Glenwood Springs Truck Accident Lawyer

Why Are Truck Accident Claims So Complex?

Truck accident claims involve many moving parts. Multiple parties may share liability, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. Each of these entities typically has its own insurance company and legal team.

Trucking companies must follow strict federal and state regulations. Violations of these rules can play a crucial role in establishing liability. Our attorneys know how to investigate potential regulatory breaches and use this information to strengthen your claim.

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks often result in more severe injuries and property damage compared to typical car accidents. This can lead to higher medical costs and longer recovery times, requiring a more comprehensive approach to calculating damages.

Insurance policies for commercial trucks usually have much higher coverage limits than personal auto policies. While this means more compensation may be available, it also means insurance companies fight harder to minimize payouts.

How to Know If I Have a Valid Truck Accident Case?

Three key elements determine if you have a valid personal injury claim after a truck accident:

• Someone acted negligently or wrongfully. This could be the truck driver, trucking company, or another party involved in the crash.
• You suffered injuries or losses as a direct result of that negligence or wrongdoing. This includes physical injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, property damage, and other negative impacts.
• There’s an insurance policy or assets available to provide compensation. In truck accident cases, this often involves commercial insurance policies with high coverage limits.

If these elements apply to your situation, you likely have grounds for a claim. Our attorneys can evaluate the specifics of your case during a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs’ unique geography and weather conditions contribute to truck accidents in the area. Some local hotspots for truck crashes include:

• Interstate 70: This major highway runs through Glenwood Canyon, where steep grades and tight curves can be challenging for large trucks.
• Highway 82: The main route connecting Glenwood Springs to Aspen sees heavy truck traffic and can be treacherous in winter.
• Downtown Glenwood Springs: Narrow streets and increased pedestrian activity can lead to accidents with delivery trucks.

Common causes of truck accidents in these areas include:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
• Improper loading or securing of cargo
• Inadequate vehicle maintenance
• Poor weather conditions, especially in winter months
• Unfamiliarity with local roads

Truck Accident Injuries That Qualify for Compensation

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Injuries that may qualify for compensation include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, potentially causing long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a person’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones: Fractures, especially compound fractures, can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Burns: Truck accidents involving fire or hazardous materials can cause severe burns, leading to permanent scarring and disfigurement.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: While often overlooked, injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Psychological Trauma: The emotional impact of a truck accident, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, should not be underestimated.

Any injury sustained in a truck accident, regardless of severity, may qualify for compensation if it negatively affects your life and results from another party’s negligence.

Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial in truck accident cases. Responsible entities may include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The vehicle manufacturer
• Cargo loading companies
• Maintenance providers

Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to determine liability. We examine:

• Driver logs and records
• Truck maintenance history
• Company hiring and training practices
• Surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Black box data from the truck

By identifying all liable parties, we can pursue maximum compensation from multiple sources, increasing the potential value of your claim.

How We Can Help You Get Compensation in a Truck Accident Case

At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., we take a comprehensive approach to handling truck accident cases:

• We gather and analyze all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and electronic data from the truck’s black box.
• We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and economic analysts to build a strong case.
• Our attorneys skillfully negotiate with insurance adjusters to seek fair compensation without unnecessary delays.
• While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, strengthening our negotiating position.
• If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we’re prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you before a judge and jury.

Types of compensation we can help you recover include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• In cases of fatal accidents, wrongful death damages

A Lawyer Can Deal with Insurance Companies for You After a Truck Accident in Glenwood Springs

After a truck accident, insurance adjusters representing the trucking company or other involved parties will likely contact you. These adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize the amount their company pays out.

Our attorneys can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. This protects you from potentially saying something that could harm your claim. We know the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them effectively.

We’ll review any settlement offers to ensure they adequately cover your current and future needs. If an offer is insufficient, we’ll negotiate for a fair amount or prepare to take your case to court if necessary.

What You Need To Do Following a Truck Accident to Protect Yourself

If you’re recovering from a truck accident at home or in the hospital, your priority should be focusing on your health. However, there are steps you can take to protect your legal rights:

• Document Your Recovery: Keep a journal detailing your pain levels, treatments, and how your injuries affect your daily life.
• Follow Medical Advice: Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your treatment plan. This shows you’re taking your recovery seriously.
• Gather Information: Collect any documents related to the accident, including medical bills, correspondence from insurance companies, and proof of lost wages.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from posting about the accident or your injuries online, as these posts could be used against you.
• Don’t Give Recorded Statements: Politely decline requests for recorded statements from insurance companies until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
• Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: Reaching out to our firm is a crucial step in protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation. We can guide you through the legal process and handle the complexities of your claim while you focus on recovery.

Glenwood Springs and Colorado Truck Accident Statistics

Truck accidents in Colorado, including the Glenwood Springs area, pose significant risks to motorists. According to crash data from the Colorado Department of Transportation:

• In recent years, Colorado has averaged over 5,000 crashes involving large trucks annually.
• Approximately 10% of these crashes result in injuries or fatalities.
• I-70, which runs through Glenwood Springs, is one of the most dangerous corridors for truck accidents in the state.

The disproportionate size and weight of commercial trucks compared to passenger vehicles often lead to more severe outcomes in accidents. If you believe a negligent truck driver or other factors beyond your control caused a crash that injured you or killed a close family member, contact our firm to discuss your case at no cost.

Glenwood Springs Truck Accident FAQs

Contact an Experienced Glenwood Springs Truck Accident Attorney Now

When you’re up against large trucking companies and their insurers, having knowledgeable legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., we have the resources, experience, and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let the trucking company or their insurance provider minimize your claim. Contact our Glenwood Springs truck accident attorneys today at (303) 562-1442 for your free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and outline your legal options. Remember, we only get paid if we recover compensation for you, so there’s no financial risk in reaching out for help.

Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers – Glenwood Springs Office

401 27th St Unit #120
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
P: (303) 757-3300