Fort Collins Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt due to a negligent truck driver, call me now. With over 32 years of experience handling 18-wheeler accident cases, I know how to fight for your rights. I’ve represented against all the billion dollar insurance companies in the USA, so I understand their tactics and how to negotiate effectively with their adjusters. When you’re injured, having a seasoned truck accident attorney on your side is crucial. Rest assured, 99% of cases are resolved without the need to file a lawsuit.

When you’re involved in an accident with a truck, the consequences are often much more severe than a collision with a car. Trucks, especially 18-wheelers, have unique characteristics that contribute to the increased danger:

• Size and Weight: Semi trucks are up to six times larger than the average car, with a weight of around 80,000 lbs (40 tons), compared to a typical car’s 5,000 lbs. This massive difference in size and weight means that the impact of a collision with a truck can be devastating.
• Power and Torque: An average semi truck generates 400-600 horsepower and 1,000-2,000 foot-pounds of torque. This immense power, combined with the truck’s size, makes accidents more destructive.
• Engine Durability: Semi truck engines are designed to last for up to 1 million miles before needing an overhaul or rebuild. These engines are built for endurance, often running non-stop and holding more than 15 gallons of oil.
• Gearing: With more than 12 gears, semi trucks are engineered for heavy-duty performance, allowing them to manage the vast weight and power they carry.
• Braking Systems: Semi trucks require 40% more time to stop than a car, making failure to properly brake a common cause of accidents. Trucks are equipped with air braking systems, which are safer because a leak doesn’t cause complete brake failure. However, they are noisy, leading to “No Engine Brake” signs in some towns.
• Jack-Knife Accidents: These occur when a truck’s trailer skids on a slippery surface, forming a dangerous angle with the tractor. Once the trailer exceeds a 45-degree angle, a jack-knife is almost inevitable, often leading to serious accidents.

Given these factors, collisions with trucks are far more dangerous than car accidents. The extreme weight, power, and specialized equipment of trucks mean that the resulting injuries are usually much more severe. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to understand the unique risks and seek experienced legal help.

Truck accidents can lead to a range of severe injuries due to the size and force of these massive vehicles. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Death
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Neck and Back Pain/Spinal Injuries
• Broken and Fractured Bones
• Internal Injuries
• Lacerations
• Rib and Torso Injuries
• Seatbelt Injuries
• Paralysis

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided some alarming statistics:

• 1% of All Truck Crashes Are Fatal: While 1% might seem small, it is significant when considering the total number of truck accidents across the United States.
• 23% of Truck Accidents Result in Injury: Nearly a quarter of all truck accidents lead to injuries, reflecting the dangers involved.
• Truck Accidents Account for 8% of All Fatal Accidents and 3% of All Car Injuries in the U.S.: Trucks play a disproportionately large role in serious and fatal accidents.
• 63% of All Semi Truck Accidents Occur on Rural Roads: Driving on rural roads comes with increased risks, as the majority of semi truck accidents happen in these areas.
• 83% of Truck Crashes Happen on Weekdays: The higher volume of traffic during weekdays, especially during rush hours, contributes to the likelihood of accidents.
• In 74% of All Truck Accidents, the Truck Hits Another Vehicle First: Most truck accidents begin with the truck colliding with another vehicle, highlighting the importance of defensive driving.
• Only 5% of Trucking Accidents Start with a Rollover: Although rollovers are dangerous, they are relatively rare compared to other types of truck accidents.

Understanding the nature and frequency of these injuries and accidents underscores the need for caution and the importance of experienced legal representation if you’re involved in a truck accident.

In truck accident cases, proving liability (fault), causation (that the injuries were caused by the truck accident), and damages (the amount of money claimed for your injuries) is crucial, just as it is in standard car accidents. However, truck accidents involve unique challenges:

• Truck Control and Driver Impairment: Trucks are harder to control than cars, and drivers often face tight schedules, leading to fatigue. Fatigued or impaired driving is common and dangerous, contributing to accidents.
• Federal Regulations: Truckers and truck owners must follow strict federal laws, such as those outlined in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The US Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also enforce rules that lawyers must be familiar with to prove liability.
• State-Specific Rules: Each state has its own regulations governing trucking, making it essential for attorneys to understand both federal and state laws.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

• The At-Fault Driver: The truck driver is directly liable for the accident.
• The Truck Owner: The owner of the truck is vicariously liable for the actions of the driver.
• The Lessee: If the truck was leased, the person or company that leased it may also be liable.
• The Manufacturer: In cases where a defect (e.g., tire failure) contributes to the accident, the truck manufacturer could be held responsible.
• The Shipper or Loader: If improper loading of the truck caused or contributed to the accident, the shipper or loader could be liable.

Given the massive size and weight of trucks, proving that injuries resulted from the accident is usually straightforward. However, just like in a car accident, you must still prove that you were “damaged” by the truck accident itself to claim compensation.

Potential Damages in Truck Accident Cases

In truck accident cases, a jury may award damages for various losses and suffering, including:

• Medical Bills: Costs for treatment and rehabilitation.
• *Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injury.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for the diminished ability to earn in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Permanent Injuries: Compensation for long-term or permanent impairments.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the reduction in quality of life.
• Scarring or Disfigurement: Compensation for visible and lasting physical changes.
• Future Medical Care: Compensation for anticipated future medical expenses.

These categories illustrate the types of damages a truck accident attorney can negotiate with insurance adjusters. More severe injuries generally lead to higher settlements. If your injuries are serious, the goal is often to seek the trucking insurer’s full policy limits.