Truck Accident Lawyer in Centennial, Colorado
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and lasting emotional trauma. Commercial truck crash claims can involve multiple at-fault parties and a maze of insurance issues. You need an experienced Centennial truck accident lawyer who knows how to navigate these complex cases.
Colorado Car Accident Lawyers is dedicated to helping trucking accident victims in Centennial, CO, recover the compensation they deserve. We fight to hold negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Centennial
Tractor-trailer accidents can happen for many reasons, and identifying the cause is a key part of building a strong personal injury claim. Some crashes are the result of driver error, while others may involve mechanical issues or violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Below are some of the most common causes of truck accidents.
- Driver Fatigue: Hours-of-service regulations limit how long a truck driver can be on the road, but violations still occur, leading to drowsy driving and increased accident risk.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may use cell phones, eat, or engage in other distractions while driving.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, or load spills, endangering everyone on the road.
- Mechanical Failures: Poorly maintained trucks may suffer from brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Pressure to meet tight delivery schedules can lead to speeding or aggressive driving.
- Weather Conditions: Colorado’s unpredictable weather, especially in winter, increases the risk of accidents due to slippery roads and poor visibility.
- Inadequate Training: Drivers who lack proper training are more likely to make critical errors behind the wheel.
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Centennial, CO
Being involved in an 18-wheeler accident can be a traumatic and confusing experience. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the crash can protect your health and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do if you’re in a truck accident in Centennial, Colorado.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
The priority after a semi-truck accident is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 right away. Emergency responders can provide medical attention and secure the scene to prevent further harm.
Report the Truck Wreck to Police
In Colorado, you’re required to report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage. When officers arrive, they will create an official accident report, which can be a key piece of evidence in your claim. Be honest and stick to the facts when speaking with the police.
Exchange Information with the Driver
Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver. Be sure to get the driver’s name, phone number, license number, the trucking company’s name, and insurance details. Avoid discussing fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Try to get contact information from any witnesses as well. This evidence can support your claim and help your Centennial truck accident lawyer build a strong case.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible to protect your health. Medical records are also important for documenting the extent of your injuries.
Notify Your Insurance Company
You should report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with the basic facts, but avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offer before speaking with an attorney.
Call a Truck Accident Attorney
One of the most important steps you can take is to contact an experienced truck accident attorney right away. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. The sooner you involve a Centennial truck accident lawyer, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
What a Centennial Truck Accident Lawyer Does for Victims
When you’re injured in a tractor-trailer accident, having a knowledgeable Centennial truck accident lawyer on your side can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Truck accident claims are more complicated than typical car accidents because they may involve multiple parties, federal regulations, and higher insurance limits.
A truck accident attorney can guide you through every step of the legal process, helping you build a strong claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Gathering Evidence for a Truck Accident Claim
One of the first things a truck accident lawyer does is launch a detailed investigation into the crash. This includes reviewing the police report, visiting the accident scene, and gathering evidence such as photos, dashcam footage, black box data from the truck, and driver logs. The goal is to collect all the information needed to prove negligence in a truck accident claim.
Identifying All At-Fault Parties
Truck accidents can involve more than just the driver. A skilled Centennial truck accident lawyer will work to identify all potentially liable parties, such as the truck company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or even the truck manufacturer. Holding all responsible parties accountable increases the chances of securing full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Calculating Damages
A truck accident attorney will carefully assess all of your damages, including current and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. They may work with medical experts, financial specialists, and other professionals to accurately calculate how much your claim is worth and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies try to settle truck accident claims quickly and for less than victims deserve. Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurers, push back against lowball offers, and negotiate for a fair settlement. Having legal representation levels the playing field and protects your rights during negotiations.
Taking a Case to Trial if Necessary
While many truck accident claims are resolved through settlements, some cases may need to go to trial. If that happens, your Centennial truck accident lawyer will be fully prepared to present your case in court. They will use the evidence gathered to build a compelling argument and advocate for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Who Can Be Responsible for a Commercial Truck Accident?
Truck accidents often involve more than just the driver behind the wheel. Several individuals or companies may be legally responsible (“liable”) depending on how and why the crash happened. Identifying all at-fault parties is essential to maximizing your compensation.
A skilled Centennial truck accident lawyer can investigate your case to determine exactly who is at fault and help you pursue compensation from all responsible parties.
Truck Driver
Truck drivers can be held accountable if they were negligent or violated traffic laws. Common causes include speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or driving under the influence. If the driver’s careless actions caused the crash, they may be personally responsible.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are often legally responsible for their drivers’ actions, especially if the driver was working at the time of the accident. A company may also be liable for unsafe practices like failing to conduct background checks, pushing drivers to skip rest breaks, or neglecting vehicle maintenance.
