Truck Accident Lawyers in Lakewood, CO

Lakewood, Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Denver, Boulder, and Nearby Areas

18 wheel truck in rearview mirrorNo matter how safe your vehicle is, it is no match for a tractor trailer in the event of a motor vehicle accident. Most regular cars on the road weigh between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. Semi-trucks, on the other hand, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds depending on the cargo they’re carrying.

When a passenger vehicle is involved in an accident with a big rig, the results can be devastating and tragic. If you or a loved on has been in an accident with an 18-wheeler, working with an attorney is the best way to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

The Colorado truck accident lawyers at the Frickey Law Firm have been representing victims for decades. We know what your rights are, and we’ll fight fiercely and ethically to defend them. Call 303-237-7373 today for a complimentary case evaluation.

What Factors Contribute To Truck Accidents & Who Is Liable?

One of the leading causes of truck accidents is negligence. That said, figuring out who is at fault can still be difficult. Not only could the driver of the truck be to blame, but their employer, the truck manufacturer, vehicle parts makers, and maintenance personnel could be found liable as well.

For instance, if the truck’s tire blows out and causes an accident, the tire manufacturer tire may be held liable. If the accident was the result of a sleep-deprived driver, their employer could be held liable if they forced the driver to work more than the legal amount of hours in one day.

We can help you determine who was truly at fault for accidents caused by things like:

  • Speeding
  • Reckless/aggressive driving
  • Brake failure
  • Tire blowouts
  • Dangerous or defective highways
  • Distracted driving
  • Driver fatigue
  • Improper maintenance
  • Improper loading
  • Oversized trucks
  • Overloaded trucks
  • Failure to yield
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Lack of driver training
  • Lack of driver experience
  • Broken or improperly maintained parts
  • Improperly maintained safety precautions

Insurance has their team. Get yours.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Truck Accident?

If you are involved in a truck accident, the number one thing to remember is: stay calm. Accidents can be terrifying, but doing your best to collect yourself and achieve some level of composure can help make the situation seem less scary. Remember these tips in the event of a truck accident:

  • Look for injuries. Check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If there are casualties, call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Assess the situation. If you can do so safely, move the vehicles and large pieces of debris off the road. If 9-1-1 has not been called, contact your local non-emergency numbers so police can respond to the scene.
  • Collect evidence. To have the best chance of a successful outcome, you’ll need evidence that proves the negligence of the other parties involved. Take pictures of the scene at every angle, the damage done to each vehicle, and any visible injuries. Collect contact and insurance information from the other parties and take notes on the date, time, location, and what the weather was like when the accident occurred.
  • Talk to witness. Find out if anyone nearby saw or heard part or all of the accident. Ask if they would be willing to testify in court and, if so, get their contact information.
  • Report the accident to your insurer. They will ask you for some information regarding the accident. Provide them with what they need but do not give any recorded statements without an attorney present.
  • Contact the Frickey Law Firm. The insurance companies that represent the driver, trucking company, and manufacturers will do whatever they can to get you to settle out of court, often for a lot less money than you may be entitled to. An experienced truck accident lawyer will protect your rights and fight for what you deserve.

How Soon After a Truck Accident Should I Contact An Attorney? 

You should contact an attorney immediately after a truck accident. It is in your best interest to act very fast. There are a few different reasons you do not want to wait to get legal help.

Involving an attorney in the process before you talk to the insurance companies is a great way to protect your rights. It will also help to ensure that you do not accept a bad settlement offer. 

Our attorneys can also help gather and preserve the evidence needed to build a strong case. If it is necessary to file a lawsuit, we will also make sure that you do not miss the strict deadline. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is generally two years from the accident date.

What Injuries Are Commonly Caused By Truck Accidents?

Because of the additional weight and size of a tractor trailer, accidents involving 18-wheelers and cars can cause catastrophic injuries. Some individuals are lucky enough to walk away from a truck accident with scrapes and bruises. Others find themselves suffering severe injuries and dealing with a mountain of medical bills.

Common truck accident injuries include:

What Type of Compensation Can I Receive After a Truck Crash?

You can receive compensation for all of the ways that the truck crash has impacted your life. It is also standard to seek compensation for all of the ways that the accident will affect your future. 

truck accident compensation infographic

Generally, compensation after a trucking accident will include various damages such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Home modifications 
  • Lost wages
  • Property loss
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium 

How Much Compensation Can I Expect to Recover After a Truck Accident?

It is difficult to answer this question without knowing the specific facts of your truck accident. Truck accident settlements and judgments can vary significantly from one case to the next.

Be aware that insurance companies tend to lowball unrepresented plaintiffs who are injured. Working with our attorneys is the best way to get the money you need to protect your future.

How Can A Lawyer Help Me In My Truck Accident Case? 

Truck drivers and their employers have a duty to operate their vehicles responsibly and according to the rules and regulations established by the U.S. government. To be compensated after a truck accident, we must be able to prove that this was not the case.

We’ll review information from the truck’s black box recorder, as well as cell phone and satellite data, to determine who was at fault. Our attorneys will also work with experts and specialists who can recreate the accident and the events leading up to it, providing further insight about what really happened.

If your pain and suffering was the result of negligence on the part of the driver, their employer, or a manufacturer, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Depression
  • Fear of driving
  • PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • Guilt
  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills
  • Loss of future earning capacity

Learn more about truck accident claims in our blog

Can I Pursue a Claim Against a Trucking Company for My Truck Accident Injury?

Many injured individuals make the mistake of thinking trucking companies cannot be sued. In fact, there are many circumstances in which a trucking company may be liable for damages.

You may be able to pursue a claim against a trucking company in the presence of:

  • Negligent hiring practices 
  • Hours of service violations
  • Negligent training practices
  • Failure to maintain vehicles 

The employment status of the truck driver can impact trucking company liability. Your ability to sue will change depending on whether the driver is an employee or an independent contractor.

Should I Settle or Pursue a Case in Court for My Truck Accident?

Most truck accident cases settle outside of court. However, going to trial can make sense when needed to obtain justice and maximum compensation. Keep in mind that you can settle a lawsuit after you file it, but you cannot file a lawsuit after you settle with the insurance company.

The best course of action will depend on the unique factors of your accident. Our attorneys will gladly provide more insight when you call them to schedule your free initial case evaluation.

Contact Frickey Law Firm for Help Today

If your life has been changed by a tractor-trailer accident, you need the help of an experienced lawyer. Because these cases can involve multiple parties, the litigation process can be a long road.

Don’t hesitate to contact the Frickey Law Firm by calling 303-237-7373. Our attorneys serve Lakewood, Boulder, Denver and nearby areas of Colorado. The sooner you find legal representation, the quicker you can receive compensation and get your life back on track. Your initial consultation is complimentary.