Truck Accident Lawyer Denver
Commercial truck accident claims are more complicated than other auto accidents because different regulations apply to these claims and the financial stakes are usually much higher for the defendants. Insurance and trucking companies will have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability and avoid paying fair compensation to accident victims.
The experienced Denver truck accident lawyers at Smith & Weidinger, P.L.L.C. are not afraid to take on these powerful legal adversaries to recover the largest possible compensation you deserve. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding your truck accident to gather compelling evidence to establish their liability.
Contact Smith & Weidinger today to schedule a free consultation. We will review the details of your Denver truck accident case, answer your questions, and provide honest, straightforward advice about your legal options.
Key Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Denver, CO
- Driver Fatigue: Commercial truck drivers often work long hours and may push themselves to meet tight deadlines, leading to driver fatigue and reduced alertness behind the wheel.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting GPS devices can divert a driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of Denver truck accidents.
- Speeding: Commercial trucks require longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, making speeding a significant risk factor for truck crashes, especially on highways and interstates.
- Improper Loading: Overloading or improperly loaded cargo can affect a truck’s stability and handling. Commercial vehicle crashes because of improper loading are especially concerning on curves or when making sudden maneuvers.
Our truck accident attorney in Denver will engage with claims adjusters to present compelling arguments for prioritized evaluations, extended review timelines, and enhanced settlement offers on your behalf.
Consequences of Serious Truck Accidents in Denver
Catastrophic Injuries
Due to their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause serious or catastrophic injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles in a collision. Truck accident victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or internal injuries. The Denver, Colorado truck accident lawyers at Smith & Weidinger, P.L.L.C. can connect you to experienced medical experts so that you get the best treatment. While you focus on recovering, we will also pursue compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary long-term care.
Loss of Life
Unfortunately, commercial truck accidents often result in fatalities, leaving families devastated by the sudden loss of a loved one. These tragic losses have long-lasting emotional and financial impacts on surviving family members. Our truck accident lawyer in Denver will pursue a wrongful death claim on your behalf, obtaining compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional pain and suffering caused by your loved one’s loss.
Property Damage
A commercial vehicle accident can cause significant property damage to passenger cars and surrounding property, leading to costly repairs and cleanup efforts. Whether it is repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle, addressing damage to personal property, or seeking reimbursement for other property losses, our Denver truck accident attorney will negotiate with the insurers to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.
Legal and Financial Burdens
Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial truck accident can be overwhelming, both emotionally and financially. Victims may face mounting medical bills, lost income, and ongoing rehabilitation costs, adding to the stress of recovery. Our experienced truck accident attorney will handle all aspects of the liability insurance claims process. This includes everything from filing the Denver truck accident claim and negotiating settlements to representing you in court. Our lawyers will take care of all aspects of the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery without any added stress.
Psychological Trauma
Survivors of trucking accidents may experience psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, affecting their quality of life and ability to function in daily activities. Our law firm routinely connects victims with the support and resources they need to address psychological trauma, including counseling and therapy services. Our truck crash lawyer in Denver will also pursue compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other intangible losses to help victims find healing and closure.
Types of Commercial Truck Accidents We Handle in Denver
Rear-End Collisions
This happens when a commercial truck strikes the rear of another vehicle, causing injuries to the occupants. Such accidents often result from tailgating, distracted driving, or braking issues. Determining liability in rear-end collisions involving commercial trucks can be complicated. Our Denver truck accident legal expert can investigate the circumstances of the accident, such as the truck’s braking system and the driver’s behavior, to establish fault and pursue compensation.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s cab and trailer fold in on each other, often leading to severe injuries and extensive property damage. These accidents can occur due to improper braking, slippery road conditions, or mechanical failures. An experienced truck accident lawyer from Smith & Weidinger can assess the cause of the jackknife, such as improper maintenance or driver error, and hold the responsible parties accountable for the damages incurred.
Underride Accidents
In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a commercial truck, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. These accidents can occur due to inadequate underride guards or improper lane changes by the truck driver. Our qualified truck accident attorney can negotiate with large insurance companies to get you the compensation you are entitled to.
Rollover Accidents
Commercial trucks, especially those carrying heavy loads or traveling at high speeds, may be prone to rollover accidents, where the truck tips onto its side or roof. Rollover truck accident injuries can lead to significant costs. Our truck accident lawyer in Denver can investigate factors contributing to the rollover, such as overloaded cargo or driver negligence, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Blind Spot Accidents
Due to their size and design, commercial trucks have large blind spots, which can make it difficult for truck drivers to see nearby vehicles. A truck accident lawyer can gather evidence, such as witness testimony and traffic camera footage, to demonstrate the truck driver’s negligence in failing to check their blind spots, leading to the collision.
