Experienced Boulder Truck Accident Attorneys Ready To Serve You
Semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial trucks are some of the largest and heaviest vehicles on the road, with some reaching 80 feet in length and weighing up to 80,000 pounds. Needless to say, when a large truck is involved in an accident, victims often suffer extremely serious personal injuries.
Those injured in a truck accident may be eligible for financial compensation from the truck driver, the trucking company, or their insurance companies. By contacting a truck accident lawyer, Boulder area residents can learn more about the recovery process and their rights.
At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we have extensive experience representing accident victims in truck accident claims. We also help grieving families seek justice after the loss of a loved one due to a truck driver’s negligence. Our Boulder truck accident attorneys provide each of our clients with individualized attention at every step of the process throughout your personal injury case.
Why Choose Us
- We have decades of combined experience
- We provide personalized attention
- We offer free initial consultations
- We hold insurance companies accountable
- We have recovered over $230 Million for our clients
Causes of Truck Accidents
In some ways, the causes of truck accidents parallel those of other motor vehicle accidents. However, certain aspects of the trucking industry create additional risks. There are also rules and regulations specific to the trucking industry that must be adhered to. The most common causes of truck accidents include the following:
Drowsy Driving
Most trucking companies pay drivers according to the number of miles they travel. While this makes sense on some level, it also incentivizes truck drivers to cover as much ground as possible. To maximize their compensation, truck drivers will often stay on the road even when the signs of fatigue set in.
This places everyone on the road at risk, as studies have shown that drowsy drivers experience similar effects as those under the influence of alcohol.
To combat the risks of drowsy driving among truck drivers, the federal government imposes strict rest requirements. Truck drivers are responsible for keeping a rest log, documenting the time they spend resting and between longer trips. However, some truck drivers may falsify rest logs to appear as though they are compliant.
An experienced Boulder truck accident lawyer can help accident victims identify any red flags regarding falsified rest logs.
Impaired Driving
Truck drivers are aware of the dangers of fatigued driving. To combat the effects of fatigue or boredom, some truck drivers may rely on illegal or over-the-counter drugs. While these substances may temporarily increase a driver’s awareness, they can also affect their judgment and reaction time.
Additionally, as the effects of the drug wear off, truck drivers may experience extreme fatigue.
Equipment Malfunctions
Large commercial vehicles rely on many complex systems working in tandem. If any system fails—due to a defective part, for example—it can result in the driver losing control of their rig. Truck drivers must conduct regular inspections of their vehicles and maintain logs of all maintenance performed to ensure that all critical components work properly and are in good repair.
This includes:
- Tires,
- Brakes,
- Lights,
- Steering mechanisms,
- Trailer hitches, and
- Underride guards.
Depending on the nature of the equipment malfunction, the manufacturer of the defective part may also be liable for an accident victim’s injuries. A truck accident attorney in Boulder will be able to investigate whether an equipment malfunction is a factor in your accident.
These are just a few of the most common causes of semi-truck accidents. Anyone injured in an accident with a semi-truck or other vehicle should reach out to a dedicated Boulder truck accident lawyer to discuss their rights.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Semi-truck collisions can cause several kinds of significant injuries. After suffering injuries in a truck accident, you want a top-notch attorney. A Boulder truck accident lawyer at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. can help you recover the compensation you need.
Internal Injuries
A semi-truck collision can have an intense impact. This can potentially cause significant internal injuries. Some internal injuries a person may sustain include:
- Injuries to organs,
- Internal bleeding, and
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
If you have suffered injuries, seek medical care right away. Even if you think you aren’t injured, internal injuries can go unnoticed with no symptoms. An experienced medical professional can ensure that you have no hidden injuries. When you are ready to file your claim, our firm’s Boulder truck accident attorney can assist you.
Spinal Cord Injuries
It is also possible to suffer a spinal cord injury in a Boulder truck accident. These injuries can make it difficult for victims to participate in everyday activities. Spinal cord injuries a person may experience might involve the following:
- Herniated discs,
- Degenerative spinal disorders, and
- Fractured vertebrae.
Spinal cord injuries often need long-term treatment, such as physical therapy and medication. It is critical to start treatment immediately after a spinal cord injury. Our attorneys at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. can help you recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, and more. Do not hesitate to reach out to us for more details.
Types of Truck Accidents
Large commercial trucks can be hazardous, and truck accidents can take place in many ways. In 2020 alone, 147,000 individuals suffered injuries in large truck crashes, according to data from the National Safety Council. Let’s look at some of the most common kinds of truck collisions.
T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone collision takes place when a truck slams into one side of a motor vehicle. The name “T-bone” is due to the fact that the two vehicles form a “T” shape upon impact. If you have sustained injuries due to another person’s negligence, contact us for more guidance.
Spilled Cargo Accidents
A spilled cargo accident can occur when cargo is poorly secured or not balanced. There can be multiple potentially liable parties in this type of accident. These may include the trucker and cargo loading company, for instance.
