The growing economy and increasing traffic in Broomfield have led to concerning trends in commercial truck accidents. When a devastating truck accident turns your life upside down, having skilled legal representation can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers is a trusted Colorado personal injury law firm serving Broomfield and surrounding areas. Our personal injury attorneys bring over 25 years of combined experience fighting for truck accident victims. We provide a free consultation. Call us today at (720) 571-0606.
Most Dangerous Areas for Truck Accidents in Broomfield
Several intersections and roadways in Broomfield can be considered high-risk areas for accidents:
- US Route 36 and Wadsworth Boulevard
- 160th Avenue and Huron Street
- 120th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard
- US Route 287 and 10th Avenue.
The intersection at 160th Avenue and Huron Street remains particularly concerning, continuing to generate more safety complaints than many other intersections in the city despite recent improvements.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Several factors frequently contribute to devastating truck accidents in the Broomfield area:
- Driver distraction and error: Distracted driving remains one of the most common causes of truck accidents, with drivers often diverted by mobile devices, eating, or adjusting controls.
- Speeding and reckless driving: The size and weight of commercial trucks make speeding especially dangerous, as these vehicles require significantly more time and distance to stop safely.
- Improperly loaded cargo: When cargo is not properly secured or distributed, it can cause trucks to become unstable and lead to serious accidents.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Commercial trucks require rigorous maintenance schedules. These vehicles may experience mechanical issues and collisions if regular maintenance is not performed.
Types of Truck Accidents
The unique size and design of semi-trucks contribute to specific types of accidents that are less likely to occur with smaller vehicles. While head-on collisions and minor fender-benders can happen with any vehicle, semi-trucks are especially susceptible to the following types of accidents, often leading to severe consequences for those involved:
- Rollovers
- Jackknife incidents
- Tire blowouts
- Wide-turn accidents
- Unsecured cargo-related accidents
- Underride accidents (when a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath the truck)
- Blind spot collisions
- Rear-end accidents.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents in Broomfield
Being injured in a truck accident can have life-altering effects, often resulting in long-term challenges that impact all areas of your life. Common injuries sustained in Broomfield truck accidents include but are not limited to:
- Traumatic head and brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Fractured or broken bones
- Injuries to internal organs
- Loss of limbs or amputations
- Severe burns
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation:
Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses.
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Disability or disfigurement.
Determining Liability in Truck Accident Cases
After a truck accident in Colorado, victims have important legal rights that must be protected. The state follows a fault-based system for accident claims, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident bears liability for resulting damages. Victims typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim, though certain circumstances may shorten this timeframe.
Multiple parties may share responsibility in a truck accident case:
- The truck driver: When accidents result from driver negligence, such as fatigue, distraction, or traffic violations, the driver may be held personally liable.
- The trucking company: Companies can be held responsible through vicarious liability, which is the legal concept of holding employers accountable for their employees’ actions. Companies may also be liable through their own negligence in areas like:
- Improper driver hiring and training
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Failure to enforce safety protocols.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If defective truck parts contributed to the accident, manufacturers may bear liability.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
Taking proper action immediately following a truck accident is crucial:
- Seek medical care: Your health and safety should be the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by medical professionals.
- Record the scene: Take pictures of any visible injuries, road conditions, and car damage if you can.
- Report the accident: Colorado law requires reporting accidents involving injuries or property damage. Contact law enforcement via 911 or file a report online with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles within 60 days.
- Exchange information: Obtain contact and insurance information from all involved parties, but avoid discussing fault or making statements about the accident.
- Contact an attorney: Reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer from Goldman and Haydel before speaking with insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers.
Why Choose Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers
Our law firm brings unique qualifications to handle complex truck accident cases:
- Over 25 years of combined legal experience
- Superb 10/10 AVVO rating
- Lead Counsel verified for experience and spotless record
- BBB A+ Rating for client satisfaction.
We maintain offices in both Denver and Broomfield to better serve our clients, with our Broomfield location conveniently situated at 520 Zang Street, Suite 2141.
Types of Truck Accidents Cases We Take in Broomfield, Colorado
At Goldman and Haydel, we have extensive experience handling various truck accident scenarios and are prepared to offer expert legal representation to victims of heavy vehicle collisions. The types of truck accidents we address in Broomfield, Colorado include, but are not limited to:
18-Wheeler/Commercial Truck Accidents
Seeking compensation after an 18-wheeler collision requires specialized knowledge due to the complexity and seriousness of such incidents.
The Goldman and Haydel firm knows how to strongly advocate for victims impacted by commercial truck accidents, helping them secure their fair compensation. Our skilled Broomfield truck accident attorneys are deeply familiar with federal and state regulations that govern commercial trucks.
