Aurora Truck Accident Lawyer
Aurora and the surrounding Denver area experience numerous commercial trucks coming and going daily. The demand for goods has increased the need for trucks to deliver them from coast to coast. As the trucking industry grows and puts more semi-trucks on the road, it means that all drivers in the area have a greater risk of getting into a truck accident.
When a truck accident occurs, the devastation that follows is far greater than in car accidents. Commercial trucks are massive in size and weight, causing extreme force in an impact. Trucks that are carrying hazardous materials add another element of danger to an already tense situation.
If you or a loved one have been in a recent truck accident, it is imperative that you choose a truck accident attorney serving Aurora, CO. At Fuller Personal Injury Law, our trusted personal injury law firm specializes in representing truck accident victims with personalized attention and customized strategies to protect their best interests.
Truck accident claims are incredibly complicated due to factors such as highly damaging injuries and the possibility of many parties involved. Contact an Aurora personal injury lawyer from Fuller Personal Injury Law today to discuss the legal options in your truck accident case.
The Importance of Legal Representation from a Truck Accident Lawyer in Aurora
Truck accident victims face unique challenges due to the high likelihood of suffering very severe injuries. They also have to deal with trucking insurance companies and may not realize that the truck driver may not be the only one liable for their injuries.
Navigating a truck insurance claim after sustaining severe injuries adds even more stress to your life, which can hinder your recovery. The trucking insurance company could offer a quick settlement that makes you feel relieved until you realize that this settlement won’t fully cover all the medical expenses, your lost income, or your other damages.
It’s not too late to speak to a truck accident lawyer in Aurora who will review your settlement offer from the insurer and calculate the full extent of your damages. At Fuller Personal Injury Law, we have helped our clients avoid making this crucial and costly mistake. We have a deep understanding of the federal laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry, which are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and state and local laws, that help us determine the best course of action.
You don’t have to do this alone, nor should you. Get a responsive Aurora truck accident attorney on your side to help you get through this ordeal so you can move forward.
What Causes Truck Accidents to Occur in Aurora, Colorado?
Aurora is a great location that is convenient for highway travelers, making it easy to get around. Unfortunately, this also means that you have a greater chance of an accident with a semi-truck or other large commercial vehicle. Like car accidents, truck accidents are most often caused by human error. Here are the most common causes of truck accidents in Aurora:
Distracted Truck Drivers
Truck drivers spend many hours behind the wheel, and while those hours are regulated by the FMCSA, they might try to multitask as they transport their freight. Just like drivers in passenger vehicles, truckers can easily get distracted by their phones, radios, eating, and other activities. It is easy for them to have a false sense of confidence in being able to manage multiple tasks since they spend so much time driving. Unfortunately, it does not matter how much experience any driver has if they are doing something that takes their attention away from the task of driving.
Fatigued Driving
As mentioned previously, truck drivers working hours are regulated by the federal government, requiring them to only drive a certain amount of hours followed by a specified rest period. Truckers often get pressured by trucking companies to deliver shipments on time. Some trucking companies incentivize them with rewards but they are breaking the rules by doing so. When a truck driver is fatigued, it makes them as deadly as an intoxicated driver behind the wheel. Drowsy driving delays reaction times and may even result in the trucker falling asleep while on duty.
Reckless Driving Behaviors
Truckers have to sit through heavy traffic at times, which can set them back on their schedule. The pressure they feel to make their deliveries on time may cause them to exceed the speed limit once they are free of heavy traffic restrictions. Speeding increases accident risks for everyone but it is not the only reckless behavior that can cause a serious truck accident. Truck drivers might run red lights or stop signs, tailgate slower drivers, or weave in and out of traffic, which could lead to a serious crash.
Lack of Proper Training
The trucking industry has been struggling to find enough qualified truck drivers to transport shipments across the country. As older truckers age into retirement, trucking companies are doing everything they can to recruit truck drivers and get them on the road. Truckers must participate in proper training to operate these massive vehicles and learn how to work around their large and dangerous blind spots.
Many trucking companies are so desperate to get shipments moving that they will hire a truck driver with little to no experience. Some may even ignore the fact that the new truckers haven’t been trained properly.
