Truck accidents are often more complex than typical car accidents. That’s why you need a skilled and experienced legal team. Our Boulder truck accident lawyers have the experience to handle challenging cases.
We are ready to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Boulder Truck Accident Guide
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- Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- Types of Injuries Sustained After a Truck Accident
- What You Need to Know About Colorado Trucking Laws
- Why Choose Our Boulder Truck Accident Lawyers?
- Compensation You May Recover After a Truck Accident in Boulder
- Proving Liability in a Truck Accident Case
- Timeframe For Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Boulder, CO
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Get Your Free Consultation With a Boulder Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen for many reasons. Understanding these causes is how a Boulder truck accident lawyer determines liability and builds a strong case for their client.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to drowsiness and decreased reaction times. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, some drivers or companies may violate these rules, putting others at risk.
- Distracted driving: Using mobile devices, eating, or other distractions can take a driver’s attention off the road. With trucks’ size, even a momentary lapse in concentration can have severe consequences.
- Improper loading: Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to tip or lose control.
- Mechanical failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other equipment malfunctions can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent these issues.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to road conditions and increases stopping distance. Due to their weight and size, the impact of speeding is even more significant for large trucks.
- Inadequate training: Insufficient driver training can result in poor decision-making on the road. Trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure their drivers are properly trained and qualified.
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or ice can make roads treacherous for large trucks. Drivers must adjust their speed and driving techniques accordingly.
- Drunk or impaired driving: Operating a truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol is extremely dangerous and illegal. Unfortunately, some drivers may still engage in this reckless behavior.
- Poor maintenance: Neglecting regular vehicle inspections and maintenance can result in mechanical failures. Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles in safe operating condition.
At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., our team of investigators will work diligently to determine the exact cause of your truck accident.
Types of Injuries Sustained After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and force involved.
Some common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a person’s life and requiring lifelong care.
- Broken bones and fractures: The force of a truck collision can cause multiple fractures, which may require surgery and extended recovery periods.
- Internal organ damage: The impact of a truck accident can cause severe internal injuries, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
- Severe burns: Truck accidents involving fuel spills or fires can result in severe burns, leading to disfigurement and requiring extensive medical treatment.
- Amputations: In some cases, the severity of injuries may necessitate the amputation of limbs, drastically impacting a person’s quality of life.
- Whiplash and other neck injuries: The sudden impact of a truck accident can cause soft tissue damage in the neck, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility.
- Lacerations and scarring: Deep cuts from broken glass or metal can lead to significant scarring and potential disfigurement.
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD: The emotional impact of a truck accident can be severe, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What You Need to Know About Colorado Trucking Laws
Colorado has specific laws and regulations governing the trucking industry. Understanding these laws plays into building a case against negligent truck drivers or trucking companies.
Some key points include:
- Hours of Service regulations: Truck drivers must adhere to strict limits on driving time and required rest periods.
- Weight limits: Colorado enforces maximum weight restrictions for commercial vehicles to prevent overloading. These limits vary depending on the type of truck and the number of axles.
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) requirements: Truck drivers must obtain and maintain a valid CDL, which involves specific training and testing.
- Drug and alcohol testing: Commercial drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. This includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing.
- Vehicle maintenance standards: Trucking companies must maintain their vehicles according to federal and state regulations.
- Insurance requirements: Commercial trucks must carry higher liability insurance coverage than passenger vehicles.
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs): Trucks must be equipped with ELDs to accurately track driving hours and ensure compliance with regulations. These devices provide a digital record of a driver’s hours, making it easier to identify violations.
- Size and length restrictions: Colorado has specific rules about the maximum dimensions of trucks operating on its roads. This includes limits on height, width, and length, which vary depending on the type of road and vehicle.
- Cargo securement: There are detailed regulations on loading, securing, and transporting cargo to prevent shifting or falling during transit.
- Special permits: Oversized or overweight loads require special permits and may have restrictions on when and where they can travel.
Our experienced attorneys at Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. are well-versed in these regulations and use this knowledge to strengthen our clients’ claims. We investigate thoroughly to identify any violations of these laws that may have contributed to your accident.
Why Choose Our Boulder Truck Accident Lawyers?
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, choosing the right legal representation can make all the difference.
Here’s why Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. stands out:
- Experience: With over 35 years of experience, we’ve successfully handled countless truck accident cases. Our team deeply understands these cases and knows how to take on the legal system effectively.