We thoroughly investigate accidents to determine whether negligence, such as improper maintenance or hours-of-service violations, contributed to the crash.
Semi-Truck Accidents
Because semi-trucks are so large and heavy, collisions involving them frequently have disastrous catastrophic results. In Broomfield, these accidents are influenced by a combination of driver behavior, regulatory requirements, and trucking company practices.
If you’re involved in a semi-truck accident, it’s critical to work with a knowledgeable Broomfield truck accident lawyer who can navigate the complexities of your case. At Goldman and Haydel, our knowledge in identifying contributing factors, such as poor maintenance or reckless driving, can make a significant difference in pursuing your claim.
Delivery Truck Accidents
Delivery trucks are a common sight on the streets of Broomfield, transporting goods to homes and businesses. However, this convenience brings potential dangers, as accidents involving delivery trucks can occur suddenly and with serious consequences.
Overworked drivers may fail to notice a stop sign or misjudge a turn, resulting in collisions that leave victims dealing with medical expenses, lost income, and complex insurance claims.
If you’ve been injured in a delivery truck accident, our experienced Broomfield truck accident attorneys are here to meticulously examine your case and employ innovative legal strategies to secure the compensation you deserve.
Dump Truck Accidents
Due to their enormous size and weight, dump trucks frequently cause serious injuries or even fatalities in collisions. Victims of such incidents require legal support that is as strong and dependable as the vehicles involved.
Our firm is ready to assist you with your truck accident claim, backed by experienced Broomfield truck accident attorneys who understand the unique challenges of dump truck collisions.
Our team specializes in handling cases involving negligent truck drivers, whether caused by driver error, inadequate maintenance, or failure to comply with safety regulations.
We are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf while you focus on your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets truck accident cases apart from regular car accidents?
Truck accident cases involve unique complexities due to federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and typically more severe damages. Commercial trucks must comply with specific Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations regarding maintenance, driver qualifications, and hours of service.
Additionally, trucking companies often have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize their liability immediately after an accident. The severity of injuries in truck accidents typically results in higher medical costs and more significant long-term impacts on victims’ lives.
How much time do I have to file a truck accident claim in Broomfield?
In Colorado, truck accident claims typically have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeline, potentially making it shorter. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident, as gathering evidence and building a strong case takes time.
Additionally, important evidence may be lost or destroyed if too much time passes before beginning legal action.
What types of evidence are important in truck accident cases?
Several types of evidence can be crucial in proving liability and damages in truck accident cases:
- The truck’s “black box” data recorder
- Driver logbooks and service records
- Maintenance records
- Cargo loading documentation
- Surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Expert testimony.
Our experienced truck accident attorneys know how to obtain and preserve this evidence before it can be altered or destroyed.
How much compensation can I expect from a truck accident claim?
The value of a truck accident claim depends on numerous factors including:
- Severity of injuries
- Long-term medical needs
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Insurance coverage limits
- Degree of fault.
While it’s impossible to guarantee a specific amount, truck accident cases often result in higher settlements than typical car accidents due to more severe injuries involved. Trucking companies may also have commercial insurance policies with higher coverage limits.
What happens if I’m partially at fault for the truck accident?
Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule for accident cases. Under this rule, you may still receive damages as long as your share of fault for the accident is not 50% or more. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re found 25% at fault, you’ll receive 75% of the total damages awarded. This makes it especially important to have skilled legal representation to minimize any assignment of fault to you.
Can I file a lawsuit against the truck driver’s company for my injuries in Broomfield, Colorado?
You may be able to pursue a claim against both the truck driver and their employer if the driver is classified as an employee rather than an independent contractor.
The legal principle of respondeat superior or vicarious liability allows an employer to be held liable for the negligence of their employees when acting within the scope of their employment.
Besides this, a trucking company may be held accountable for your accident if they themselves acted negligently. An example is hiring a driver with a known history of drunk driving, and allowing them to transport freight unsupervised, leading to a drunk driving-related truck accident.
Free Consultation: Contact Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers About Your Truck Accident Case
Don’t wait to get the skilled legal representation you need after a devastating truck accident. At Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, our dedicated team is ready to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options. We can evaluate your claim and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
We offer:
- Free initial consultations with no obligation
- No fees unless we win your case
- Personalized attention throughout your entire case
- Regular updates on your case progress
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
- Trial-ready preparation if settlement offers are inadequate.
Take the first step toward protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact our Broomfield office today at (720) 571-0606 to schedule your free consultation. Our conveniently located office at 520 Zang Street, Suite 214, serves truck accident victims throughout the Broomfield area.
