BEST Denver Truck Accident Attorney

Denver is a major hub for interstate travel, and semi-trucks are everywhere, transporting goods and moving the things we need every day. You might have driven beside an 18-wheeler truck on I-25, or you may have seen one or several while driving down Alameda Avenue. Unfortunately, you may have also encountered one because of a severe crash.

Unfortunately, despite all the advancements in safety regulations, there are still truck accidents that occur every day throughout the country. If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a Denver truck accident, had a passenger pass away as a result of the accident, or have lost wages due to a lengthy recovery, you may be entitled to compensation. Often, these large commercial trucking companies have legal teams of their own, ready to defend the company against injury or wrongful death claims. This is why you need a legal team on your side that understands not only the commercial trucking industry but also how to get you the maximum compensation possible for your unique situation. Call a Denver 18-wheeler semi truck accident lawyer for the help you need when you’re severely injured.

If you are looking for the best Denver truck accident lawyer near you, contact Roberts Accident Law, LLC at 720-515-7058 for a Free Consultation.

18 Wheeler Semi Truck Accidents Statistics

When a big rig is involved in an accident, it can be life-shattering for all involved. An 18-wheeler truck’s sheer size and weight is enough to cause a great deal of damage to smaller vehicles on the road during a trucking accident. Add in the speed of these vehicles when the collision happens, and it’s no wonder these accidents often result in injuries or fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2019, 5,005 fatalities occurred in the United States due to large semi trucks. Over 3/4s of these fatal truck accidents occurred during weekday business hours. Only 2% of these drivers had illegal blood alcohol content. In addition, slightly under 3/4s of these fatalities were passengers in the other vehicles involved in the collision, with over ¼ of the fatalities being the driver in the large truck. It’s easy to see why commercial truck accidents can upend a person’s life, from property damage to severe injuries. Losing a loved one in a truck accident can be challenging to handle.

Commercial Truck Regulations

Commercial drivers and their employers are under much stricter rules regarding their vehicles and driving habits. Often, semi-truck accidents can occur due to these regulations not being followed. These regulations can cover:

• The maintenance on the trucks
• When the driver is allowed to drive and when they need to rest
• How the commercial truck should be loaded
• What the truck can be loaded with
• And so many other rules to protect commercial truck drivers and the other drivers that share the road with them.

Even laws that cover all drivers can be more strict regarding commercial drivers, such as a lower blood alcohol content level to be considered impaired when behind the wheel and more intense driver education and training.

Hazardous Cargo

There are times when the collision involving the semi-truck isn’t the only issue involved. Sometimes, the cargo the driver is hauling can be dangerous to the public. These vehicles must be marked, and there are different requirements for what can be transported in certain types of trailers. When an accident with hazardous cargo occurs, there’s always the chance that you could be harmed by the chemicals or other items being carried. It can result in burns, vision loss, lung damage, skin damage, and brain damage. Over time, coming into contact with hazardous cargo during the collision could cause additional health problems, such as cancer.

How is a Truck Accident Different When the Driver Works for a Trucking Company

One of the most significant differences between a commercial trucking accident and an accident involving off-the-clock individuals is the issue of liability. Semi-truck accidents often make the question of who is responsible for the damages more complex. There can be a lot of factors that go into determining liability after your truck accident. These 18-wheeler truck accident cases can get complicated which is why we recommend talking to a Denver truck accident attorney near you.

Various Driver Arrangements

How the driver is employed can complicate who is liable for the aftermath of semi-truck accidents. Some drivers work only as employees for one trucking company. The company provides them with all equipment they use, such as the semi-truck, and performs all necessary maintenance on the vehicle. Some drivers may work for a trucking company exclusively, but they provide their own truck. Other times, truck drivers may work for themselves and own their vehicles as independent contractors. The trucking companies they partner with provide them with loads to ship and nothing else. All of these different driver arrangements can play a role in determining liability after a trucking accident.

With these complexities and knowing that all of the factors involved in an 18-wheeler semi truck accident are different from crash to crash, it can be helpful to have an experienced Denver personal injury attorney by your side to help you get the compensation you deserve from all liable parties.

Examples of Driver Liability

Sometimes, the driver can be found liable for an accident due to their reckless behavior or negligence.

• Reckless driving, such as speeding or road rage
• Distracted driving, such as texting
• Acting outside of their scope of employment, such as driving to another location that’s not involved in their route

Examples of Trucking Company Liability

There are also times when the trucking company that employs the driver could be found liable for the accident.