- Resources: As the largest plaintiff-centered personal injury firm in Colorado, we have the resources to take on big cases against formidable opponents – and win. This includes access to top experts, advanced technology, and a dedicated support staff.
- Dedication: Our firm was founded on the principle of providing resolute and effective legal representation for our clients. We’re committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
- Proven track record: We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for truck accident victims. Our success stories speak to our ability to secure favorable client outcomes.
- No upfront costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe no attorney’s fees until we succeed in recovering compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal fees.
- 24/7 availability: You can call us anytime, even on weekends. We understand that accidents don’t just happen during business hours; we’re here when you need us.
- Free initial consultation: We offer a no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your options. This allows you to understand your legal rights and the potential of your case without any financial commitment.
- Support: We handle all aspects of your case, from investigation to negotiation and, if necessary, litigation. This includes dealing with insurance companies, gathering evidence, and preparing your case for trial if needed.
Compensation You May Recover After a Truck Accident in Boulder
Our experienced Boulder truck accident lawyers will calculate the full extent of your damages and compensation on your behalf.
Potential areas of compensation include:
- Medical expenses (current and future): This covers all medical costs related to your injuries, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical care you may need.
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your ability to earn in the future is impacted, we’ll fight for compensation for loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Property damage: This includes compensation for your damaged vehicle and any other personal property destroyed in the accident.
- Rehabilitation costs: If you require ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation, these costs should be covered.
- Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages are awarded.
- Wrongful death damages: If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for loss of companionship, lost financial support, and funeral expenses.
Our team at Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. will thoroughly assess all potential areas of compensation in your case. We understand that the impact of a truck accident extends far beyond immediate medical bills, and we’re committed to securing a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses and suffering.
Proving Liability in a Truck Accident Case
Establishing liability in a truck accident case often involves multiple parties.
Liable parties may include:
- The truck driver: If the driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or violating hours-of-service regulations, caused the accident.
- The trucking company: Companies may be held liable for their drivers’ actions, negligent hiring, inadequate training, or encouraging unsafe practices.
- The vehicle manufacturer: The manufacturer could be held liable if a defective truck part contributed to the accident.
- The cargo loading company: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause accidents, making the loading company potentially liable.
- Maintenance providers: If poor maintenance led to a mechanical failure that caused the accident, the maintenance company could be held responsible.
- Government entities: A government agency might be liable if poor road design or maintenance contributed to the accident.
- Other drivers: In some cases, the actions of other motorists may have contributed to the truck accident.
Your Boulder truck accident lawyer’s main goal is to build a strong, evidence-based case that demonstrates liability. At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., we leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.
Timeframe For Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Boulder, CO
Colorado has a statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim. Being aware of these timeframes helps protect your right to compensation. Generally, you have:
- Three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim
- Two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim
However, there are exceptions to these timeframes, so talk to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What evidence should I collect after a truck accident?
Gathering strong evidence builds a compelling truck accident case. Key types of evidence to collect include:
- Photographs and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Official documents such as police reports, medical records, and repair estimates
- Witness contact information and statements
- Truck-specific evidence like driver logs and maintenance records
- Electronic data from the truck’s “black box” and GPS
- Personal documentation of the accident and your recovery process
Remember, some evidence, particularly data from the truck, is difficult to obtain without legal assistance. That’s why you need to contact a Boulder truck accident lawyer after the accident.
How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?
Here are some key factors that influence the timeline of a truck accident case:
- Complexity of the case
- Severity of injuries
- Clarity of liability
- Insurance company cooperation
- Court schedules
- Settlement vs. trial
Our law firm strives to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive compensation. We’ll provide a more accurate timeline based on the specifics of your case during your free consultation.
Will I have to go to court for my truck accident claim?
While many truck accident claims resolve outside of court, some cases proceed to trial.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Settlement negotiations are often successful, avoiding the need for court.
- Your case might go to court if the other side refuses a fair settlement.
- We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, strengthening our negotiating position.
- If your case goes to court, you may need to testify.
- Throughout the process, your Boulder truck accident lawyer will handle all legal procedures, represent you in court proceedings, and prepare you for each step.
Get Your Free Consultation With a Boulder Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t let the trucking companies and their insurers take advantage of you. Let Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C. be your advocate during this time. We’re here to stand up for your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call (720) 790-5855 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you with the legal process and secure the compensation you need to move forward.