Denver, CO Truck Accident Attorneys
Protecting truck accident victims in Denver Metro, Boulder, Greeley, Steamboat Springs, Fort Collins, and all of Colorado
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(303) 214-7927Address: 1512 Larimer St Ste 600, Denver, CO 80202 Call Any Time – 24/7
Denver Truck Accident & Injury Lawyers
At Ramos Law, we understand the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life. Whether you’re navigating medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma, our experienced Denver truck accident attorneys are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
With a deep commitment to protecting victims in Denver and surrounding areas, we combine legal expertise with genuine care. Dr. Ramos, a former ER doctor turned attorney, built this firm to put people first – and that’s exactly what we do for our clients.
Don’t face this journey alone. Let us guide you through the complex legal process so you can focus on healing. Our team is ready to listen to your story and take immediate action to secure your future.
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We Understand Your Injuries Better Than Anyone Doctor + Lawyer
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, and Denver is no exception. Each year, hundreds of truck-related crashes in Denver County lead to severe injuries and tragic fatalities. Large trucks play a crucial role in transportation, carrying 72.5% of the nation’s cargo, but their size and weight make them particularly dangerous on the road. Trucks usually weigh 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars, and a fully loaded tractor-trailer takes 20% to 40% more distance to stop than a standard passenger vehicle.
Common collision types, such as rear-end accidents, highlight the challenges posed by large vehicles on busy roads. Speeding is a major factor in these incidents, contributing to about 32% of truck accidents. Other contributing causes include driver fatigue, inadequate training, and mechanical failures, which increase the risk of severe crashes.
These incidents often result in serious harm, including broken bones, spinal injuries, and other life-altering traumas. If you or a loved one has been affected by a truck accident in Denver, Ramos Law is here to help. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring you receive the treatment and compensation you deserve. From understanding your rights to navigating complex insurance claims, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
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"This case has changed my life. Mikey’s story was deeply emotional, and we lived and breathed his journey for over two years. Knowing we’ve secured a brighter future for him makes all the challenges worth it."
Truck Accident Injury Guide
Truck accidents can leave you overwhelmed by injuries, mounting bills, and complex legal issues. Download our free accident checklist from Ramos Law to ensure you gather key evidence, report the incident, and secure the full compensation you deserve.
Download PDFTable of Contents Truck Accidents
- Immediate Steps After a Truck Accident
- Submit an Accident Report
- Gather Evidence
- Seek Medical Attention
- Find a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer
- Do I Need an Attorney After a Truck Crash in Denver
- Truck Accident Statistics
- Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in the U.S.
- How Long Can Truck Accident Settlements Take
- Factors Affecting a Truck Accident Case Outcome
Taking immediate action after a truck accident in Denver, CO, is critical for safety and legal reasons.
Immediate Steps After a Truck Accident in Denver, CO
Insurance companies look for any reason to avoid paying accident claims. The steps you take immediately following your truck accident can affect the likelihood of securing adequate compensation.
Submit an Accident Report
Call 911 for local law enforcement to arrive at the accident scene. Colorado law mandates that you file reports for any accident resulting in injury or property damage.
Additionally, police reports are invaluable pieces of evidence, as they document the details and circumstances of the crash. These documents will help establish negligence and strengthen your case.
Gather Evidence
The more evidence gathered about the accident, the better. If you aren’t in immediate danger, try to obtain the contact details of all witnesses and involved parties. Additionally, take photos of every vehicle and detail the scene, if possible.
Preventable circumstances often cause large truck accidents – but they’re often difficult to find. There are several items to consider when investigating truck accidents in Denver, such as:
- Applicable federal, state, and municipal laws
- Records and certifications of the driver
- Truck records and certifications
- Shipping company policies
- Policies of the trucking company
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention after your truck crash is crucial, even if you don’t have apparent injuries. Adrenaline and shock typically mask internal damage, and the mildest injury could be more severe than you initially thought.
You’ll need to prove that your injuries and medical bills were due to the crash as part of your claim. Seeking immediate medical attention helps draw a conclusive line between your injuries and the accident. Make sure to document all your injuries — keeping a diary or journal day-by-day is helpful — and keep your medical bills in a safe place to provide evidence supporting your claim.
Find a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer
It’s possible you could end up fighting against your own insurance company. The same organization you pay to protect you and your family may not support you like you thought they would.
Unfortunately, it’s all too common to fight with more than one insurance company – yours and the truck driver’s. That’s why it’s vital to contact a truck accident attorney in Denver, CO, as soon as possible.
Contact the Denver truck accident lawyers of Ramos Law before speaking to an insurance agent or assessor to protect your rights. Don’t sign or agree to anything before consulting with an attorney, as doing so can significantly weaken your case. The sooner you hire a lawyer, the sooner you can focus on recovering and returning to your life.
