Collisions involving large commercial vehicles often have devastating results for occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. Unfortunately for victims, the challenges they face in the aftermath of a serious injury are often similarly daunting. At Dan Caplis Law, we realize how difficult this time can be and we understand how different truck accident cases are from typical passenger vehicle crashes.
Dan Caplis and his colleagues have a proven track record of extraordinary results in truck crash cases, including the largest truck crash jury verdict in Colorado history, $26 million dollars.
Dan’s 40 years of experience in truck accident cases allows our clients a tremendous advantage because truck accident cases are particularly complex.
In many truck accident cases, there are multiple layers of insurance and responsible parties that must be uncovered in order to make sure that the victims and survivors of a truck crash are fully compensated.
It takes a lot of knowledge, experience, and determination to make sure that all of those layers are identified and unraveled. Dan and the other truck accident attorneys at Dan Caplis law have proven their tenacious ability to do that, often resulting in millions of additional dollars in compensation for our very deserving clients.
There are also special laws that apply to the trucking industry, and Dan and our team have access to highly credentialed and credible trucking industry experts who assist us in identifying all of the Federal and State regulations that have been violated in each of our catastrophic truck accident cases.
In most truck crash cases there is also extensive electronic evidence that must be preserved, including the “black box” (ECM) from the truck, as well as GPS data, dash cam, and electronically stored hours of service logs. Dan and our truck accident team have on-call highly experienced specialists who are able to rapidly deploy to secure electronically stored evidence, as well as evidence and other information from the crash scene.
Dan Caplis and our other truck accident attorneys are available 24/7 to assist the victims of truck accidents. Dan may be reached at any hour by calling 303-770-5551. Dan and his team often personally deploy after hours and on weekends to assist truck accident victims, and to insure that all of the important evidence is preserved.
Some Common Truck Accident Injuries in Denver, Colorado
Trucking accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
The high-speed impacts that often occur on Colorado highways, including Denver’s I-25 and I-70 corridors, can increase the risk of catastrophic injuries to drivers and occupants of commuter vehicles. While truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, understanding more about the most common types can be helpful for victims and their families dealing with the aftermath of a truck collision.
Some of the most common truck accident injuries in Denver, Colorado include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries. TBIs are among the most severe consequences of big truck accidents. The force of the impact can cause a person’s brain to collide with their skull. This can lead to bruising, bleeding, and tissue damage in the brain. Symptoms of TBIs may include confusion, loss of consciousness, headaches, memory problems, changes in mood or behavior, and more. The long-term results of TBIs can be devastating. Dan and our other truck accident attorneys have a deep understanding of traumatic brain injuries and have a long track record of helping their clients obtain high-level care for brain injuries and proving the full extent of the brain injury and the impact of the brain injury on our client’s life, in order to secure maximum compensation for our brain-injured clients.
- The same is true of Spinal Cord Injuries. Spinal cord injuries often occur as a result of the tremendous force involved in a truck accident. We have a deep understanding of the medicine and all of the different lifetime needs that our clients with spinal cord injuries will have. We have a proven track record of success in securing the very large amounts of money that it will take to provide for those needs for a lifetime. We also work to ensure that our clients are able to take advantage of any medical breakthroughs in the future.
- Broken Bones and Fractures. Truck accidents often result in multiple fracture injuries. Some of the most common types of broken bones and fractures from these accidents include broken arms and legs, rib fractures that can lead to punctured lungs, pelvic fractures, and facial or skull fractures. We have proven our ability to fully document and prove the long-term impact of such injuries on our clients, so that they may be compensated to the maximum extent possible.
- Psychological Trauma. It is very common for victims of truck accidents to suffer very significant and sometimes debilitating psychological trauma, including but not limited to PTSD.
- The types of trauma victims of truck accidents experience often include PTSD, but may also manifest as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and phobias related to driving or traveling on the highway. Psychological traumas can be as debilitating as many physical injuries and can require lifelong therapy and support.
- Internal Injuries. Truck accidents in Denver can cause internal injuries that are not immediately apparent but which can be fatal. Common types of internal injuries from trucking accidents include internal bleeding, organ damage, punctured lungs, and abdominal aorta ruptures.
- Burns. Sometimes truck accidents result in fuel spills or fires which can cause severe burns. Such burns can result in death, permanent scarring, severe pain and suffering, loss of use of limbs, and the need for long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Soft Tissue Damage. Soft tissue damage can cause chronic pain and long-term problems. Some of the most common types of soft tissue injuries caused by truck accidents include whiplash, sprains, bruising, and torn ligaments and tendons. These injuries can cause reduced mobility, suffering, and the need for ongoing medical care such as physical therapy.
Dan Caplis and our other truck accident attorneys are available 24/7 to assist truck accident victims. Dan may be reached at any hour by calling 303-770-5551. Dan and his team often personally deploy after hours and on weekends to assist truck accident victims and ensure that all of the important evidence is preserved.
If someone you know has passed away resulting from a truck accident, speak with our Denver wrongful death attorneys today.