• Not providing the proper training or education to new hires
• Creating unrealistic schedules for drivers
• Failing to maintain vehicles
• Ignoring safety to protect their bottom line

Other Parties That Could Be Found Liable

To complicate truck accidents further, there are times when other parties could be liable entirely or partly for the accident.

• If the accident was caused by the way that the cargo was loaded onto the 18-wheeler truck, the company that loaded the truck could be liable.
• If the accident was caused by faulty equipment or maintenance on the truck and the truck is owned by a third party and rented or leased out, the company that owns the semi-truck could be liable.
• If the accident was due to an error in how the truck or a part was initially manufactured, the company that made the 18-wheeler semi or part could be liable.

The bottom line is that liability can be a complicated web that can be difficult to unravel after an accident.

Determining Liability

You may be surprised to find out there are times when the liability for an accident is divided among different parties if they are found at fault for the accident. For instance, a commercial truck driver speeding with a company-owned truck that had a recalled part could result in not only the 18-wheeler truck driver being found liable due to their reckless behavior but also other parties may be partially liable. That’s why it can be beneficial to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side. These truck accident cases can get complicated which is why we recommend talking to a Denver truck accident attorney near you.

Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Truck vs. Car Accidents

Truck accidents account for almost 500,000 auto collisions that occur every year. Of those collisions, approximately 1% resulted in the death of the driver or their passengers.

In Colorado specifically, due to its vast mountain range and unpredictable weather patterns that cause sporadic patches of black ice, the state has been listed as one of the most dangerous regions to travel for a truck driver, accounting for 3.5% of all traffic fatalities. However, the weather is not allowed to blame; many scenarios can lead to a tragic accident, but listed below are the five most common.

What Can You Get Compensated for in a 18 Wheeler Semi Truck Accident

A semi-truck accident can leave you devastated physically, financially, and emotionally. When disaster strikes, you’ll need a truck accident lawyer on your side to help with your Denver claim.

If you were involved in a truck-related accident that resulted in wrongful death, injuries, or mental health issues, then you may be able to receive significant compensation. As far as what you can get compensated for, let’s go over some of the most common areas below

Dangerous Equipment on Trucks

According to numerous federal regulations, trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are safe for highway travel and in proper working order. Drivers must inspect their vehicles every day, as well as inspect their load before transit. The main areas that should be checked are the airlines, brakes, fuel system, lights, steering system, wheels, and emergency equipment along with a long list of other potential problem areas.

When a driver is diligent in their daily inspection, and trucking companies take an active role in making sure the inspections are happening as well as staying on top of maintenance than the conditions on the road become much safer. If any of those sophisticated pieces of equipment on board were to malfunction, it could cause severe damage as well as injury to other drivers. These truck accident cases can get complicated which is why we recommend talking to a Denver 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer near you today.

Why Are These Accidents So Deadly?

While any automotive accident can have devastating results, large commercial trucking accidents are one of the most catastrophic and deadly collisions. Their size and weight already make them appear intimidating on the roadway, add in their relatively slow reaction time, this creates an environment in which a situation can turn into a nightmare fairly quickly.

Federal Regulations

The regulations that govern truck drivers are periodically updated to remain current, but the main guidelines remain constant, and all drivers who go through their CDL training will go over these safety guidelines in detail.

Common Areas These Accidents Occur

18-wheeler semi truck accidents can occur on any roadway and at any time of day, but statistically, there are certain areas and certain times of day you should be more cautious in, or avoid altogether. While you may be thinking that most accidents happen in cities and densely populated towns, this actually isn’t the case. When truck drivers are put into a situation where there are slower speeds and numerous other drivers, they actually drive much more safely.

Responsibility for an 18-Wheeler Truck Crash in Denver

When you’re hurt in a vehicle accident, understanding who should pay for your injuries is one of your first steps. Even if you know how much you lost in a truck accident, you’ll need to find the person responsible for paying it.

That’s not always easy, however. For example, you might think that the responsible party is the one who caused the truck wreck. However, a truck driver is usually also an employee on the job. Because of that, they may not be the responsible party. Instead, you may need to file your claim against the employer. They’re responsible for the actions of their employees, which can make your claim more confusing.

When the Semi Truck Driver Isn’t Responsible

However, keep in mind that the accident may not even be the truck driver’s fault. You may have been injured because they crashed, but other factors may have caused the wreck. For example, they may have suddenly lost control of the vehicle.

In some cases, outside factors may have caused the accident. For example, something might have gone wrong with the truck. Their brakes may have failed, an axle gave, or the power steering went out. These parts failures can turn dangerous, and the driver might not be at fault. Instead, the manufacturer who made the faulty part may be responsible.

