When to Hire a Lawyer for a Truck Accident

Truck accidents typically have more complexities than standard car accidents because of the presence of multiple involved parties, major damages, and state and federal regulations to consider. And each year, nearly 5,000 fatal accidents involving trucks occur in the United States, with many more resulting in injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). When accidents impact individuals and their families, it becomes crucial to secure compensation to maintain financial stability and move forward.

In this blog post, we will explore the specific scenarios where hiring a truck accident lawyer in Colorado is essential and how our expertise can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Understanding the Legal Complexities of Truck Accident Cases in Colorado

Truck accidents involve a unique set of challenges that distinguish them from typical car accidents. These cases often entail larger insurance policies, federal regulations, and the potential for severe injuries. Understanding these complexities is crucial for anyone involved in a truck accident, as it can directly assign culpability to responsible parties.

Why Truck Accidents Are More Complex

Truck accidents have more inherent complexities than standard car accidents due to the extensive system of regulations and laws that govern the trucking industry. These complexities can notably affect the course of your case and the compensation you’re likely to receive.

Larger Insurance Policies

Trucking companies typically carry larger insurance policies than individual drivers. While this might seem advantageous, it often means the insurance company will aggressively defend against claims to minimize payouts. Handling these larger policies requires a strategic and informed approach to negotiations and litigation, as insurers have significant resources and legal teams dedicated to protecting their interests.

Federal Regulations

Trucking operations are governed by a host of federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Key regulations include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: Limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate to prevent fatigue-related accidents. For example, property-carrying drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Electronic Logging Devices: Trucking companies must use ELDs to automatically record driving time and ensure compliance with HOS regulations. These devices provide critical data that can be used to verify drivers’ adherence to HOS rules.
• Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandatory testing for drivers before employment, randomly during employment, after accidents, and if there is reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use.
• Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections: Regulations require regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs to ensure that commercial vehicles are safe to operate. Trucking companies must keep detailed records of all inspections and maintenance activities.

State Regulations

In addition to federal regulations, Colorado has specific state regulations that affect trucking operations:

• Colorado Intrastate Hours of Service: Similar to federal HOS rules, but specifically applies to intrastate drivers. Colorado may have slightly different requirements or exemptions for drivers operating solely within the state.
• Colorado Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements: Regulations governing the licensing of commercial drivers, including qualifications, testing, and endorsements needed to operate different types of commercial vehicles.
• Colorado Weight Limits: State-specific weight limits for commercial vehicles, which can affect load distribution and the potential for violations if exceeded.

Situations When You Should Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

Knowing when to hire a truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your case, ensuring that all aspects are handled professionally and effectively to maximize your compensation. At Boesen Law, we have extensive experience helping truck accident victims, and we strongly encourage you to connect with us if you’re facing these situations:

Severe Injuries or Fatalities

Accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities necessitate the expertise of a lawyer. These cases often involve significant medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help ensure you receive adequate compensation to cover all these damages, taking into account the long-term impact on your life.

We will work with medical professionals to document the full extent of your injuries and project future medical needs and associated costs.

Disputes Over Liability

Multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or vehicle manufacturer, may be liable. A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and build a strong case. We will gather and analyze evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data to establish liability.

Involvement of Multiple Parties

As we mentioned, truck accidents often involve multiple vehicles and parties. Coordinating claims against several defendants requires meticulous organization and legal strategy, which a lawyer can provide. Your lawyer will streamline communications and negotiations, reducing the stress and confusion that can arise from dealing with multiple insurance companies and legal teams.

Uncooperative Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. But our lawyers can handle all communications with the insurance companies, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair settlement. We will negotiate assertively to ensure that the settlement covers all your immediate and future expenses.

Potential for Substantial Financial Compensation

If the accident results in significant financial losses, hiring a lawyer is essential. A lawyer can accurately calculate the full extent of your damages, including future expenses, to ensure you are fully compensated. This includes not just immediate medical costs but also long-term care needs, lost earning potential, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. T

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Colorado at Boesen Law – Our Experience is the Difference

It is no secret that having a lawyer on your side provides invaluable support and increases your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Contact our team at Boesen Law today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your truck accident case and fight for the justice you deserve.