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Fort Collins Truck Accident Lawyer

Because truck accidents involve much larger vehicles capable of much more extensive damage, they are much more serious than passenger car accidents. One commercial truck can easily damage several other vehicles, and the difference in size means that the passenger vehicle will most likely end up in worse shape. Depending on the cargo a truck is carrying, a wreck may cause further roadside dangers.

Many injuries from truck accidents can have lifelong consequences, while others can end in death. As a type of commercial vehicle, a truck will also have the support of its company behind it, presenting a daunting legal challenge. A qualified Fort Collins truck accident lawyer can get you the help you need when it comes to successfully filing your claim and receiving your due compensation. When you work with the Fort Collins accident attorneys of Cannon Law you’ll have:

  • Open communication between you and your legal team, as well as 24/7 accessible phone support
  • A strategy that recognizes the unique circumstances of your case while taking into consideration your desired outcome
  • No upfront payments or legal fees until we win your case

While attempting to recover from your truck accident, you don’t need any additional stress. Contact the Fort Collins truck accident attorneys at Cannon Law for a free consultation and take the first step to get your life back on track.

Colorado Truck Accident Resources:

 

Why Do You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Successfully navigating personal injury claims involves an understanding of the relevant laws and legal procedures. An experienced truck accident lawyer has these understandings and can use that knowledge to help you understand your case and make it through the claims process.

Because trucking accidents can be so severe, many victims of these incidents have injuries that will affect the rest of their lives. With these types of injuries, the extent of damages may be much more than initially meets the eye. Attempting to handle your own case may cause you to underestimate the true value of your damages and ultimately settle for less than you legally deserve. With a lawyer on your side, you’ll have a much better chance of recovering appropriate compensation.

Truck accidents also involve an understanding of commercial vehicle laws on top of standard auto accident information. An experienced truck accident lawyer is more likely to know these laws – and how to work them to your advantage – while putting you on equal footing with the company’s defense.

Fort Collins truck accident lawyers

The Difference Between Truck Accidents and Car Accidents

Truck accidents can cause much more extensive damages than passenger car collisions, mostly due to the truck’s size. It’s common for the passenger vehicle to come off much worse in a truck accident than the vehicle itself, and the same applies to anyone inside the car. Unfortunately, these distinctions are only the beginning.

Commercial trucking accidents involve not only the consideration of the state of the truck and its driver but also the cargo the vehicle is carrying. In some cases, the cargo may be the cause of the accident, such as rollovers or when cargo becomes unsecured and causes damage to the roadway. This evidence is also more difficult to collect, as commercial truck owners protect their vehicles after accidents.

Some common types of truck accidents include:

  • Rollovers – where the vehicle slides and rolls over onto its side
  • Jackknife – where the truck driver brakes too fast and causes the trailer to skid outward
  • Wide turn – where the swinging turn of a truck leads to collisions with other vehicles
  • Lost load – where improperly loaded cargo falls onto the road
  • Under-ride – where the truck stops quickly and smaller vehicles lodge under the truck’s trailer

Trucks are as susceptible to the same types of accidents as other vehicles, including tire blowouts and head-on collisions, but when they happen, they can be much more catastrophic. Because of this and the number of other entities that could be liable, the legal approach to these incidents differs from those of passenger car accidents. Cannon Law knows how to navigate these distinctions and get you the best outcome in court.

Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can create catastrophic injuries for those involved:

  • Broken bones and lacerations. The large size of a commercial truck alone dictates that there will be a large amount of force behind any collisions the truck has. This level of force can easily cause broken bones and severe cuts from damaged glass and other parts of the vehicle.
  • Neck and back injuries. Any car accident can lead to a neck or back injury, but those suffered in trucking accidents tend to go beyond normal levels of pain. A spinal cord injury can cause paralysis, ranging from individual limbs to several parts of the body.
  • Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries. The force of the accident can lead to the head impacting several different objects in a commercial truck crash. These collisions can cause traumatic brain injuries, which are not always apparent and can have lasting impacts on one’s life.
  • Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma can affect the organs, leading to internal injuries. Damage to the liver, bladder, kidneys, spleen, and other vital organs can be very difficult to treat properly.