Your injuries might also be because of a road defect. Denver’s Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining traffic safety. Because of this, if they left a deep pothole unfilled or another road hazard unrepaired, they may be held responsible for your injuries.

Truck Drivers Under the Influence

Sadly, some truck drivers weren’t just acting carelessly. These drivers may have been driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. That could lead to severe injuries and a more complicated claim.

When a drunk driver injures you, there may also be a criminal case. The driver could be charged with a misdemeanor, and the trial for their actions must come first. However, a delay doesn’t mean you won’t receive compensation for your truck accident. Instead, you’ll simply need to wait for the criminal trial to be completed. From there, you’ll be able to file a lawsuit. You may even use the evidence presented during the trial for your claim. Even if they were found innocent, you’ll have a chance to sue for the suffering you’ve experienced. These truck accident cases can get complicated which is why we recommend talking to a Denver truck accident lawyer near you.

Your Injuries in a 18-wheeler Semi Truck Accident

When you’re involved in a semi-truck crash, take special attention to your injuries. These crashes can be especially severe, so you’ll need to be sure you get the full compensation you deserve for those injuries.

Semi-trucks are several times the size of a regular car, which means severe injuries are more common. You may not even realize you’ve suffered a significant injury right away. Some injuries may not hurt until later. If you don’t seek medical care now, though, those injuries can leave permanent damage or even result in death, so it’s best to contact a doctor as soon as possible.

When you’re hurt in a truck accident, make sure you get compensation for any injuries you’ve suffered. That includes the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Burns
• Spinal cord trauma
• Internal organ damage
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• and more…

Compensation for Your Losses from a 18-wheeler Semi Truck Wreck

After a doctor has determined the injuries you have suffered for the purposes of your accident claim, you’ll then need to know what your claim is worth. The responsible party likely won’t want to pay for your injuries, so knowing your claim’s worth can be vital.

To do so, you might first focus on your financial losses. These include any damages or losses, you’ve suffered in terms of expenses. For example, your hospital bill is classified as economic damage. These losses can simply be added up for your claim.

Non-economic damages won’t be so easy. Instead, you’ll need to find the costs of your emotional and mental pain. That can be tough to calculate without the right tools. These damages are determined based on the impact they had on your life, which can be nearly impossible to calculate on your own. Fortunately, Roberts Accident Law can help you find your claim’s worth.

Colorado Law Will Influence Your Compensation

Even when you know what your claim should be worth, it’s tough to get the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will be the key to protecting your claim from the other party, which will likely try to reduce or dismiss your claim entirely.

For example, the truck driver’s attorneys may claim that you were also driving recklessly. While it doesn’t remove the blame from them, they may say you were 20 percent at fault for the accident. That means you’ll only get 80 percent of the compensation you should have received. That makes it even tougher to recover. You’re not getting the full funds you need to bounce back, and worse, you could lose your claim completely; if you’re found more than half at fault for the accident, your accident claim may be dismissed. In these cases, you’ll need guidance to protect your compensation.

How a Denver 18-wheeler Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

When you’re injured in a collision with a big rig, you’ll need to make sure you’re taking all the right steps to file your claim correctly and get the compensation you need. Unfortunately, it’s tough to get started alone. You might not even be sure where to go to file your claim in Denver.

That’s where a truck accident lawyer can step in. You’ll need guidance on finding the responsible party, as well as making sure you’re going to the right places. For example, your injury attorney can help you file your lawsuit in the Denver small claims court. We’ll make sure you’re in the right place and that you have all the information you need to file.

How To Avoid 18-wheeler Accidents

Some accidents are unavoidable, but there are a few things you should remember next time you are sharing the road with a truck.

Denver Truck Accident FAQ

What Happens When a Trucker Gets Into An Accident?

There’s a good chance that you’ll see an accident involving a truck when you turn on the news. Trucks are complicated to drive because of their sheer size and weight, which is why a special license is needed to operate them. So what happens when a truck is involved in an accident? There are questions when it comes to who’s liable for damages between the truck driver and the trucking company that employs the driver. A personal injury attorney can help you determine who is responsible and how to move forward with a lawsuit if you’ve been injured in an accident involving a truck.

In many cases, the trucking company is the one held liable for the damages after an accident as long as the truck driver was acting in the scope of their employment at the time of the accident. However, if they are found to have purposefully caused the crash, such as because of a road rage incident, the truck drivers themselves may also be liable to some degree. This is because trucking companies themselves have a duty of care for the other individuals who share the road with their company’s vehicles. That means that they need to keep the trucks in good repair, hire only the best drivers, ensure that their trucks are loaded safely, and ensure that their drivers follow the correct laws, such as hours of service. When any of these duties of care are violated, resulting in an accident, they are liable for this breach. Again, an experienced legal representative can help you investigate and navigate the fallout after your accident, as it can be a complex matter depending on the circumstances involved.

