Truck Accident Attorneys in Denver, CO, Representing the Rights of Victims in Claims Against Trucking Companies and Their Insurance

Today, we see a large number of 18-wheelers and other large commercial trucks on the roads, delivering goods and providing assistance to customers with necessary services such as garbage collection or moving services. While these vehicles are essential to our everyday lives, they can also be incredibly destructive when involved in a crash. Victims of a truck accident face higher mortality rates and more severe injuries than those who suffer a car accident. Those who experience a truck accident often face long recovery times, substantial medical bills, and lost wages due to time away from work. Not to mention the mental trauma caused by being involved in such a terrifying event.atv-accident-rollover-accident-in-denver-colorado

Truck Accident Attorneys in Denver, CO, Representing the Rights of Victims in Claims Against Trucking Companies and Their Insurance

Trucking companies are required to carry higher coverage on their vehicles because of the inherent risk of serious damage if they are involved in an accident. While this would seem to make it easier for victims to recover compensation for their damages, it often has the opposite effect. Because settlements with a trucking company and its insurance can be financially significant, these companies often hire experienced attorneys to fight these claims and reduce the amount they pay out. The Denver truck accident attorneys at Genco Injury Attorneys are here to level the playing field for victims. We believe in fighting to get you the fair compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you have been in a truck accident, contact our law office today at 303-500-1376 for a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident attorneys. We are here to answer all of your legal questions and help you recover after your truck accident.

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?

There are many factors that can lead to a truck accident. The driver of another vehicle may cut off a truck, forcing it to take evasive action. Or an essential part may fail, such as the brakes, which can result in an out-of-control vehicle leaving terrible damage in its wake. However, one of the most common causes of truck accidents is human error on the part of truck drivers. Truck drivers are highly trained individuals, but they face many pressures on the job that can contribute to truck accidents. They often have to meet tight deadlines for their trucking company, which can lead to driving while feeling unwell or exhausted. This can also cause drivers to drive at speeds that are too high for the road or weather conditions. Another danger for truck drivers is the fact that many of them drive on roads in areas they are not familiar with in order to make deliveries. This lack of familiarity at night, in heavy traffic, or in adverse weather conditions can greatly increase the chances of a truck accident as drivers try to navigate unfamiliar terrain. Other possible causes of a truck accident include:

  • Operating the vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Driving while fatigued
  • Distracted or inattentive driving
  • Problems with tires or mechanical failures of the truck
  • Loss of control due to damaged or poorly marked roads
  • Unbalanced load causing handling problems
  • Speeding
  • Failure to take into account road conditions
  • Driver’s medical emergency

What Steps Should You Take If You Have Been In A Truck Accident?

The aftermath of an accident can be very chaotic. This is especially true in truck accidents, as they typically involve vehicles such as 18-wheelers, garbage trucks, or delivery vans, which have a much greater mass than typical passenger vehicles. This size disparity can lead to devastating crashes and serious injuries. Of course, ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones after a truck accident is first and foremost. If someone is seriously injured, call 911 and follow the instructions of the responding medical services. After this, if you are physically able, here are some steps you can take that could help improve your case:

  • Call the police: Colorado law requires that the police be notified after any accident that causes injury or damage. Police officers will respond to the scene and write up an accident report. Since this report is important evidence in your case, make sure you understand how to obtain a copy once it is completed.
  • Collect truck driver information: Include the truck driver’s name, license plate number, vehicle number (if present), and the name of the trucking company owner.
  • Collect the truck driver’s insurance information: Get the insurance company name, policy number, and insurance company phone number.
  • Take photos: Take several photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage from different angles. You may be able to capture something that the police photos missed.
  • Get contact information for witnesses: If there is anyone present who saw the accident or if someone stopped to help, get their name, address and phone number.
  • Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you don’t feel pain, have yourself and any passengers medically evaluated as soon as possible. Some injuries are not immediately apparent and can even be life-threatening. If your vehicle was damaged, chances are your body was, too.
  • Don’t make statements: You should not argue about who was at fault for the accident, tell anyone you feel fine, or offer apologies, as these statements can be used against you later by the insurance company in negotiations or in court.
  • Contact a Denver truck accident lawyer immediately: They can advise you on the next steps you should take. They can also speak to insurance companies on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.

What Injuries Can Occur During a Truck Accident?

A truck accident can happen in a moment and leave catastrophic damage in its wake. The definition of a large truck is any vehicle with a gross weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds. Meanwhile, an average vehicle weighs between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds. It’s not surprising then that the overwhelming majority of injuries and deaths in truck accidents occur to individuals who are not in the truck. The mass of a truck makes it especially devastating in a collision. Some common injuries resulting from a truck accident include:

  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Back, head and neck injuries
  • Burns
  • Crush injuries
  • Dislocations
  • Head trauma
  • Cuts and bruises
  • Paralysis
  • Amputated limbs
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Whiplash

Permanent disability or death can also be consequences of truck accidents due to their severity. Survivors could suffer from trauma-related mental health issues such as nightmares, phobias, anxiety, and PTSD. A truck accident can be a life-changing experience for you and your loved ones. Our experienced truck accident attorneys will carefully investigate your case to hold both the truck driver and the trucking company accountable for the negligent actions that resulted in your injuries.

What Are the Dangers of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)?

Newer vehicles are equipped with the most modern safety features. From crumple zones designed to spread the force of an impact before it reaches the car’s seating area to advanced airbag designs to cushion the body from blows from almost any angle, a new car is made to protect occupants as much as possible during an accident. Unfortunately, a truck accident causes impacts that are often beyond the protective capabilities of most passenger vehicles. These impacts result in serious injuries, especially damage to delicate brain tissue. There are different levels of traumatic brain injuries (TBI): mild, moderate, severe, and coma. Don’t be fooled by the nomenclature, though, because a mild TBI is still a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. Instead, the levels are named based on the victim’s potential to heal from the damage and how long that recovery will take. As the levels increase, so does the likelihood of permanent damage. A TBI can also result in side effects, such as:

  • Cognitive disabilities
  • Memory deficits
  • Loss of sensory function
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Concentration problems

If you have been diagnosed with a TBI after a truck accident, your legal team at Genco Injury Attorneys will be with you every step of the way as you recover and fight for the justice you deserve.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Denver, CO

If you have been involved in a truck accident in Denver, Colorado, and need an experienced attorney to fight for your case, contact Genco Injury Attorneys. We have years of experience representing truck accident victims and fighting for the compensation they deserve. We specialize in the complex details of truck accidents, and we are ready to help you. Get a free consultation by calling 303-500-1376 today.