Lakewood Truck Accident Attorneys
Large trucks are important parts of Colorado’s economy, transporting goods to communities all over the state. While many Lakewood area residents rely on commercial trucks for the goods they buy and use every day, these large vehicles are the most dangerous on the roads. A fully packed tractor-trailer could weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, vastly more than even the largest passenger cars. When a truck accident occurs, and you are uncertain about what to do next, consult a Lakewood truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
The sooner you seek legal representation after a truck accident, the better your chances will be of securing compensation for your losses. At the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal, we know the challenges facing victims of truck accidents, and we know how quickly injuries and other damages can quickly compound a victim’s financial concerns. Our team will help you determine the swiftest path to recovery from your losses.
Why Choose the Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal?
It’s crucial to work with an experienced Lakewood truck accident lawyer after experiencing any kind of collision with a commercial truck. These accidents tend to be far more damaging than accidents involving smaller passenger vehicles simply due to the sheer size, weight, and force of these vehicles. Truck accidents also have a higher chance of involving multiple vehicles, and chain reaction accidents can easily raise complicated questions of liability.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has the resources and experience to handle the most challenging truck accident claims. When you have been injured and incurred significant economic losses from a truck accident, liability for the incident might not be immediately clear. Truck accident claims tend to involve multiple defendants and both federal and state regulations that often come into play during proceedings. Our firm can help you approach these complex issues with confidence.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Commercial trucks are heavier, larger, and less maneuverable than smaller passenger cars. This means they require much greater distances to pick up speed, slow down, and stop. Likewise, it is much harder for a truck driver to react suddenly when a nearby driver does something dangerous. Truck accidents can occur for many reasons, including:
- Other drivers’ negligence. It is not uncommon for passenger vehicle drivers to cause accidents with trucks when they drive aggressively or erratically around them.
- Truck driver errors. Since commercial truck drivers operate their vehicles as their primary job duties, they have a higher duty of care to drive responsibly than typical drivers. When drivers are aggressive, drive distracted, or make other errors that cause accidents, those drivers are liable for resulting damages.
- Road conditions. If poor road conditions cause a truck accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road on which the accident occurred is technically liable for the accident. However, the government has sovereign immunity that insulates them from civil claims. If your truck accident necessitates a claim for damages against the government, your Lakewood truck accident lawyer can help you navigate these complex and restrictive claims processes.
- Cargo imbalance. Parties responsible for loading commercial trucks must use appropriate packing methods and ensure cargo is both secured and balanced. Since large trucks have high centers of gravity, they are vulnerable to tipping and rolling over if their trailers are not properly packed.
- Mechanical failures. The party responsible for the maintenance of a truck responsible for an accident could face liability if it is revealed that they did not conduct appropriate maintenance and allowed the mechanical fault to cause the accident.
- Driving under the influence (DUI). Unfortunately, some truck drivers cope with their jobs’ demands by consuming alcohol or other drugs for stress relief, “taking the edge off,” or sometimes staying awake during long hauls. DUI of any kind is extremely dangerous. A commercial truck driver should expect to face more severe criminal penalties for a DUI truck accident than a typical driver since they are expected to adhere to a higher duty of care as professionals.
The way in which a truck accident occurs typically indicates liability for the incident. For example, if you experienced damages from a truck accident that occurred due to a drunk driver causing an accident with a truck driving in front of you, liability isn’t so clear. The fault would likely fall on the impaired driver, not the truck driver or trucking company. However, when truck drivers cause accidents, this can raise complicated questions of vicarious liability.
What Is Vicarious Liability in a Commercial Truck Accident?
The term “vicarious liability” applies in cases in which one party bears liability for the actions of another party. Typically, this legal concept comes into play when an employee of a company causes damages while performing their job duties. This means a commercial truck driver responsible for causing an accident could share liability with their employer in some situations. An employer would typically absorb fault for a truck accident if the employer failed to conduct appropriate hiring practices or otherwise failed to ensure the driver was legally sound, trained, and experienced enough to handle the route.
Potential Recovery from a Successful Truck Accident Claim
Truck accidents can easily cause catastrophic or even fatal injuries. A truck accident victim will likely sustain several damages, including expensive medical treatment bills, mounting financial uncertainty from lost income during their recovery, and the stress, pain, and trauma that often accompany these experiences.
Hiring an experienced Lakewood personal injury attorney is the best possible option for anyone in this situation. Your legal counsel can help you gather additional evidence to support your case, including vehicle computer data, traffic camera data, or even phone records if necessary. Your attorney can also represent you before insurance companies to secure a claim settlement as quickly as possible, providing you more time and flexibility to explore additional legal options for your recovery.
If you are ready to discuss your legal options after a truck accident, call our office. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has the experience and skills necessary to guide you to a favorable conclusion in your case. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a compassionate Lakewood truck accident attorney who can clarify your options and help you prepare for the legal proceedings ahead.