What Percentage of Truck Drivers Get into Accidents?

It’s common for people to feel uncomfortable driving around big trucks. Truck drivers need plenty of room to be able to turn, switch lanes, stop, and more. Trucks are in huge demand as it’s estimated that about 70% of the goods on shelves in your local stores arrive on a truck. Unfortunately, statistics behind trucks and accidents aren’t very reassuring. It’s estimated that truck accidents will be the fifth leading cause of death by 2030. About 74% of fatal accidents involving passenger vehicles also involved a truck. In these accidents, the fatalities are most commonly found in the passengers of the smaller vehicles compared to the truck drivers themselves. Not every truck driver will get into an accident, and it’s hard to put a number on the percentage of drivers that will have accidents. Still, the fact that crashes involving trucks are so dangerous, it’s essential to be vigilant when driving. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a truck driver, it’s critical to get assistance with your claim.

What Are the Most Common Truck Accidents?

Here are some of the most common truck accidents that can happen and why:

• Side-swipe accidents happen when the truck collides with the side of another vehicle. These typically occur when the driver is not paying attention or trying to squeeze by a car on a too-tight street.
• U-turn accidents are also common when the truck doesn’t have enough room to entirely turn during a wide turn. The driver often took a turn that they shouldn’t have and could hit other vehicles.
• T-bone accidents are when the truck strikes the side of the vehicle, which typically happens at intersections. Distraction, speed, or other factors are often in play in these accidents.
• Truck rollovers when a turn is taken too fast, or the truck has to swerve suddenly.
• Head-on collisions are when the driver collides head-first with another vehicle because they drifted into another lane, or someone was driving in their lane, etc.
• Rear-end collisions are when the driver hits the vehicle in front of them because they were distracted or the car stopped suddenly.
• Also, jack-knife accidents occur when the cab of the truck and the trailer are folded together like a pocket knife. These accidents typically happen due to swerving, bad turns, heavy braking, or other reasons.

You may think that the most common truck accidents are caused by the driver being impaired by drugs and alcohol, but that’s not the case. Instead, one of the most common causes of truck accidents is tire-related. In addition, sleepiness, new routes, and aggressive driving are the most common reasons behind truck accidents.

Do Different Laws Apply to Truck Accidents?

Since commercial truck drivers, and the companies they work for as employees or contractors, must abide by special rules enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, along with local, state, and federal laws pertaining to motor vehicles, some different laws can apply to truck accidents. Regulations that commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must safely follow include how many hours a truck driver can drive, how cargo should safely be loaded, and even regulations on the vehicle’s maintenance.

Federal regulations even regulate that truck drivers have lower blood alcohol concentrations than other licensed drivers. When concerned about the different laws that can apply to truck accidents, it can be vital to get the assistance of an experienced attorney familiar with personal injury lawsuits when a commercial vehicle is involved. They can help guide you through the process and assist you in evidence gathering and other paperwork needed in an injury claim.

Who Will Pay for My Truck Accident?

One of the biggest questions you may have after you’ve been involved in an involving a commercial truck is who will be responsible for paying for the damages that came from the truck accident. There are so many different scenarios that involve truck drivers and the companies they drive for, along with determining who’s responsible for what if an accident occurs. Some truck drivers outright own their trucks and work for themselves. They may work as contractors or freelancers for different trucking companies to get loads or handle their own business without other parties involved. Other truck drivers work as employees for a trucking company.

Determining fault and who’s liable for the damages depends on a few factors. For instance, if the truck driver is found at fault, such as not doing maintenance on their brakes, and they are an owner-operator, they and their insurance company are typically held liable. In contrast, an employed truck driver in the same circumstance may be covered by their company’s insurance policy and the company itself if they are not responsible for providing their own maintenance. The key to any litigation after a commercial truck accident is getting experienced legal guidance. A lawyer familiar with truck accidents and their aftermath can help you determine liability and how to go about being adequately compensated for your damages.

Should You Take an Insurance Company’s Truck Accident Settlement Offer?

You can trust your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company to ensure that your settlement offer is fair, right? The truth is that this isn’t always the case. While an insurance company exists to protect its customers in the case of an accident, it’s also a business that wants to ensure that it protects itself. It can be beneficial to speak with a legal representative familiar with personal injury lawsuits before accepting any insurance company’s truck accident settlement offer. Often, the first offer is not a very fair amount based on your actual damages.

