Grand Junction Truck Accident Lawyers

Have You Been Involved in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Colorado or Utah?

Western Slope highways are loaded with tractor-trailers—overloaded, in fact! The Colorado Department of Transportation reports that a significant percentage of the 18-wheelers that roll across Interstate 70, State Highway 50, and many other Colorado and Utah highways each year are overweight, oversized. or both.

Overweight or not, when a vehicle of such size is involved in an accident, the results can be devastating, especially for anyone in a smaller vehicle. Typical cars and other motor vehicles don’t stand a chance against commercial trucks.

 The experienced truck accident lawyers at Veritas Injury Lawyers in Grand Junction, Colorado, understand how these accidents involving massive commercial vehicles drastically impact families—often permanently.

If injured in a crash involving a semitrailer, you may face a lengthy hospital stay, an extensive rehabilitation process, missed work, and mounting expenses. Fortunately, if the truck accident was caused by someone else's negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your loses. 

These losses can include your medical expenses, lost wages, long-term rehabilitation expenses, and even pain and suffering. 

For help recovering these much-needed funds, call (970) 292-7171 to learn how our legal team can help you after a truck accident. Visit one of our Colorado office locations, where we extend our assistance to injured victims not only within the state but also in Eastern Utah.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, often resulting in severe injuries and property damage. Understanding the causes of these accidents is crucial for improving road safety and preventing future incidents. While there are many factors that can contribute to truck accidents, several key causes consistently emerge in accident data and studies. 

Here, are some of the primary factors that lead to truck accidents:

• Driver Fatigue
• Distracted Driving
• Impaired Driving
• Speeding
• Inadequate Training
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance
• Weather Conditions
• Reckless Driving
• Inadequate Following Distance

If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by a large commercial truck, your injuries may be very severe. While it's understandable to be angry at the reckless trucker who caused your accident and injuries, you may be surprised to learn that many accidents involving big rigs are actually the fault of the drivers of smaller passenger cars and light trucks.

Motorists sometimes don't realize the much greater distance it takes a semi-truck to brake and full stops when a car pulls out in front of them or cuts them off in traffic on the highway. Other drivers cruise along in the big rigs' "No Zones," the blind spots located on either side of, and directly in front and behind, of large commercial trucks. But when vehicles are in these positions, truck drivers can't see them.

Another danger for passenger cars on multi-lane highways is to ride in the lane between two 18-wheelers. This is an extremely vulnerable position to be in because you are not visible to either driver and could easily get crushed between the two commercial rigs.

But truckers have to accept their fair share of the responsibility for accidents and injuries to motorists. Some drivers have not received sufficient training to learn how to drive defensively and safely.

The trucking companies, too, share the blame for highway injuries and deaths. They push truckers to adhere to impossible schedules that force them to ignore federal Hours of Service regulations, drive when fatigued and in hazardous weather conditions, and at excessive speeds.

What Are The Most Common Injuries Caused By Trucking Accidents?

Trucking accidents, given the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles, frequently lead to severe and life-altering injuries. Drawing from our extensive experience as Colorado truck accident lawyers, we've observed a variety of common injuries sustained by victims in these devastating incidents.

Below are some of the most common injuries one may suffer after a truck accident:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of the impact can result in concussions or more serious brain damage, which can cause memory loss, emotional instability, and long-term cognitive deficits.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can cause partial or total paralysis, which drastically lowers the victim's quality of life and necessitates intensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Frequently occurring in rear-end accidents, whiplash can result in long-term discomfort and restricted movement, affecting everyday activities and professional capacity.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a trucking accident can break bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and other body parts, requiring extensive medical care.
• Internal Injuries: Internal organ damage can be fatal and may not show symptoms right away following an accident. Immediate medical assessment is essential.
• Burns and Lacerations: Severe burns and cuts resulting from crashes or from coming into close contact with sharp objects can leave a person permanently scarred and deformed.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression following a traumatic trucking accident.