Safety Regulations for Trucks in Denver, Colorado
Colorado and the city of Denver have enacted safety regulations for commercial trucks to help ensure road safety and protect the public. Some types of safety regulations for trucks in Denver include weight limits, vehicle maintenance and inspection, limits on driver hours of service, and more.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the federal agency responsible for regulating commercial trucks. Colorado follows the federal standards for truck weight limits. Overweight and oversize permits are required before vehicles are allowed to exceed those limits. There are also specific axle weight limits to ensure the truck’s load is properly distributed.
Commercial drivers in Colorado are prohibited from driving more than eleven hours within a fourteen-hour on-duty period and must take ten consecutive hours off after a fourteen-hour shift. Additionally, drivers must take at least a thirty-minute break after eight hours of cumulative driving.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) requires annual safety inspections for all commercial vehicles. Daily pre-trip inspections by the driver of the truck are also mandated.
Colorado also enforces strict regulations for the transportation of hazardous materials. Drivers hauling hazardous materials must have specialized training and endorsements on their commercial driver’s license. Additionally, drivers must obtain special permits, properly label their vehicles, and use only approved routes when carrying hazardous materials.
Denver also has enacted safety ordinances for commercial vehicles. There are restrictions on idling vehicles to help improve air quality in the city. Commercial vehicles are generally prohibited from idling more than five minutes in a one-hour period, with some exceptions.
The city also enforces noise ordinances that apply to trucks. Vehicles must comply with specific decibel limits.
Denver and the State of Colorado have been proactive in enacting comprehensive truck safety regulations. These laws help make our highways and roads safer and more pleasant for our residents and visitors.
Identifying Truck Driver Negligence in Denver, Colorado
A negligent truck driver might cause an accident in many different ways, including these common causes:
- Speeding
- Being overworked or overly tired
- Drowsy Driving
- Failing to check blind spots
- Making lane changes and turns too quickly
- Lack of proper vehicle maintenance
- Overloaded trucks
- Alcohol and/or drug impairment
Dan Caplis and our other truck accident attorneys have proven that they have the skill, experience, and tenacity to drill down and identify the root causes and full truth about the cause of truck accidents. Successfully identifying all of the causes is essential to maximizing the compensation to our clients, and to doing everything we can to make our roads safer.
The High Cost of Shoddy Truck Driver Training in Denver, Colorado
For trucking companies, time is money. This sometimes means that unscrupulous companies will attempt to put new employees on the road without ensuring that they understand safety protocol or even have a valid commercial driver’s license. If an inadequately trained driver is responsible for your collision, the Denver truck accident lawyers at Dan Caplis Law know how to prove that, and how to hold the trucking company fully responsible.
Additionally, other causes may include:
- Unrealistic Schedules– Some trucking companies reward drivers for hurrying without considering the risks involved. The carelessness of this sort can lead to accidents.
- Unsecured Cargo – If a truck is improperly loaded, cargo from the vehicle could fall into traffic and lead to an accident. Unsecured cargo that causes an accident may be the result of improper restraints or errors on the part of those responsible for loading cargo.
- Distracted Driving – The use of cell phones while driving is illegal and can lead to serious accidents. Other examples of distracted driving include distractions from passengers, navigation systems, and eating and drinking. Speak with a Denver distracted driving accident attorney today.
- Drowsy Driving – Federal regulations limit the number of hours a truck driver can drive as drowsy driving can cause serious accidents resulting in life-threatening injuries.
- Dangerous Roads – The improper maintenance of roadways can lead to accidents. Those responsible, the construction company or government agency may be held responsible.
If you or someone you know have sustained injuries in a car accident resulting from a commercial truck incident, contact our Denver truck accident lawyers today.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims in Denver, Colorado?
Generally speaking, according to the Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-80-102(1)(a), you have up to three years to file a claim in a motor vehicle crash case in Colorado, including truck accident cases. But in the event that a Colorado truck accident has resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one, you only have up to two years to file your claim. In rare cases, there may be a tolling of the statute of limitations so it is important that you promptly consult with an attorney regarding any statute of limitations issues.
It is extremely important to preserve critical evidence, particularly in the immediate aftermath of the collision. Almost every truck crash leaves behind a large amount of evidence that must be quickly identified and preserved.
That includes extensive electronic evidence that must be preserved, including the “black box” (ECM) from the truck, as well as GPS data, dash cam, and electronically stored hours of service logs. Dan and our truck accident team have on-call highly experienced specialists who are able to rapidly deploy to secure electronically stored evidence, as well as physical evidence and other information from the crash scene.
Money Damages That Can Be Recovered After a Truck Accident in Colorado
Colorado law allows victims of Colorado truck accidents to recover many different types of damages, depending on the type of injuries and losses in each case. Those damages categories include all economic losses, including but not limited to lost wages and past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, inconvenience, physical impairment and physical disfigurement.
In wrongful death cases, Colorado law allows damages for grief, loss of companionship, pain and suffering, emotional stress and economic damages including but not limited to future lost wages.