Neglected Truck Maintenance
Big trucks log many miles on the road and must undergo more frequent maintenance and inspections than passenger vehicles. Sometimes, trucking companies will cut corners and keep the vehicles in its fleet on the road without having them properly maintained. This can lead to tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, and other dangerous mechanical issues.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Trucks that have loads strapped down must have these items loaded according to the regulations. Truckers must also inspect these tie-downs at regular intervals to ensure they are still properly in place to prevent them from coming loose and falling into the road.
With semi-trucks, the loads contained inside the trailer must be evenly distributed and placed with care to prevent shifting while in transit. If the items shift, they can throw the truck off balance, causing a jackknife accident or rollover.
Weather and Road Conditions
All truckers must learn how to drive through inclement weather. It is the only thing they have within their control when the roads are icy, foggy, rainy, or snowy. This means slowing down and driving with care. If they are passing through a construction zone, truck drivers need to be prudent to watch for hazards that could require them to slow down or stop.
Who May Be Liable for Your Injuries in an Aurora, CO Truck Accident?
Most of the time, a truck driver who behaved negligently will be the liable party in a truck accident. However, they may not be the only one at fault for the injuries you’ve endured. At Fuller Personal Injury Law, we will have an Aurora truck crash attorney from our law firm investigate to identify all liable parties.
The Truck Driver
Since the trucker was the one behind the wheel, the investigation will check if their actions were negligent. If they were driving recklessly, distracted, intoxicated, drowsy, or failing to follow the rules of the road, they would be held accountable.
The Trucking Company
In truck accidents, it’s very common for the trucking company the trucker works for to also bear liability. Trucking companies may come under fire for encouraging reckless behavior through their policies, failing to maintain their fleet of trucks, and conducting negligent hiring practices, among many other things.
Truck Manufacturers
The most complicated trucking accidents are caused by mechanical errors and defects in the truck or the parts used on the truck. These types of cases will hold the manufacturer liable for your damages.
Loading Companies
The companies that load cargo into the truck could also be part of your truck accident lawsuit if their loading error was the cause of the crash. Cargo may be loaded by these parties, but it is also the responsibility of truck drivers to check the load at regular intervals, making them liable for truck accidents caused by shifting cargo.
Compensation for Aurora Truck Accident Victims
When you choose a truck accident lawyer in Aurora from Fuller Personal Injury Law, you will have unwavering support and strong negotiation in your corner to help you get the full compensation required for your damages. Your truck accident case will be evaluated to determine the economic and non-economic damages that resulted from this event.
Your economic damages will be any bills you’re paying for your injuries and other tangible financial losses. These will generally include your medical expenses such as your hospital stay, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications. You may also be able to recover the wages you lost while you were unable to work due to your injuries.
Your non-economic damages are more challenging to prove on your own, but with a skilled Aurora truck accident attorney from our law firm, you will have someone who knows how to prove your level of pain and suffering. You may also be able to seek financial recovery for mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
It is important to understand that your compensation will vary based on your circumstances. The first step to making your recovery is to contact Fuller Personal Injury Law to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney near Aurora, CO.
Steps to Take to File Your Truck Accident Lawsuit with Fuller Personal Injury Law
When you are involved in a truck accident, the things you do in the moments following the crash and the days and weeks beyond can affect your claim. We suggest you make sure that you follow these steps:
Call the Police
Truck accidents almost always result in serious injuries. You will need to report the crash to the police and get officers on the scene so they can create a police report. The police will also make sure that paramedics come to treat anyone with injuries.
Do Not Refuse Medical Care
While truck accidents can cause very obvious injuries, there are just as many that may not have any outward signs. Traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding are both very serious conditions that can arise from this type of crash. It is imperative that you get fully checked out and treated. This will also create a medical record of your injuries.
Get Evidence
If it’s possible, try to take photos and videos of the aftermath of your truck accident. You should also get contact information from any other drivers involved or witnesses that saw what happened.
Meet with an Aurora Truck Crash Attorney
It may not be possible for you to take the step of gathering evidence. In fact, your injuries may be so severe that they leave you with permanent damage for the rest of your life. It can easily impact your state of mind and make you wonder how you will move forward.
When you contact an Aurora truck accident attorney at Fuller Personal Injury Law, you will have an advocate that stands up for your legal rights in this difficult situation. We will step in to help you seek fair compensation from all liable parties and increase the value of your case. Our top-notch attorneys go the extra mile to handle everything, allowing you to focus on healing without any added stress. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Aurora.