If you’re worried about not affording a lawyer, rest assured. The personal injury attorneys of Ramos Law won’t charge you out of pocket for our services.
The initial consultation is always free. If we agree to take your case, our goal is to win and not receive payment until we do! Our compensation will come from the settlement the other party awards to you. You can afford us.
Do I Need an Attorney After a Truck Crash in Denver?
You absolutely need an attorney after a Denver truck accident. The claim process for personal injuries can be challenging to navigate, especially without legal experience.
While your insurance may handle the personal injury or other damage claims, there are others involved who would do anything but pay a claim. You need an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer to build a strong case that protects your interests.
The statute of limitations in Colorado is three years from the injury date. Therefore, if your accident and subsequent injuries took place in the last three years, you may be entitled to compensation.
However, you must act quickly. Any claim surpassing the three-year mark isn’t eligible for a settlement.
If you’ve been in a crash, don’t hesitate to contact the Ramos Law truck accident attorneys to learn about your options. Our personal injury attorneys in Denver offer free consultations, and we’ll care for you and your family during this difficult time.
Truck Accident Statistics
The 2022 Traffic Safety Facts sheet published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 5,936 people were killed in traffic crashes involving large trucks. The death rate increased 2% from 5,821 in 2021. Worse, 70% of those killed in large truck accidents were occupants in other vehicles—trucks are much more dangerous to you than you are to them.
Other notable findings include:
- 3% of large truck drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2022 had blood alcohol concentrations of .08 g/dL or above, much lower than drivers of other vehicle types.
- Drivers of large trucks involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2022 had a higher percentage (20.8%) of previously recorded crashes compared to drivers of other vehicle types.
- In 2022, drivers of large trucks in fatal traffic crashes were less likely (6%) to have previous license suspensions or revocations than other vehicle types.
The report also noted that 76% of fatal large truck accidents occurred during the workweek during times of heavy traffic.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in the U.S.
While complex issues rest behind nearly all large truck accidents, some of the most common include:
- Vehicle-related failure
- Following too closely to respond to unexpected situations
- Overcompensation
- Fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel
- Cardiac arrest or other physical issue
Other factors commonly associated with large truck accidents include:
- Brake issues
- Unfamiliarity with the surroundings
- Working under pressure
- Tire issues
- Illegal drug use
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
How Long Can Truck Accident Settlements Take?
Commercial truck accidents often require extensive investigations and involve numerous parties. Parties can include the injury victim, truck driver, trucking company, third-party cargo loaders, maintenance companies, the truck manufacturer, and state or federal regulatory agencies.
Due to their complexity and the number of entities involved, resolving such cases can take months or even years. Our experienced auto accident attorneys in Denver, CO, aim to secure your compensation swiftly and provide guidance throughout the process.
Factors Affecting a Truck Accident Case Outcome
Several factors can influence the speed, settlement amount, and final determination of truck accident cases. Common considerations include injury extent, insurance, and liability.
Injuries
The extent of injuries in a truck accident lawsuit can affect the outcome by influencing the compensation amount, case duration, the need for extensive documentation, and the consideration of long-term consequences. Severe injuries often lead to higher compensation due to increased medical expenses and long-term care needs. Such cases take longer to settle as it’s essential to wait until maximum medical improvement is reached.
Current and Future Medical Expenses
Current and future medical expenses may also play a critical role. Current medical expenses include immediate costs such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Future medical expenses account for ongoing treatment, long-term care, follow-up surgeries, and therapies required due to the accident. Accurate estimation of these costs is vital in ensuring you full compensation for your medical needs over time.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover lost income from the inability to work during recovery, reduced earning capacity due to long-term or permanent disabilities, and the loss of future wages if you can’t return to your previous employment. Thorough documentation, including pay stubs, tax returns, and expert testimony on potential future earnings, is necessary to substantiate these claims.
Mental and Emotional Trauma
Non-economic damages account for the psychological impact of the accident, including conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. Documenting emotional trauma requires comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations, which provide evidence of the distress and its effects on your daily life and well-being. The severity and long-term nature of the emotional trauma influence compensation, often leading to more complex and lengthy negotiations or trials, as these damages are subjective and harder to quantify compared to economic losses.
Regulatory Compliance
Commercial vehicles may involve complex liability issues, including employer responsibility and higher insurance coverage limits, which can affect settlement negotiations and legal strategies. And because federal and state regulations bind commercial trucks, adherence to them by both the driver and trucking company can be a factor.
Insurance Types and Limits
The at-fault driver's liability insurance coverage dictates the maximum amount that can go toward medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. If the policy limits are low, it may not cover the full extent of your damages, potentially leading to out-of-pocket expenses or the need to pursue additional compensation through your underinsured motorist coverage or a personal lawsuit. Different types of insurance, such as comprehensive, collision, or personal injury protection (PIP), also play roles in covering specific damages regardless of fault.
