At Boesen Law, a dedicated Denver truck accident lawyer from our team understands how difficult it can be to get back on your feet after a large truck or commercial vehicle collision. Our legal professionals are here to help you protect your rights and fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.
If you or someone you love was involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, reach out to our law firm today to learn how we can help you seek the justice you deserve. Securing a knowledgeable Denver semi-truck accident lawyer early in the process can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
Navigating the aftermath of any motor vehicle accident can be challenging. Most large commercial vehicle crashes result in significant damage, including catastrophic bodily injuries. These injuries can lead to permanent disability, life-altering impairments, and even death. Victims and their families are often left to pick up the pieces of their lives and may struggle to keep up with mounting medical bills on top of weeks, months, or years of lost wages and immense physical and emotional pain and suffering. Our personal injury team is highly experienced in handling these complex cases. When you need a reliable truck accident lawyer in Denver, our goal is to ensure you get the compensation required to rebuild your life.
Our Attorneys
Compensation Available After a Denver Truck Accident
If you have been involved in a commercial vehicle crash, there are several types of compensation you may be eligible to receive. These are designed to help you recover from the financial, physical, and emotional damages caused by the accident. Partnering with a skilled truck accident compensation lawyer ensures that no potential area of recovery is overlooked. Below are the common forms of compensation available:
Medical Expenses
Covers immediate medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, and any ongoing rehabilitation or therapy you may require.
Lost Wages
If your injuries have prevented you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income during your recovery period and potentially for future lost earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the emotional distress and physical pain endured as a result of the accident. This can include long-term pain or trauma caused by the incident.
Property Damage
Covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property that was damaged in the accident.
Punitive Damages
In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior by the truck driver or trucking company, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Consulting with an experienced Colorado truck accident attorney is crucial to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available under the law. They can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Truck Accident Settlement
The amount listed below is a good example of compensation that Boesen Law was able to win for our former clients.
$4,100,000.00 – we helped our client who was seriously injured during a commercial vehicle accident in Colorado.
To view more of our verdicts and settlements and see why many consider us to provide the top truck accident lawyer services in Denver CO has to offer, please visit our case results page.
Who Is Liable for Damages After a Commercial Vehicle Crash?
Determining liability for a crash typically begins with establishing fault. Under the traditional fault-based system in this state, injured victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents generally must prove another party’s fault and then bring an injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company. The same is true in these severe cases, although identifying the liable party can be highly complicated. This is why having a specialized Denver commercial truck accident lawyer investigate your crash is vital.
Potentially Liable Parties
On the surface, the individuals behind the wheel are often the ones directly responsible for causing these collisions. In such instances, hiring a proven Denver truck driver accident lawyer can help you hold the operator accountable. However, it is often more complicated than that.
Under various state laws, the trucking companies themselves are often considered liable for the conduct of their employees. This includes any injuries or damages those employees cause while they are carrying out duties or activities that benefit the company. Finding a dedicated semi truck accident lawyer Denver residents trust is critical when facing well-funded corporate entities.
In other instances, a trucking company may have engaged in negligent conduct or practices that indirectly led to the crash. In still other instances, the accident may have resulted from the negligence of another third party, such as a manufacturer that created a defective part or an individual responsible for maintenance who failed to report problems. A meticulous Denver trucking accident lawyer will evaluate every angle of your claim.
Types of Commercial Vehicles We Handle
Different types of commercial vehicles require different legal approaches due to varying federal regulations and insurance policies. You need specific expertise depending on the vehicle involved in your crash.
For example, an 18 wheeler accident lawyer understands the unique complexities of hauling massive, articulated loads across state lines. Conversely, if you are injured in a construction zone, securing a seasoned dump truck accident lawyer is necessary to investigate site safety protocols. We also represent victims injured by delivery vans, box trucks, flatbeds, and tanker trucks. Jackknife accidents occur when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can happen due to abrupt braking or slippery road conditions.
Whether you need a local advocate or a statewide Colorado semi truck accident lawyer, our firm has the resources to investigate the specific vehicle that caused your injuries.