Our skilled trucking accident attorneys in Grand Junction are experts in navigating the complexities of these serious injury cases. We recognize the significant toll such injuries can take on your life and are dedicated to fighting for the full compensation you're entitled to. If you or a loved one has been harmed in a trucking accident, reach out to us for a thorough consultation to discuss your legal options.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Truck accident victims may be entitled to significant compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Past, current, and future medical bills.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to your inability to work.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation.
• Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged property.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional pain.
• Emotional Distress: Including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for impacts on your relationships with loved ones.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing, such as drunk driving, the court may award punitive damages to punish the offender and deter similar behavior.

You can give our Grand Junction truck accident attorneys a call at (970) 292-7171or write to us onlineany time.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, seek a thorough evaluation to document your condition.
2. Document the Accident: Take photos, gather witness information, and obtain the truck driver's insurance and company details.
3. Avoid Statements to Insurers: Do not discuss fault or sign anything without consulting an attorney.
4. Contact Veritas: The sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.

Why Choose Veritas Injury Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Case?

When it comes to navigating the complexities of truck accident claims, having a dedicated and experienced legal team on your side can make all the difference. At Veritas Injury Lawyers, we understand the unique challenges that arise in truck accident cases, including dealing with large trucking companies and their insurance providers. Our commitment to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve sets us apart.

Here are just a few reasons why clients in Grand Junction trust us with their truck accident cases:

• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your individual circumstances and tailor our legal strategies to meet your specific needs.
• Proven Track Record: Our Grand Junction truck accident law firm has successfully represented numerous clients in truck accident cases, achieving favorable outcomes and significant settlements.
• Comprehensive Legal Support: From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on recovery.
• Contingency Fee Basis: You don’t pay us unless we win your case, ensuring that you have access to top-notch legal representation without financial risk.
• Local Expertise: As a personal injury law firm rooted in Grand Junction, we have a deep understanding of Colorado and Utah laws, as well as local court systems.

Don’t navigate the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Let us be your advocates and help you secure the justice you deserve. Contact Veritas Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation!

How Veritas Builds a Strong Case

At Veritas, we leave no stone unturned in building your case. Our approach includes:

1. Thorough Investigation

• Gathering Evidence: Reviewing police reports, eyewitness accounts, and accident scene photos.
• Analyzing Black Box Data: Obtaining the truck’s electronic logging device data to uncover speeding or hours-of-service violations.
• Inspecting Maintenance Records: Identifying any mechanical issues or neglect.

2. Collaboration with Experts

We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and financial analysts to strengthen your claim and calculate fair compensation.

3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Trucking companies often have powerful insurance providers aiming to minimize payouts. Our attorneys handle all communications to protect your interests.

4. Trial Representation

If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us

When you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident, the consequences can be life-altering. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that collisions often result in severe injuries or even fatalities. At Veritas, our experienced truck accident lawyers in Grand Junction are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

You can give our Grand Junction truck accident attorneys a call at (970) 292-7171or write to us onlineany time.

FAQ: Truck Accident Claims

1. Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

Liability may fall on the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, or manufacturers if their actions contributed to the accident.

2. How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim.

3. What should I do after a truck accident?

Seek medical care, call the police, document the scene, avoid making statements, and contact a lawyer.

4. How is a truck accident different from a car accident?

Truck accidents involve more severe injuries, multiple liable parties, and federal trucking regulations.

5. What compensation can I recover?

You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in some cases, punitive damages.

6. What evidence is important in a truck accident case?

Key evidence includes driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and photos of the scene.

7. What if I was partly at fault?

In Colorado, you can still recover damages if you're less than 50% at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage.

8. Can I sue the trucking company?

Yes, if the trucking company’s negligence contributed to the accident, such as hiring unqualified drivers or failing to maintain trucks.

9. How do lawyers prove liability?

Lawyers use evidence like driver logs, truck records, witness testimonies, and accident reconstructions to prove fault.

10. Do all truck accident cases go to court?

No, many cases settle out of court, but some require lawsuits if fair settlements aren’t reached.

11. What is the average settlement for a truck accident?

Settlement amounts depend on factors like injury severity, medical costs, and lost wages. A lawyer can provide a case-specific estimate.

12. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

At Veritas, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

13. What if the trucking company denies fault?

If they deny fault, we gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and take the case to court if needed.

14. How long does it take to resolve a case?

Timelines vary but depend on case complexity and whether a settlement or trial is involved.