Fault and Liability
Fault and liability significantly affect the outcome of a truck accident lawsuit in Colorado, as the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that the compensation a victim can receive is reduced by the percentage of fault in the accident.
If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover any damages. Therefore, establishing clear liability is crucial; the less fault attributed to the victim, the higher the potential compensation. Accurate determination of fault involves thorough investigation, evidence collection, and often expert testimony.
Legal Representation Quality
Fault and liability significantly affect the outcome of a truck accident lawsuit in Colorado, as the state follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that the compensation a victim can receive is reduced by the percentage of fault in the accident.
If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover any damages. Therefore, establishing clear liability is crucial; the less fault attributed to the victim, the higher the potential compensation. Accurate determination of fault involves thorough investigation, evidence collection, and often expert testimony.
How Commercial Truck Accidents Differ From Standard Vehicle Crashes
Commercial truck accidents involve unique challenges that set them apart from typical passenger vehicle collisions. Understanding these differences is crucial when pursuing legal action after a truck accident in Denver.
Higher Stakes and More Severe Injuries
Truck accidents typically result in more catastrophic outcomes due to the massive size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. As mentioned earlier, trucks can weigh 20-30 times more than standard cars, leading to devastating injuries even in seemingly minor collisions. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, longer recovery periods, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Complex Liability Issues
Unlike standard auto accidents where liability typically falls on one driver, truck accidents can involve multiple responsible parties:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The vehicle manufacturer
- Maintenance providers
- Cargo loading companies
- Parts manufacturers
Identifying all potentially liable parties requires specialized knowledge and thorough investigation, which our team at Ramos Law is equipped to handle.
Specialized Regulations and Requirements
Commercial trucks must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that don’t apply to passenger vehicles. These include:
- Hours-of-service limitations
- Special licensing requirements
- Strict maintenance protocols
- Regular inspection schedules
- Weight restrictions
Violations of these regulations can strengthen your claim, but identifying these breaches requires specialized legal expertise.
Powerful Corporate Opposition
Black Box Data and Electronic Evidence
Modern commercial trucks contain electronic logging devices and “black boxes” that record crucial data about the vehicle’s operation, including:
- Speed at impact
- Braking patterns
- Hours of operation
- Rest periods
- Mechanical issues
This data can provide invaluable evidence but must be requested promptly before it’s lost or overwritten.
Our Denver truck accident attorneys understand these critical differences and have the resources to build a comprehensive case that addresses these unique challenges. Let Dr. Ramos and our experienced legal team guide you through this complex process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Related Reading
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FAQs
At Ramos Law, we understand that navigating insurance claims can be challenging. To help you maximize your compensation from your insurance company in Denver, we recommend the following steps:
- Review Your Policy: Start by thoroughly understanding your insurance policy. Know your coverage limits, deductibles, and the claims process. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to.
- Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all interactions with your insurance company. Document your damages, medical treatments, and any related expenses with photos and detailed notes. This documentation will support your claim and strengthen your case.
- File Your Claim Promptly: Report the incident to your insurance company immediately. Timely reporting is essential, as delays can complicate your claim or result in reduced compensation.
- Provide Complete Information: Ensure that all required documents and information are submitted accurately and promptly. Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to delays or denials.
- Negotiate: If the insurance company’s initial offer doesn’t cover all your damages, don’t accept it right away. Insurance companies often start with lower offers, so be prepared to negotiate for a fair settlement.
- Seek Professional Assistance: If you encounter difficulties or if the insurance company is uncooperative, consult with our Denver truck accident attorneys. We’ll guide you through the claims process, negotiate on your behalf, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Gather as much evidence as possible, including:
- Contact information: Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all parties involved.
- Insurance details: Policy numbers and contact information for every party.
- Photos: Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Witness information: Names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Medical records: Documentation of all injuries and treatments.
This information will be crucial for building a strong case and pursuing fair compensation.
Potential compensation for a truck accident can include:
- Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to injuries.
- Property damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
- Other damages: Depending on the case, this could include loss of earning capacity, wrongful death, and more.
It’s generally advisable to avoid contacting the other driver’s insurance company directly. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts, and any statements you make could be used against you. It’s better to let your insurance company or an attorney handle communication with the other party’s insurer.
Colorado has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is generally three years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney to understand the specific deadlines and how they apply to your case.
If the at-fault driver in an accident doesn’t have insurance, you still have options. First, check if your insurance covers the damages. MedPay can help with medical expenses, and collision coverage can assist with vehicle repairs. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it can compensate for medical costs, pain, suffering, and lost income.
If these options don’t cover all your losses, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver, depending on their financial assets. A Denver truck accident attorney can help you navigate insurance claims and legal options.
Colorado is an at-fault state for auto accidents. This means the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for damages.
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