Does an accident with a commercial truck accident in Colorado usually entail a larger settlement?

A commercial truck accident in Colorado may result in a larger personal injury settlement in some cases. It will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of injuries sustained and the financial impact of the accident. A Denver truck accident lawyer can help Colorado accident victims collect the necessary evidence and build his or her case to recover fair compensation.

Impact of Injuries from a Truck Accident in Colorado on a Personal Injury Settlement

Crashes with trucks tend to cause serious injuries. When injuries are severe, such as those that result in permanent disability or disfigurement, compensation may be recoverable if the driver was at fault for the accident. Disfigurement or permanent disability may result in additional compensation.

An example would be an accident with a truck carrying gasoline that explodes. If a person were to sustain burns, causing significant scarring, this could lead to additional compensation.

If the victim sustained moderate to severe brain damage, the compensation available in a personal injury settlement could be higher, too; not only for the medical costs, but for other losses such as mental anguish or pain and suffering.

Injuries that will require long-term treatment, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation, could make a case worth more, as these long-term costs should be considered. Larger personal injury settlements can stem from medical costs, lost wages (or earning potential if disabled), and psychological harm. Victims can work with a Denver truck accident lawyer to review the damages that may be recoverable in their Colorado lawsuit or claim.

Liability in a Claim Following a Truck Accident in Colorado

In a typical accident, an injured person sues the other driver or files a claim against the other driver’s insurance. But with truck accidents, the trucking company may be named in the lawsuit or claim. This is especially true if the trucking company was in violation of federal laws or otherwise demonstrated negligence.

There is also the potential to name additional persons or entities, such as a shipper, loader, owner of a truck or trailer, and other third parties. This will depend on the cause of the accident.

For example, let’s say a truck’s cargo wasn’t properly secured. The driver is speeding, loses control and jackknifes. As a result, cargo spills and turns the accident into a much more serious one.

Granted, a truck accident in Colorado may be attributed to the driver’s reckless driving, but if the spilled cargo causes injuries to be more significant, the party that loaded the truck may be liable if it’s found that it wasn’t properly secured. In this case, not only could the driver and trucking company be liable, but so could the third party responsible for the cargo.

Cases involving truck accidents in Colorado can become complex as they may involve employers and third parties in some cases. Denver truck accident lawyers can provide assistance to Colorado accident victims to name the appropriate parties liable in their lawsuit or insurance claim.

Seeking Legal Advice from a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer after a Colorado Accident

Attorneys can help obtain documentation, such as logbooks or data, from electronic onboard recording devices. These devices can sometimes help establish what might have caused the crash or at least what could have contributed to it, such as speeding or driving while fatigued (which may be indicated by going over the hours-of-service regulations).

It can be beneficial to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure the claim is filed on time and to preserve evidence. D.J. Banovitz is a Denver truck accident lawyer who can help Colorado accident victims pursue a personal injury settlement following a truck accident in Colorado.