Truck accidents are an unfortunate reality on our roads. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 lbs, and it is unsafe to be in an accident with one of them. Moreover, the legal intricacies involved in truck accident cases are complex and require knowledge of state and federal regulations in addition to conventional personal injury law. Take Colorado, for instance. Over the past ten years, there has been a significant increase in truck accidents here, with a rise of more than 50% in annual semi-truck accidents since 2009. In the majority of these incidents, it is the occupants of passenger vehicles who suffer more severe injuries.
If you are a resident of Denver, CO, and have suffered losses due to a truck accident, you must consider contacting a reputable
Denver truck accident law firm. The lawyers at such firms will help you obtain the best possible outcome for your accident claim. Keep reading to learn how truck accident lawyers are necessary when dealing with complicated claims surrounding such accidents.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
When you're involved in a truck accident, the insurance company will represent the commercial driver’s interest – not yours. An insurance adjuster may sound empathetic when talking to you, but they always aim to settle for as little money as possible. They only care about saving their money from going towards your compensation.
A professional lawyer handling your case can negotiate with insurance companies without letting them lowball you or undermine your rights. A personal injury attorney understands how much compensation you’re entitled to depending on the circumstances and facts surrounding your case, including - property damage, medical bills, lost wages due before recovery time has elapsed, future economic losses (if any), and pain & suffering damages.
Determining Liability In Truck Accident Cases
Unlike regular car accidents, where the liability lies mostly between drivers based on negligence laws prevailing for that particular state, determining liability is more complicated in truck accidents involving multiple parties such as shippers or cargo owners.
In such cases where other companies contribute goods and services connected directly or indirectly with the transport company, identifying whether they share some level of responsibility during litigation requires extensive investigation work into documents holding crucial evidence for analysis, like shipping records, amongst several others.
In these types of litigation situations arising from a tractor-trailer road crash involving multiple possible negligent parties, finding out who's liable can also require using technical skills like vehicle reconstruction experts or fact witnesses evaluating scientific data.
Causes of Truck Accidents
The common
causes of truck accidents completely differ from regular car accidents and can make an insurance company unwilling to pay valid compensation claims. These cases require a seasoned professional experienced in litigating such types of legal cases for successful outcomes.
Truck drivers often receive payment based on the distance they have traveled rather than the number of hours they have worked. This payment structure incentivizes them to engage in long shifts, resulting in driver fatigue. Additionally, there are other contributing factors, such as insufficient training or supervision, equipment failures like brake malfunctions, inadequate maintenance of vehicles, and improper securing of loads that can lead to cargo falling off during transportation. Furthermore, general recklessness exhibited by drivers is also a potential cause for concern. Familiarizing yourself with relevant federal regulations is crucial, and consulting with an attorney specializing in these matters can help build a strong case.
Complexity Of Federal Regulations
Federal safety regulations apply extensively throughout the commercial trucking industry. The Department of Transportation (DOT) governs these laws. You have a better chance of filing compensation if your lawyer is well-read about the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state-specific trucking laws while investigating relevant evidence noncompliant with those laws governing onboard electronic record devices and other such critical aspects concerning safety in commercial transport operations.
Benefits Of Hiring A Lawyer
There are numerous benefits to enlisting the services of a seasoned attorney when dealing with injuries and traumas resulting from collisions with large commercial vehicles. One advantage is the assurance that the attorney is motivated to prioritize the best interests of the injured parties, as opposed to the defense strategies employed by opponents that may seek to minimize compensation solely for their own benefit. Experienced attorneys possess the expertise to navigate your truck accident case's legal and emotional aspects, providing comprehensive support.
Conclusion
Truck accidents involve complex legal claims that demand the expertise of personal injury attorneys specializing in this particular field. When facing such accidents, a significant amount is at stake, as you may find yourself up against commercial insurance companies focused on minimizing their own expenses to your detriment. Hiring a professional attorney well-versed in FMCSA guidelines and other pertinent regulations is crucial. They can skillfully draft demand letters for injured clients who rightfully deserve compensation through no fault of their own. It is advisable to promptly reach out to an attorney after being involved in a tractor-trailer collision, as there are strict deadlines governing litigation that place pressure on all parties involved. By doing so, you can ensure that valid claims are pursued within the designated timeframes.