Damages in a Boulder Truck Accident Lawsuit
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries. After an accident, victims may face long recovery periods. Hospital stays turn into follow-up doctors’ appointments and lengthy courses of physical or occupational therapy. During this time, you may not be able to work, which can add to your financial stress.
By bringing a truck accident lawsuit, you can recover compensation for your economic and non-economic damages resulting from the accident. Like many states, there is no cap on the amount of economic damages an accident victim can recover.
However, for any claims arising after January 1, 2020, non-economic damages are capped at $613,760.00 unless you can prove by clear and convincing evidence that an increase is justified. If so, the maximum amount of non-economic damages available will be $1,227.530.00. Colorado’s caps on non-economic damages are adjusted for inflation every two years. For claims arising prior to January 1, 2020, the caps are lower.
Economic and non-economic damages in a truck accident lawsuit may include:
- Medical bills,
- Future medical expenses,
- Rehabilitation costs,
- Pain and suffering,
- Emotional distress, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
By contacting a dedicated commercial truck accident lawyer, Boulder residents can identify the full extent of their damages. That way, you know what to expect through the negotiation process, ensuring that the insurance company isn’t able to take advantage of you.
Statute of Limitations
You must file your claim within the time period set forth in the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations refers to the time period within which you can file a lawsuit. Once this time frame passes, filing a claim becomes immensely complicated. In Colorado, you will have three years to file your claim after a truck accident.
Truck Accident FAQs
We have collected this list of the most frequently asked questions regarding truck accidents. For more information, please get in touch with a lawyer at our firm.
A truck accident lawyer in Boulder is immensely helpful when filing a claim for compensation. A truck collision attorney is a specific type of personal injury attorney who is well-versed in dealing with the unique issues involved in truck accident cases. These professionals understand the complexities of safety regulations and theories of liability that apply to truck drivers and trucking companies.
After a truck collision, you should collect evidence with the help of a truck accident attorney in Boulder. Some proof you might need includes alcohol and drug test results, truck inspection reports, or other relevant truck company records. Our skillful lawyers can assist you in gathering this and other evidence you might need.
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3 Reasons Why You Need a Boulder Truck Accident Lawyers
While you may feel confident in your ability to handle your case without professional help, you’ll soon realize that presenting an injury claim requires a lot of hard work and legal expertise.
When you should be working your way back from painful disabilities, you’ll have to comply with insurance adjuster requests. Before you see a single dime of settlement money, there is a long list of procedures and issues to follow through. It will be your job to contact doctors for bills and reports.
Taking care of a serious injury case on your own involves focus on investigation, evaluation, and negotiation. Instead of taking on these new challenges, you should be working on your personal recovery.
When you are seriously injured, your financial future depends on obtaining adequate compensation for your injuries. You have a lot at stake. That’s why it’s important to seek help from a Boulder Truck Accident Lawyers before you make a critical mistake. Here are 3 additional reasons to consider.
Liability Issues
Accidents often involve liability issues that can be difficult to resolve. Colorado’s comparative negligence statute plays a key role in liability assessments. You must determine whether or not you contributed to the circumstances which caused the accident and how it may affect the compensation you receive for your injuries.
Dealing with Insurance Companies and Adjusters
When you have a serious injury claim, the other driver’s insurance company adjuster will call and may want to visit your home. It’s an adjuster’s job to clear up any liability issues, so they must record your statement.
Calculating Damages
When you’re injured, you know the pain, disabilities, and scarring you are forced to endure, but do you know their economic value? Injury claims don’t have one-size-fits-all evaluations. If two different people sustain the same injury, the settlement value will be different due to a wide range of factors. Attorneys research your injuries to understand how they affect you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?
As noted above, if you experienced injuries in a truck collision, you will have three years to file your claim. It is vital that you meet the statute of limitations when filing your claim. The “clock” for this deadline starts ticking on the date of the accident.
Contact a Compassionate Boulder 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C.
If you or a loved one recently suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. is here to help. Our attorneys have decades of experience successfully obtaining fair compensation for our injured clients. We take as much time as necessary to understand the impact that the accident had on your life.
To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a Boulder truck accident attorney, give Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. a call at 720-729-3289 today. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.
We represent clients throughout Boulder and the surrounding areas. And because we accept all truck accident cases on a contingency basis, we will not ask you to pay for any of our legal services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.
Our experienced lawyers also handle clients with other types of cases, including:
ATTORNEY ROBERT S. HOOVER
Robert S. Hoover is a seasoned personal injury trial attorney and managing partner at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. in Boulder, Colorado. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in complex and catastrophic cases, including brain injuries, wrongful death, and serious vehicle accidents. He is known for his compassionate, client-centered approach and meticulous trial preparation. Influenced by personal experiences and mentorship from top litigators, he has secured numerous multimillion-dollar recoveries and remains actively involved in legal organizations and community leadership. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
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