In certain aggravated cases, Colorado law also allows the recovery of punitive damages, which are intended to punish willful and wanton conduct and protect the public by deterring the bad actor and others from engaging in that behavior again.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that result in financial loss and can be quantified. These could include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses necessary due to the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
These types of damages are not easily calculated. They are subjective and are more difficult to prove. Some non-economic damages that may be recoverable include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, disfigurement, or permanent disability.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are generally only awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct. These types of damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and to help deter similar behavior in the future.
The Amount of Damages Awarded Often Depends on the Quality of Your Lawyer
The insurance company for the careless trucking company will likely hire a very experienced attorney to try to downplay the victim’s injuries damages and losses and minimize the amount of money paid to the victims through an out-of-court settlement or jury verdict.
Dan Caplis and the other trucking attorneys at Dan Caplis Law have proven that they know how to prove the full extent of our client’s damages, and to maximize the amount paid to our clients through an out-of-court settlement or jury verdict.
Dan Caplis and our other truck accident attorneys are available 24/7 to assist the victims of truck accidents. Dan may be reached at any hour by calling 303-770-5551. Dan and his team often personally deploy after hours and on weekends to assist truck accident victims, and to insure that all of the important evidence is preserved
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Denver
You may be confused and disoriented after an accident.
Knowing what to do after a truck accident in Denver can help you and others manage the scene of the accident as safely as possible. It can also help preserve important evidence to protect any claims for damages you may have. Even if you think you are not injured, you may have physical damages that are not immediately obvious.
Taking precautionary action at the time of the accident may benefit you in ways you don’t realize during the moments right after the wreck.
If you can do so safely, consider taking the following steps after a truck accident in Denver:
- Move to a safe area away from oncoming traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call for help. If anyone is injured immediately call 911. Additionally, you must report any accident that results in death, injury, or property damage to the police.
- Do not leave the scene. You must remain at the scene of the accident until dismissed by law enforcement or taken to the hospital by ambulance. Cooperate with law enforcement but do not admit fault.
- Seek medical attention even if you think you feel okay. Some injuries may not appear immediately. Have emergency medical technicians examine you at the scene. Even after being checked out at the scene, it is wise to visit a doctor or hospital for a thorough evaluation. You could have internal injuries or soft tissue damage that you are not aware of at the time of the accident.
- Exchange information with other parties. Get the names, contact details, insurance information, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers of all parties involved, as well as any witnesses.
- If you can do so safely, document the scene. Take photographs or video of what you see, including the vehicles and parties involved, the weather conditions, the road conditions, any traffic signs or signals, and anything else that seems relevant to the incident. It is also a good idea to write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. However, you should not admit fault until you have consulted with an experienced Denver truck accident attorney.
- Keep detailed records. Organize all accident-related documents in a file. Such documents may include medical records or bills, correspondence with insurance companies, your notes and photos from the scene, and repair estimates for your vehicle.
- Seek legal representation. Truck accidents can involve complicated legal liability issues. You should consult with an experienced Denver truck accident lawyer to understand your rights and to help determine your next steps.
Taking the above steps immediately after a truck accident in Denver may help protect your rights to collect the damages you deserve.
Choose Experienced Denver Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accident victims need a highly experienced truck accident lawyer. Truck accident cases are not like car accident cases. Truck accidents have their own world of law, evidence and tactics that apply. Truck accident cases are usually fought at the highest level. Having a very experienced and accomplished truck accident attorney can literally make a multi-million dollar difference in the outcome of a serious injury truck accident case.
Talk is cheap. Results matter. Especially in truck accident cases. Dan Caplis won the largest truck accident jury verdict in Colorado history. And Dan and our other truck accident lawyers have achieved many high seven-figure and eight-figure out-of-court settlements in truck crash cases.
Truck accidents can result in serious injuries and extensive property damage. When you’re involved in a truck accident, it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side to protect your rights and help you navigate the complex legal process.
At Dan Caplis Law, we can bring:
- Expertise in trucking regulations: Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to strict regulations. An experienced attorney will have a deep understanding of these regulations and how they apply to your case.
- A full investigation to gather evidence: Truck accidents often require a thorough investigation to determine liability. An experienced attorney will know how to gather and preserve crucial evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.
- Strong negotiation skills: Insurance companies representing trucking companies will often try to minimize their liability and offer low settlements. An experienced attorney will have strong negotiation skills to fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
- Industry experts: Truck accident cases may require the testimony of industry experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists or trucking safety experts. An experienced attorney will have established relationships with these experts and know how to effectively utilize their testimony.
- Courtroom experience: In some cases, a truck accident lawsuit may need to go to trial. An experienced attorney will have the courtroom experience necessary to present a compelling case to a judge and jury.
Dan Caplis and our other truck accident attorneys are available 24/7 to assist the victims of truck accidents. Dan may be reached at any hour by calling 303-770-5551. Dan and our Denver Truck Accident Attorneys often personally deploy after hours and on weekends to assist truck accident victims, and to insure that all of the important evidence is preserved.