Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Denver

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Denver, Colorado?

  (720) 913-2000 is the non-emergency contact number for the Denver Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Denver, Colorado?

  You can obtain a copy of the police report by calling the Denver Police Department's Records Unit at (720) 913-6755. You may also request the report through their website or mail in an order form to:

  Denver Police Department Records Unit 1331 Cherokee Street, Room 420 Denver, CO 80204-2787

• What are the common causes of truck accidents in Denver?

  Driver error is one of the most common causes of truck accidents in Denver. Truckers often drive aggressively to meet delivery deadlines. This is particularly dangerous when they are traversing the I-70 corridor, which has mountainous terrain and steep grades, through the Colorado high country west of Denver. Additionally, driver distraction and unfamiliarity with roadways result in most accidents.

• Who is responsible for a truck accident in Denver?

  Multiple parties may be liable for a truck accident in Denver. They may include the truck driver for committing negligent actions, the trucking company for hiring unqualified drivers or encouraging unsafe driving practices, a truck shop or mechanic for failing to inspect or repair the truck properly, a cargo loading team for overloading, or a truck parts manufacturer for supplying defective products. A local government entity may also be held liable for poor road maintenance.

• What are the most dangerous intersections in Denver?

  The following are the top surface-street intersections with the most motor vehicle crashes reported to the Denver Police Department from 2021 to the first quarter of 2022, according to the weekly newspaper Westword:

  1. Colorado Boulevard and East Colfax Avenue
  2. West Mississippi Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive
  3. West Mississippi Avenue and South Platte River Drive
  4. North Tower Road and East 56th Avenue
  5. Colorado Boulevard and East 40th Avenue

• What are the important pieces of evidence when filing a truck accident claim in Denver?

  Electronic logging device records, safety inspection reports, the truck driver's alcohol and drug testing results, and vehicle damage are vital evidence that supports a claim in truck accident cases in Denver. Obtaining electronic data from the truck's event data recorder can also help build a negligence case against trucking companies or drivers.

• Is it necessary to hire a lawyer when you are involved in a truck accident in Denver?

  Truck accident lawyers in Denver can determine if someone violated any of the regulations from the FMCSA. They can also help determine liability, calculate total damages, build strong insurance claims, handle communication with insurance companies and the at-fault party, and protect your legal rights. They should be able to simplify trucking regulations, assisting you in asking the right questions and determining the factors that contributed to the accident.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.