Beyond these injury types, truck accidents can also be fatal for those involved. Whether you have suffered a personal injury or a loved one has passed due to a truck accident, the support of an attorney can help you protect your rights and recover damages including lost income and medical treatment expenses from the responsible liable parties.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

As with passenger vehicle incidents, many scenarios can lead to a commercial truck accident. Both truck and passenger drivers can be at fault. Some common causes of the accidents include:

  • Inadequate training for handling larger, unwieldy vehicles
  • Reckless driving encouraged by truck driver compensation systems
  • Truck drivers foregoing rest to continue work
  • Improper truck maintenance
  • Improper loading of cargo leading to lost load
  • Improper loading of cargo misbalancing a truck, causing a rollover
  • Distracted driving
  • Motorists driving recklessly around trucks
  • Improper driving for weather conditions
  • Lack of road maintenance

While some causes of these accidents are not the fault of drivers, many of them are the result of negligence. When the truck driver or an associated party acts negligently during their duties, then they may be liable for the accident. Knowing who’s responsible for the truck accident is a critical step in recovering compensation. A Fort Collins truck accident lawyer at Cannon Law will conduct investigations and collect evidence to determine the cause of your truck accident and identify the liable party.

Colorado Truck Accident Laws

All commercial trucks driving in Colorado are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These involve truck drivers meeting appropriate training and licensing requirements, as well as restrictions on the use of drugs and alcohol while operating vehicles. Companies must also place limits on continual hours of service to prevent drivers from working in unsafe conditions.

All commercial trucks must go through regular inspections and receive maintenance to remain compliant with FMCSA standards. Vehicles and drivers that transport hazardous materials must also meet certain qualifications to operate within legal standards. If a truck becomes involved in an accident due to failure to comply with these federal requirements, then the fault will most likely fall with the driver or the company, whichever party is responsible for the FMCSA violation.

Like other auto accidents, truck accidents have a three-year statute of limitations in Colorado. You must file your claim within this time frame or otherwise risk losing your right to compensation. Hiring a truck accident attorney can help ensure that you meet all state requirements and deadlines when pursuing a lawsuit.

Building a Fort Collins Truck Accident Claim

Our law firm consists of Fort Collins personal injury lawyers who specialize in all types of accidents – including truck injuries. We understand how much of an impact these incidents can have on your life. That’s why we’re here to help you through every step of your claims process, including:

  • Investigating the scene of the accident to determine fault
  • Gathering testimony from witnesses
  • Enlisting the help of doctors, expert witnesses, and other lawyers to support your case
  • Help with evaluating medical bills
  • Negotiating with the insurance company over settlement values
  • Representing your case in court

We provide transparent and continual support for your case, from the time you reach out to us for an initial consultation to resolution and compensation payout. With our law firm on your side, you can leave the legal processes to us and focus on having a successful recovery.

Free Consultation from a Fort Collins Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you’ve likely suffered serious consequences as a result. Some of your injuries may be severe enough to cause loss of income or lead to disability. In the worst scenario, you may have lost a loved one in the crash. No matter your circumstances, you deserve a law firm that will treat your case with the weight it deserves.

At Cannon Law, we want to help you recover. Our team-centered approach means we can make use of everyone’s skills to deliver the best outcome for your case. Our truck and auto accident attorneys take into consideration the unique circumstances of your case to build a strategy aimed toward reaching your goals. We’ll always keep you informed of how your case is progressing as we work through the necessary investigations, negotiations, and legal proceedings.

After a commercial truck accident, you need the help of an experienced lawyer to fight for your rightful compensation, so you can focus on getting your life back on track. Trust your case to our law firm with an experienced Fort Collins truck accident lawyer at Cannon Law.