The Cargo Loading Company
If cargo is loaded incorrectly, it can shift during transport and cause a serious accident. The company responsible for loading the truck may be liable if the cargo was unbalanced, unsecured, or exceeded weight limits.
The Truck Manufacturer
Sometimes, a mechanical failure, like faulty brakes or a tire blowout, causes a crash. If the truck or one of its parts was defective, the manufacturer or parts supplier may be held responsible.
Third-Party Maintenance Providers
Trucks require regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. If a third-party repair shop or maintenance company failed to properly inspect or service the vehicle, and that failure contributed to the accident, they could also be held liable.
Compensation in a Truck Accident Case
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Centennial, Colorado, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the crash. Semi-truck accident claims often involve significant damages, and a skilled Centennial truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the full amount you deserve.
Medical Expenses
You can seek compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical treatments. Your lawyer will work to ensure these costs are fully covered in your claim.
Lost Wages and Future Income Loss
You can recover lost wages if you miss work while recovering from a truck wreck. If the accident affects your ability to work or reduces your earning potential, you can also seek compensation for lost future income.
Property Damage
Truck accidents often cause major damage to vehicles. You can recover the cost to repair or replace your car and any other personal property damaged in the crash, such as a phone, laptop, or child car seat.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to financial losses, victims can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident. This includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages that affect your well-being.
Permanent Disability
You can demand significant compensation if the accident causes a permanent disability, such as a traumatic brain injury, amputation, or paralysis from a spinal cord injury. This covers long-term care, assistive devices, home modifications, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver or company acted with extreme recklessness or intentional misconduct, such as driving while intoxicated or knowingly violating safety regulations, you may be awarded punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer.
Wrongful Death Cases After Fatal Truck Crashes
Losing a loved one in a truck accident is heartbreaking. No amount of money can ever replace someone you love, but filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help your family find a sense of justice and ease the financial burden caused by the loss.
In Colorado, certain family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents, may be able to pursue compensation after a fatal truck wreck caused by someone else’s negligence.
A compassionate Centennial truck accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process during this difficult time. Wrongful death compensation may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of income and financial support, medical bills related to the final injury, and emotional damages such as grief and loss of companionship. While nothing can undo the tragedy, holding the responsible parties accountable can bring a measure of closure.
How Much Does a Centennial Truck Accident Attorney Cost?
If you’re worried about the cost of hiring a Centennial truck accident lawyer, you’re not alone.
At Colorado Car Accident Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs. Our payment comes from a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, so you can focus on healing without stressing about legal fees.
If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us—it’s that simple. During your free consultation, we’ll explain how our fee structure works and answer any questions you have.
Semi-Truck Accident FAQs
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Colorado?
According to Colorado’s statute of limitations for auto accidents, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years after a truck accident. There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations may be paused until the victim turns 18. The time limit for a wrongful death case is generally two years from the death.
If you wait too long to file a truck accident lawsuit, you will likely lose your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case might be. You should contact a Centennial truck accident lawyer as soon as possible so your attorney can preserve crucial evidence and ensure your case is filed on time.
What Happens If You Share Fault for a Trucking Accident?
Colorado follows a legal rule called modified comparative negligence. This means you can recover compensation if you were partially at fault for a truck accident, but only if you were less than 50% responsible for the crash. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but were found to be 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, and you would receive $80,000. If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you won’t be able to recover any damages at all.
Why Are Truck Accident Cases More Complex Than Car Accidents?
Truck accidents are more complicated than regular car accidents for several reasons.
First, commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, which means they tend to cause more serious injuries and greater property damage. This often leads to higher medical costs, longer recovery times, and more at stake when it comes to compensation. As a result, the claims process is more involved and often more aggressively defended by the trucking company and its insurers.
Another reason tractor-trailer accidents are complex is that they often involve multiple parties. The truck driver, the trucking company, a cargo loading company, a maintenance provider, and a manufacturer could all share responsibility for a truck crash. This means dealing with multiple insurance policies.
Additionally, trucking companies must follow strict federal and state regulations, such as limits on driving hours and rules for vehicle maintenance, which can play a major role in proving fault. An experienced Centennial truck accident lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and build a strong case.
Contact Our Centennial Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Centennial, don’t face the legal and financial challenges alone. Our team at Colorado Car Accident Lawyers will pursue the maximum compensation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
Trucking companies and insurers have teams of lawyers on their side. Level the playing field by hiring a Centennial truck accident lawyer who will fight for you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 864-313-2487 or completing our online form.
