Arvada Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial trucks serve a valuable purpose by transporting products and goods across the country. Unfortunately, these large trucks can be highly dangerous when involved in an accident. In most cases, Colorado truck drivers are alert of the dangers their trucks pose and have undergone extensive training and certification to allow them to operate these commercial vehicles properly. However, truck drivers, trucking companies, and other parties sometimes act negligently and fail to prevent accidents.

Mintz Law Firm is a team of Colorado personal injury lawyers with experience helping clients who have suffered due to truck accidents caused by negligent parties. After a truck accident leaves you seriously injured, it is vital that you know what your next steps should be. Our team of trusted lawyers will work to ensure you are informed throughout each step of the legal process as we help you pursue the fair compensation you are owed for your Arvada truck accident.

WHAT MAKES TRUCK ACCIDENTS DIFFERENT FROM CAR ACCIDENTS?

Truck accidents are not the same as your typical car accident, and there are a few reasons why. Trucks are much larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road, so when a truck is involved in an accident, the impact can be significantly more severe, leading to greater damage and potentially more serious injuries. Trucks, especially fully loaded ones, take longer to stop and can cause more destruction, making the potential for serious injury or property damage higher.

Another key difference lies in the complexity of truck accidents. There are more factors at play, such as the truck's load, whether it was secured properly, and if the truck was maintaining proper safety standards. Plus, truck drivers have to adhere to strict regulations, including how many hours they can drive without a break. All these elements add layers to a truck accident case that you don't typically see in car accident cases.

Understanding Truck Accident Claims in Colorado

Due to the sheer size and mass of commercial trucks, the aftermath of truck accidents often leaves victims with life-altering injuries. This severe amount of damage can also result in a long road to recovery. In addition to the recovery process, the thought of going up against big insurance companies can be stressful for victims looking to pursue compensation for their losses. Victims often require the skills and resources of one of our Arvada truck accident lawyers to be awarded fair compensation for their losses.

In a truck accident, it can be difficult to determine liability. This is because there may be multiple parties who are partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries. The parties that might be found at fault for a truck accident in Colorado are as follows:

• The truck/car driver
• The trucking company
• The truck manufacturers
• Cargo loaders

If you are not sure who may be liable for your injuries and losses in your Arvada truck accident, it is important that you consult with one of our trusted truck accident lawyers who can help by reviewing the specific details of your claim. 

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS?

Truck accidents often stem from a variety of factors, both on the part of the truck driver and other road users. Understanding these causes can help in preventing future accidents and is crucial when seeking justice and compensation in legal proceedings. Here are some common causes of truck accidents:

• Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road without sufficient rest can lead to tiredness, reducing a driver's reaction time and attention to the road.
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo: Trucks carrying more weight than they should, or with cargo that's not properly tied down, can lose balance or shed their load, causing accidents.
• Equipment failure: This includes issues like brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems, often due to inadequate maintenance.
• Distracted driving: Like all road users, truck drivers can be distracted by mobile devices, eating, or other activities that take their focus off the road.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Exceeding speed limits or engaging in dangerous maneuvers can make it difficult for trucks to stop in time to avoid an accident.
• Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can all significantly increase the risk of accidents by reducing visibility and making roads slippery.
• Lack of training: Insufficient training on the part of the truck driver regarding safe driving practices and how to handle the truck in different situations can lead to accidents.
  

Identifying the cause of a truck accident is the first step in determining liability and pursuing a lawsuit.

What Damages Can You Collect For a Truck Accident?

The losses that victims experience are often greater in truck accidents due to the nature of the injuries they have suffered. When dealing with serious injuries, our Colorado personal injury attorneys have experience helping victims build strong claims so they can pursue the fair compensation they deserve. The damages you may be eligible to retain following an Arvada truck accident are as follows:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death

If you are unsure what damages you can collect for your injuries following a truck accident, our legal team can assist you by going over your specific case. When going up against the aggressive tactics of the insurance providers, they will typically try to award you the lowest possible settlement amount. This is why it is crucial to work with our truck accident lawyers who can help you negotiate for the best possible amount in compensation for the losses you have suffered. 

HOW DO FEDERAL TRUCKING REGULATIONS AND LAWS APPLY IN ARVADA TRUCK ACCIDENTS?

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident in Arvada involves understanding how federal trucking regulations and state laws intertwine. At the heart of these regulations are the safety standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which aim to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses on our roads. Here’s a breakdown of how these rules apply in Arvada truck accidents.

Truck drivers operating in Arvada, as elsewhere in the U.S., must hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) as mandated by state law. This ensures that they have met specific skill and knowledge requirements to safely operate large vehicles. Additionally, to participate in interstate commerce, drivers must be at least 21 years old. This age requirement helps ensure that drivers have enough on-road experience before handling the complexities of long-haul trucking.

Federal regulations also dictate the driving hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents. A driver cannot operate a vehicle for more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty. There's also a mandate for a 30-minute break if they have driven for eight continuous hours. These rules are crucial in preventing tiredness behind the wheel, a common cause of accidents.

The FMCSA requires daily truck inspections by drivers, with any discovered issues reported and addressed to prevent equipment failures on the road. This is complemented by regular inspections carried out by federal employees, ensuring adherence to safety standards.

Following certain accidents, drivers must undergo drug and alcohol testing, a critical step in promoting road safety and accountability.

In Colorado, the state provides specific weight limits for trucks, emphasizing the importance of safe vehicle operation and protecting road infrastructure. The limits vary based on the truck's axle configuration, with single-axle vehicles having a weight limit of 20,000 pounds on interstate roads.

Understanding these regulations and how they apply can significantly impact the handling of a truck accident lawsuit in Arvada, highlighting the importance of legal expertise in these situations.

How Can Our Truck Accident Lawyers Help With Your Case?

After a truck accident, your main focus should be to recover from any injuries you have suffered. When you work with one of our truck accident lawyers, they can provide you with the following benefits:

• Investigating the accident
• Speaking with insurance companies on your behalf
• Investigating the truck driver’s history
• Obtaining the trucking company’s records
• Consulting expert witnesses regarding your injuries
• Calculating your damages
• Negotiating settlements on your behalf

Regardless of what caused your truck accident or who is found to be responsible, if your life has been altered as a result of another party’s negligence, you should be compensated for any losses you suffered. To get help with your truck accident claim, contact our legal team as soon as possible to get started with the process of filing your claim.

Contact an Arvada Truck Accident Lawyer at Mintz Law Firm

If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident due to the negligence of another party that failed to uphold a duty of care owed to you, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses. To get help with your claim, a trusted truck accident lawyer may be able to assist you.

Mintz Law Firm is a team of award-winning personal injury lawyers with experience helping clients in Colorado pursue the damages they are owed after they suffer an injury due to a truck accident. Our Arvada truck accident attorneys are proud to provide clients with the trusted and dedicated representation they deserve throughout each step of the Colorado claims process. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Arvada truck accident lawyers, contact us here or call (303) 462-2999.