Truck Accident Statistics in Colorado
Large vehicle crashes are a significant issue throughout the state. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, large commercial vehicle crashes account for over 5,000 incidents across the state annually. In 2020 alone, these vehicles were involved in approximately 8% of all traffic-related fatalities statewide. Additionally, from 2018 to 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recorded nearly 150 fatal crashes here. If you or a loved one becomes part of these statistics, consulting a compassionate truck accident lawyer in Colorado can provide clarity during a dark time.
Major highways, such as I-70 and I-25, are particularly susceptible to these accidents due to the heavy volume of commercial traffic. This combination of high-speed routes and large vehicles increases the likelihood of severe crashes, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for those involved in smaller vehicles. Retaining a local semi-truck accident lawyer in Denver ensures your legal counsel understands the specific hazards of these local roadways.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Every year, thousands of people are severely injured or killed in collisions with large commercial vehicles. Most often, these crashes are the result of negligence, wrongful or reckless conduct, or preventable errors. Finding the right trucking accident injury lawyer Denver can offer is essential to uncovering the root cause of your crash.
Top causes include:
- Truck driver error or negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- State and/or federal hours-of-service violations, leading to fatigued driving or truck drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.
- Negligent trucking company practices, such as failure to conduct background checks, improper training, or failure to enforce safety policies.
- Improperly loaded cargo or overloaded cargo, leading to shifting weight during transit, loss of vehicle control, and other problems.
- Poor vehicle maintenance, including failure to conduct routine inspections, failure to report needed repairs, and failure to complete repairs.
- Defective design or defective parts/systems, including tires, brakes, power steering, lights, reflective strips, and engine components.
- Poorly maintained or defective roadways, resulting in potholes, blind curves, improper speed limits, and other roadway hazards.
Third-party negligence, including the negligent, reckless, careless, or wrongful conduct of other drivers on the road.
Common Injuries From a Truck Accident
These specific collisions can result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between commercial work trucks and passenger cars. Any reputable truck collision attorney will tell you that the medical evidence in these cases is crucial. Some common injuries that victims sustain include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The force of impact can cause the head and neck to jerk violently.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These crashes can cause traumatic spinal cord injuries, such as herniated discs, fractures, and compression injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Head trauma is common, resulting in traumatic brain injuries ranging from concussions to more severe forms of TBI.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The sheer force of a collision can cause passengers in smaller vehicles to suffer broken arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, and abdominal injuries.
- Amputations: In severe crashes, victims may suffer traumatic amputations of limbs due to crushing injuries.
- Burn Injuries: Collisions involving fires or explosions can result in burn injuries ranging from minor to severe third-degree burns.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can suffer damage resulting in sprains, strains, and contusions.
- Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact can be significant, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
- Fatalities: Tragically, some incidents result in fatalities. Families may suffer the loss of a loved one, leading to emotional and financial hardships from the wrongful death.
Dealing With the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjusters
One of the most critical aspects of a commercial claim is dealing with corporate insurance companies. These insurers dispatch rapid-response teams to the scene of a crash immediately. Their primary goal is to minimize liability and pay out as little as possible. You should never provide a recorded statement or sign any documents without first speaking to a Colorado semi-truck accident lawyer. Adjusters may attempt to twist your words or offer a lowball settlement before you fully understand the extent of your medical needs. By directing all communications to a skilled semi truck accident lawyer Denver trusts, you protect your rights and preserve the true value of your claim.
5 Steps to Take After a Denver Truck Accident
Navigating the aftermath of a commercial collision can be overwhelming. Here are important steps to take because it can impact your case result:
Step 1: Get to Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Please prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and seek medical attention. Even if you feel uninjured, it’s essential to undergo a medical evaluation.
Step 2: Document the Scene
Try to gather as much information as possible about the accident scene. Take photos and videos of the vehicles involved, the damage sustained, skid marks, road conditions, and any relevant signage.
Step 3: Report the Accident
You’ll want to report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the local Police Department or Colorado State Patrol. Provide an accurate account of what happened and obtain a copy of the police report.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
You’ll then want to notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible. Be cautious when discussing the accident and avoid admitting fault.
Step 5: Contact a Legal Professional
Contact Boesen Law as soon as possible. Searching for a truck accident lawyer near you can connect you with our team quickly. We can protect your rights, advise you on your legal options, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. It is beneficial to hire a truck accident lawyer CO residents rely on to handle communication with insurance companies on your behalf.