You can find that it’s helpful to have a legal representative who can work with you during the negotiation of your truck accident settlement process rather than accepting the first offer that comes your way from an insurance company. It’s important to remember that the damages should include what was damaged during the accident, such as your car, but also your medical bills for injuries, lost work, and other financial losses that occurred because of the accident. Sometimes, the true extent of your damages, such as the amount of time it takes for you to heal, may take longer to see while the insurance company is rushing to get you to make an offer before all the dust has settled.

If I May Have Been Partially at Fault for The Truck Accident, Can I Still Win the Lawsuit?

Being in an accident can be a scary experience, and you may be even more worried if you feel that you may have been partially at fault for the recent truck accident you were involved in where you were injured, or your property was damaged. It can raise many questions, like can I file a lawsuit for damages and still win? Accidents, especially ones involving many different factors, can be tricky to determine who’s at fault, who’s liable, and who can recover damages. That’s where an experienced personal injury attorney can come into play. They help investigate the incident and work within the law to protect their client’s rights and help them receive any damages owed to them by other at-fault parties.

After an investigation, they may find that you were partially at fault, such as 25%, so that would play a role in the amount of compensation due to you from the other liable party. In some situations, it may be determined that while you were worried that you were partially at fault for the accident, you were not. In that case, you’re entirely able to recover damages through litigation.

An experienced attorney can help guide you through this process and help you to receive the fair compensation you deserve for the incident. Don’t let your fear of being found partially at fault stop you from speaking to an experienced attorney who can help you through this stressful time.

What Is the Top Driver-Reported Factors in Trucking Accidents?

Working together, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluated crashes involving large trucks. They created the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) to help get a better idea of what goes into trucking accidents and to find ways to help prevent more accidents in the future.

During this study, they determined that there were three factors that were more likely to come into play in a large truck accident. These included alcohol, fatigue, and speeding. Drivers who use alcohol, drive when tired, or go over the posted speed limit signs are more likely to be involved in a crash compared to sober, wide-awake drivers, and those who are driving at a safe speed. Of course, there are times when truck accidents occur when none of these factors are present, but in many scenarios, one or more were involved.

How Soon Must I Bring an Injury or Death Case Based on a Truck Accident?

The aftermath of a truck accident can be brutal to deal with when it comes to the potential for severe injuries and even the death of a loved one. In some cases, the true extent of the damages isn’t even known for months or years. It can be a long road as you try to return to your life after a severe truck accident.

In Colorado, in most situations, a person has three years from the date of the accident to bring a wrongful death or injury lawsuit. Waiting beyond that period of time may mean that your case will get thrown out rather than getting the compensation you deserve unless there are other circumstances involved.

While you have that amount of time to bring a lawsuit, it can be vital to your case to speak with an experienced attorney quickly after the accident. Substantial evidence, eyewitness testimony, and other information you need for your case could be lost over time if you wait too long to speak with an attorney. They can help you build your case and determine the proper timeline based on your situation.

Contact an Experienced Denver 18-wheeler Semi Truck Accident Attorney Near You

If you are looking for the best Denver truck accident lawyer near you, contact Roberts Accident Law, LLC at 720-515-7058 for a Free Consultation.

When you’re hurt in a major accident, it’s tough to recover. You’re looking at overwhelming injuries that could affect you for the rest of your life. Fortunately, you don’t have to seek your compensation without help. Instead, contact the attorneys at Roberts Accident Law for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your options for recovering before you sign anything. We want you to know that we’re on your side before you file your claim.

Ready to get started? Your Denver truck accident lawyer is ready to focus on your lawsuit. To begin, give us a call at 720-515-7058 or fill out the online form below. Or check out what others had to say about Roberts Accident Law by clicking here.

Denver Truck Accident Lawyer Review

Here’s what Brandon Rutledge in Ontario had to say about us on Google:

“I had a great experience with Steve. I was hesitant to hire an attorney after I was rear-ended. I had ideas of handling things simply on my own. Quickly I discovered I was in over my head. Steve stepped in and changed everything. I was talking to five different people from the insurance companies and they were overwhelming me with questions, requests and demands. It was hard to focus on my actual injuries. Then I hired Steve and that all changed. My injuries were more severe than I originally thought and had Steve not slowed things down I would have been in big financial trouble. The resolution to my case was not about wringing money out of the insurance company but about helping put me back in the place I was before my accident. Steve always had time to talk to me personally and kept things moving all the time. Honestly, this whole experience was pretty scary but Steve allowed me to live and recover without fear. Thank you Steve.”

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Date: 7-8-2021

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