Informing Victims About Their Rights and the Process for Pursuing Damages
Any time you are driving, there is a risk of a car accident. But when you are driving alongside large semi trucks with heavy loads, what would have been a minor accident if it involved another passenger car turns into a major incident with the potential for life-threatening injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, find out what your rights are as a victim to pursue compensation.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Truck accident attorneys have the legal knowledge and experience to inform you of your rights, ensure you understand all of your options, and help you make decisions in your best interests. Call Kimball Injury Law to schedule a consultation to discuss your case and find out how attorney Jake Kimball can help.
What Are Some Common Injuries With Truck Accidents?
A semi truck accident is one of the most serious accidents that can occur because they have a higher risk of major injury and even death. The average weight of a loaded semi truck is around 80,000 pounds, and trucking accidents often happen on highways and interstates, where speeds can reach 65 miles per hour and above. This results in incredible crash forces that are more than capable of breaking bones and causing serious injuries. Some of the common injuries that can occur in truck accidents include:
- Head and brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations
These injuries can require days or weeks in the hospital spent recuperating, multiple surgeries, and months of physical therapy to regain function and mobility. In some cases, victims may be left with lifelong impairments.
Are Truck Drivers Always at Fault?
Determining who is the liable party is a key part of being able to file a truck accident claim, but this isn’t always easy when accidents involve commercial vehicles. Trucking accidents could be caused by driver negligence, violations related to how trucks are loaded or goods are secured, mechanical issues or failures with the truck, or adverse weather or road conditions. If there is an issue with the truck itself, the trucking company or maintenance company could be at fault.
It’s also possible that another driver’s actions caused the truck accident, which is common on highways or interstates, where the increased speed makes it more difficult for truck drivers to slow down or maneuver around obstacles or crashes that have already happened. The insurance company for the truck driver or the trucking company will likely try to deny liability or fault, which is why it’s important to work with an attorney who can help you respond appropriately.
What Is the Difference Between a Truck Driver Who Is an Independent Contractor and One Who Is an Employee?
Truck drivers can be either independent contractors or traditional employees, and the rules for liability could vary depending on the circumstances of the case. If a trucking company hires a truck driver as an independent contractor, the company may not be liable for any accident if it was not directly in violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. However, a trucking company that hires a driver as an employee is responsible for ensuring that they have been properly trained and are able to execute the job safely. It’s still likely that the driver will be the liable party, but if there were contributing actions from the trucking company, it could be named in a lawsuit.
Why Should I Work With a Colorado Springs Truck Accident Lawyer?
When you’ve been injured in a truck accident in the Colorado Springs area, you need a local attorney to handle your truck accident case. Trucking accident lawyers have experience dealing with large trucking companies and their insurance companies and legal teams, and they have access to resources like accident reconstruction specialists and industry experts who can help you win your case.
Trucking companies, big or small, have their teams of lawyers on retainer, which means you need experienced legal representation to help you fight back and ensure your rights and interests are protected. Call Kimball Injury Law at 719-748-6155 to find out what you need to do after you’ve been injured in a truck accident.