Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Lakewood

FAQs

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

  Lakewood residents can contact the local police department for non-emergency matters by dialing 303-987-7111. They can also call 303-980-7300 for non-emergency dispatches involving agent or animal control.

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

  The Lakewood Police Department's Records Division issues copies of accident reports to local citizens, who are encouraged to send requests via e-mail to LPDRecords@lakewoodco.org. Requests are processed at an average of three to seven days. The division itself is located at the Public Safety Building at 445 S. Allison Pkwy. Its schedule is as follows:

  • 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. on Mondays
  • 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. on Tuesdays to Fridays
  • 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Saturdays

• What are the common causes of truck accidents within Lakewood?

  Truck accidents in Lakewood often occur due to driver fatigue, where an operator works beyond the hours specified by commercial regulations. Certain accidents also transpire due to an offending driver being either unqualified or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Speeding is also a common cause, along with malfunctions caused by poor maintenance on the part of a trucking company. Other factors include overloading and hazardous road conditions.

• Who can a victim sue in an accident involving a runaway truck in Lakewood?

  The at-fault driver in a runaway truck accident in Lakewood can be held liable for failing to obey trucking regulations, which include proper braking and speed adjustment. This is particularly true for mountainous roads within Colorado, where truckers are required to exercise increased care. In case an accident is caused by a driver's inexperience or a truck's defects, the company involved can be charged for failing to properly train the driver in question or maintain its trucks, respectively.

• Which parts of Lakewood are dangerous for drivers?

  The W. Colfax Avenue road near Lakewood that spans Ingalls Street down to North Broadway is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the state. An annual report documented​​​ 17 deadly accidents on the road on average, with 18 fatalities overall. The S. Wadsworth Boulevard road, leading from W. Jewell Avenue to W. 23rd Avenue also became notorious for crashes, tallying an average of seven fatal accidents and eight fatalities.

• What happens if a truck accident victim in Lakewood is partially liable?

  In line with Colorado's modified comparative negligence law, plaintiffs in a truck accident in Lakewood can have their potential settlements deducted if they are found to be partially liable. This occurs if they have failed to uphold their duties of care on the road at the time of the accident. Colorado also follows the 50% rule for modified comparative negligence, meaning that victims are barred from seeking compensation if the percentage of their fault goes beyond 50%.

• What kind of evidence can be used in a truck accident case in Lakewood?

  With the help of attorneys, plaintiffs of truck accident cases in Lakewood can utilize evidence derived from police reports, photographs, eyewitness statements, and medical records. Other potential sources of evidence include the inspection reports of the trucking company where the at-fault driver works. In addition, the "black box" of the truck involved may also yield information related to the vehicle's speed, GPS location, airbag status, and brake usage at the time of 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.