Differences Between Truck Accident and Car Accident Claims
While personal injury claims involving large commercial vehicles are similar to those involving standard passenger vehicles, several key differences set these cases apart. This is exactly why finding the best truck accident lawyer in Denver is highly recommended for your specific situation.
Greater Severity of Injuries
Due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, collisions often result in more severe injuries and, therefore, longer recovery times.
Damages Awarded Can Be Higher
More severe injuries mean higher medical costs; longer recovery time means higher amounts in lost wages and reduced quality of life. For these reasons, an experienced truck accident attorney Denver courts respect will fight for maximum economic and non-economic damages.
There May be More than One At-Fault Party
Drivers of commercial transport vehicles are usually insured by the parent company. This means you may be involved in a lawsuit against the corporation itself. Furthermore, an accomplished truck accident attorney Colorado families trust will investigate other parties that contributed to the accident, such as the manufacturer of a defective part or the loading company.
Safety Regulations for Commercial Vehicles in Colorado
Operators and transport companies must adhere to both federal and state regulations to operate safely. These regulations cover various aspects, including vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and hours of service. A proficient semi truck accident lawyer in Colorado will immediately subpoena logbooks and maintenance records to prove negligence.
Hours of Service Regulations
- 11-hour driving limit: An operator may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour on-duty limit: An operator may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- 30-minute rest break: Operators must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
- 60/70-hour limit: An operator cannot drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspections
- Daily vehicle inspection reports: Operators must complete a daily inspection report documenting the condition of various parts.
- Annual inspections: Commercial vehicles must undergo a comprehensive inspection at least once every 12 months.
- Roadside inspections: Fleets are subject to random roadside inspections by authorities to ensure compliance.
Insurance Requirements for Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles are required to carry specific types and amounts of insurance to cover potential damages and liabilities. State law requires a minimum liability coverage of 25/50/15 for commercial auto policies, but certain vehicles traveling interstate require higher minimum limits of $750,000 combined single limit. Because these policies are massive, hiring a dedicated Colorado truck accident lawyer is highly advised to secure the policy limits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Cases
What are the time limits for filing a claim?
The time limit to file an injury claim is generally within three years of the accident. After three years, that could mean you’re unable to pursue damages from the accident. It is critical to get in contact with a truck accident lawyer Denver relies on as soon as possible to review your case and preserve evidence before it disappears.
How have you helped accident victims in the past?
It is critically important to find the right attorney for the type of case you have. An attorney handling a severe commercial crash must have experience in that specific area to secure full financial compensation. We have successfully represented many clients, serving proudly as a premier semi-truck accident lawyer in Denver with positive feedback about their experiences with our firm.
Do I have to go to trial for the case?
You do not always have to go to trial. There are typically two paths: a settlement or a trial. Both options depend on the case, the client’s discretion, and the negligent driver or insurance company. If the insurance company is offering a settlement amount that is not aligned with the client’s expectations, an experienced lawyer Denver residents trust will be fully prepared to take the case to court.
Why Hire Boesen Law As Your Legal Representative
The legal team at our firm genuinely cares about the people who come to us for help. Our job is to take a situation that has turned your life upside down and help get it turned right side up. When searching for a truck crash lawyer near you general practice attorneys may lack the specialized knowledge required to face aggressive corporate legal teams. Jon Boesen is the founder of Boesen Law, a personal injury law firm that focuses on helping people with these exact, highly specific cases.
People’s biggest fears when hiring representation generally involves uncertainty. Is it going to cost them something to retain a top-tier semi truck accident lawyer services Denver CO firm? So when we meet with a new client, we go over those fears and concerns. We want to make you feel comfortable with the process, let you know what’s going to happen, and give you realistic expectations.
These claims are not the same as standard car accident claims. You need a dedicated accident attorney who knows the ins and outs of federal and state transport regulations. Working with an established truck wreck law firm Colorado victims trust provides the leverage needed to go up against major corporations and their insurance providers.
Contact Us Today
As your legal team, Boesen Law will be there for you every step of the way. Right now, you should spend your time focusing on your physical recovery; let a qualified semi truck accident lawyer Denver relies on fight for the justice and fair financial compensation you are owed.
Our Law Office
5675 DTC Blvd., Suite 250, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Phone: 303-999-9999
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
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