Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards when it comes to impairment, but violations still occur.
• Weather. Colorado’s weather can sometimes reduce visibility, make roads slippery, and increase the risk of accidents. On some properties, such as loading docks, property owners may not be cautious about keeping their property safe. If that’s the case, the owners can face apremises liability claim if someone is injured.
• Mechanical failures. Brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems can cause accidents if a truck is not properly maintained. In some cases, trucking companies or drivers may neglect routine maintenance, and can be held liable. If a truck is poorly designed or manufactured, the manufacturer may face a products liability claim.
• Unqualified drivers. Unfortunately, some trucking companies may hire drivers who are not fully qualified or experienced, because of driver shortages and labor costs. Poorly trained or inexperienced drivers may struggle to handle their vehicles safely.
• Failure to follow laws. Truck drivers are subject to federal and state regulations that govern their driving hours, rest breaks, and vehicle inspections. When truck drivers or trucking companies fail to follow these regulations, the risk of accidents increases.

It’s important to determine the cause of your accident, not only for your peace of mind but also to ensure you can pursue all liable parties and get fair compensation for your injuries. Truck accident lawyers in Colorado can help you determine what caused your collision and can explain how you may be able to maximize financial recovery.

Compensation Types for Truck Accident Victims in Colorado

If your truck accident in Colorado was caused by someone’s negligence, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. Depending on your specific situation, you may be able to seek financial recovery for any or all of the following:

• Medical expenses, including expected future medical costs and ongoing treatments.
• Lost wages that happen because of your injuries—including expected future earnings losses.
• Pain and suffering, which seeks to compensate you for the way the crash may impact your mental health and quality of life.
• Property damage, including the cost of repairing or replacing your car and any other items damaged in the crash.
• Funeral and burial expenses, if you’ve lost a family member in the collision and have a wrongful death claim.
• Incidental expenses, like the cost of taxis or rental cars while your car is being repaired.

In rare cases, the liable parties may also have to pay punitive damages. This usually happens if they are especially negligent or wilfully act to harm others.