Wide Turn Accidents
Commercial trucks require a significant amount of space to make wide turns safely. However, if a truck driver fails to signal properly or misjudges the available space, they may collide with other vehicles or pedestrians in their path. A knowledgeable Denver truck accident lawyer can get the necessary evidence to prove the truck driver’s fault and liability, holding them accountable for your resulting injuries and property damage.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts on commercial motor vehicles can cause the driver to lose control, leading to accidents with other vehicles on the road. These accidents may occur due to improper tire maintenance, overloading, or defective tires. Legal representation is essential for victims of tire blowouts as multiple parties may be liable, including the truck company, maintenance provider, or tire manufacturer. Your Denver truck accident attorney will identify the responsible parties and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Hazardous Material Spills
Trucks transporting hazardous materials pose an increased risk of accidents, as spills or leaks can result in chemical exposure, fires, or explosions. Victims of such accidents may suffer chemical burns, respiratory problems, or other serious injuries. Our truck accident lawyer in Denver can tackle complex liability issues and pursue compensation for your injuries and environmental damage.
Why Choose Us for Your Denver Truck Accident Claim?
Maximizing Your Compensation
Truck accidents present various legal challenges, particularly in Colorado, where proving vicarious liability is necessary to maximize your claim. Establishing negligence extends beyond the truck driver to encompass truck companies, cargo loaders, and other liable parties. Our truck accident lawyers have knowledge of state and federal regulations. We reconstruct accidents, collect evidence, and prove liability to recover the maximum compensation for our clients.
Preserving Vital Evidence in Truck Accident Claims
Time is of the essence when preserving evidence in a truck accident lawsuit. Skid marks, debris, black box data, and surveillance footage can vanish swiftly, jeopardizing your claim. Our law firm takes immediate action, deploying in-house investigators, attorneys, and accident reconstruction experts to protect vital evidence. We recognize the significance of retrieving data from engine control modules and onboard computers, which may contain critical pre-crash information. Additionally, we ensure the preservation of driver’s camera footage, which can provide valuable insight into the moments leading up to the accident.
Challenging Denials by Trucking Companies and Insurers
Trucking companies and insurers are notorious for denying or minimizing injury claims, prioritizing their financial interests over fair compensation for victims. Our seasoned truck accident attorneys are adept at confronting these insurance company tactics. With a proven track record of taking on powerful adversaries, we carefully prepare for and engage in determined negotiations. Our commitment to our clients runs deep. With a legacy of over a thousand auto insurance claims, we know the ins and outs of the system.
Extensive Resources for Claim Preparation
Effective claim preparation for a commercial truck crash demands substantial financial and legal resources. Our firm is equipped to match or exceed the resources of negligent parties, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they need. We spare no expense in hiring top Denver truck accident legal experts, preserving important evidence, and identifying liable parties.
Steps We Take to Establish Liability of the At-Fault Defendants
In the aftermath of a truck accident, establishing liability is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish. Potential defendants may include:
- Truck driver
- The trucking company
- Owner of the truck or trailer
- Manufacturer of any faulty vehicle parts
- Third-party maintenance and repair services
A resourceful truck crash lawyer in Denver will take these steps to ensure you get maximum financial compensation:
- Coordinate immediate medical assistance to initiate your recovery journey.
- Dispatch a dedicated photo and video team to the car accident scene for comprehensive documentation, capturing vital details like vehicle positioning, road conditions, and surrounding property damage.
- Issue a notice to the commercial motor vehicle company, ensuring preservation of all potential evidence under their control.
- Retrieve and protect critical data from the commercial truck’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) and analyzing factors like speed changes and braking patterns with our skilled accident reconstructionists.
- Obtain comprehensive documentation, including GPS data, driver logs, details regarding commercial driver’s license, maintenance records, and employment history for building a robust case.
- Engage independent engineers to investigate any suspected vehicle malfunctions or maintenance issues, particularly regarding tire defects or component failures.
- Investigate compliance with FMCSA regulations regarding cargo handling, weight limits, and hazardous material transportation to ascertain liability factors.
- Identify and swiftly contact potential eyewitnesses to the car crash, gathering their statements and evidence to support your case.
- Retain expert witnesses, including medical professionals and financial analysts, to assess current and future healthcare expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
How Our Lawyers will Prove Hours of Service Violations in Denver
Stringent schedules imposed by trucking companies often compel drivers of large commercial trucks to exceed legal driving limits, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. Our personal injury attorneys will employ a multifaceted approach to proving violations of the Hours of Service (HoS) and other safety regulations in truck accident cases, such as:
- Scrutinize driver logs and ELD records for truck driver error
- Analyze GPS data to corroborate evidence
- Obtain supporting evidence such as fuel receipts and delivery records
- Interview witnesses to gather additional information
- Consult with accident reconstruction specialists for expert testimony
- Utilize data analysis techniques to identify patterns of non-compliance
Maximize Your Compensation with Our Truck Accident Lawyer
If you are ready to take the first step towards reclaiming your life and your future after a personal injury accident, reach out to the assertive Denver truck accident attorneys at Smith & Weidinger today. Our personal injury lawyers will aggressively negotiate with claims adjusters, using our connections to obtain the best possible outcome for you. With our contingency fee structure, there is no financial risk to you. You do not have to pay us a fee unless we win your case. To set up your free consultation, call us or leave a text on 720-996-2600 or reach us online.