Fort Collins Truck Accident Lawyers

Helping Truck Accident Victims Since 1992

Semi-trucks can weigh over 26,000 pounds; when they collide with a private passenger vehicle, their weight and speed intensify the impact. The force of a big truck can twist and crush a smaller vehicle, leaving the occupants with little chance of survival.  Victims of underride accidents, jackknife crashes, or other serious truck collisions who are able to recover compensation often must still deal with catastrophic injuries, a lifetime of pain, costly medical treatment, disabilities, and financial losses. 

At the Tenge Law Firm LLC, we believe that individuals who cause an injury should be held responsible. Our firm understands the nuances of personal injury law, and how to deal with insurance companies. We rely on our significant experience litigating personal injury lawsuits in Colorado, as well as our firm’s extensive resources, to manage any complications and resolve difficult cases. 

Let us fight for the best possible result in your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries. Contact us today at (970) 510-8077 for a free consultation with our truck accident attorney in Fort Collins.

Our Firm’s Accident Case Results

At the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, our experienced attorneys have resolved many complex Colorado truck accident cases. We’ve negotiated settlements for our clients when possible, but we have also taken cases to trial when necessary. Each case is unique, with different circumstances and liability issues. While we cannot guarantee a positive outcome, our prior results are representative of our hard work:

• $1,050,000: A truck driver rear-ended our client’s car. The impact caused serious back injuries that required surgical intervention. Our client’s continuing disabilities decreased his work capacity. We settled for the negligent driver’s policy limits.
• $1,350,000: Our client was injured when struck head-on by another vehicle. The impact severely injured her ankle, foot, and leg, and her treatment required hospitalizations and surgery. We determined that the driver had three policies that covered the incident. Our settlement included policy limit contributions from all three policies.
• $950,000: A speeding teenage driver struck our client’s vehicle from behind on I-25. The client contacted us after unsuccessful negotiation attempts with the teen’s insurance company. After a year of litigation in Montana and Colorado, we settled the situation for policy limits during trial preparation.

Each situation is unique, and it is not possible to guarantee an outcome. Our track record illustrates our commitment to providing every client with effective, passionate representation.

Severe Injuries From Truck Accidents

When a truck crashes into a car at high speeds, the resultant damage and injuries can be devastating. Even at lower speeds, the impact can crush a car, shatter its windows, or cause an explosion. Collisions with trucks often cause fatalities or leave the survivors with catastrophic injuries that change their lives forever. Possible injuries include:

• Spinal cord trauma and paralysis
• Back and neck injuries
• Severe burns
• Dislocated and herniated discs
• Traumatic brain injury
• Skull and facial fractures
• Traumatic amputations
• Internal organ injuries
• Multiple fractures

Who Are the Liable Parties in a Truck Accident?

When a semi-truck causes an incident, the truck driver is often responsible. However, there can be numerous other responsible parties as well. Other drivers on the road may have acted negligently, or there may be a contractual duty to assume liability or an agency relationship with other involved parties that may affect who must pay. Parties who could potentially be held responsible include:

• Driver: a driver’s liability is based on his actions behind the wheel. Negligent actions may include distracted driving, intoxication, or improper loading. Drivers must also follow industry safety standards that limit drive time hours. Many are under a mandate requiring them to track their drive-time with Electronic Logging Devices, which may be used to establish negligent behavior.
• Employer: a truck driver’s employer may ultimately be responsible for a negligent truck driver’s actions. They are also responsible for negligent hiring and supervision issues.
• Truck Owner: if a driver or motor carrier leases or borrows a rig, the owner may share liability for truck incidents where maintenance, safety, and vehicle defects are a factor. Oftentimes, the owner transfers responsibility for their liability through a lease contract.
• Trailer Owner: a separate entity often owns or loads the trailer attached to a semi-truck. The trailer may belong to a product shipper or a leasing company. Furthermore, issues of liability can get even more complicated when a driver is deadheading (transporting an empty trailer) or bobtailing (traveling to pick up a trailer).
• Shipper: when improper loading causes a tractor or flatbed to flip, the entity that loaded the cargo may be held responsible, along with the driver.
• Maintenance Contractor: when maintenance contractors fail to perform proper maintenance on a semi-truck, they may be liable for any incidents that result from their failures.
• Truck Manufacturer: the manufacturer may be responsible if a truck or trailer manufacturing defect causes an incident.

What Damages Are Recoverable In Truck Accident Cases?

The potential damages that an injured person may recover fall into two broad categories: economic damages and general damages. Economic damages are calculated based on actual out-of-pocket losses or projected future losses. Truck accidents that cause serious injuries can result in significant medical expenses, and can affect a victim’s ability to work. 

Economic damages may include:

• Current and future wage losses
• Medical treatment
• Prescriptions
• Prosthetics and mobility devices
• Physical therapy
• Medical transportation costs
• Costs to replace household services that an injured person would have otherwise been able to perform

General damages can be difficult to calculate, as they often depend on intangibles. These damages recognize the mental and emotional toll that an incident can have on a victim, and also consider how any injuries may have affected, and continue to affect, a victim’s life. 

At the Tenge Law Firm LLC, we help our clients evaluate their potential for recovering general damages, which can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Inability to provide spousal services
• Inability to care for children
• Loss of reproductive capacity
• Loss of bodily functions
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Permanent disabilities

If your case goes to trial, and the evidence establishes that the defendant’s malice, fraud, or wanton conduct caused your injuries, the court may also award punitive damages.

How Do Liable Parties Attempt To Avoid Paying?

Because truck accidents can cause serious and expensive injuries, legal action is often the only way to ensure victim compensation. At the Tenge Law Firm LLC, we investigate the circumstances surrounding an incident—including who owned, operated, maintained, and loaded a truck—to determine liability. 

We handle negotiations with the trucking company representatives, insurance claim adjusters, and other involved parties. Even if responsibility for the incident seems obvious, the involved parties often seek to limit their liability. 

Potential defenses include:

• No negligence: the driver and other responsible parties dispute that they acted negligently.
• Comparative negligence: Colorado law bars an injured person from recovering damages if the defendant proves that the injured person was at least 50 percent responsible for the incident.
• No defect: when a brake, axle, or other defect causes an incident, the manufacturer may attempt to prove otherwise to reduce its liability.

Tips For Staying Safe On Fort Collins Roads

With the increase in truck traffic on Fort Collins roads, all motorists must practice safe driving habits to reduce the risk of accidents. One crucial tip is maintaining a safe distance from large trucks, which have large blind spots and need more time to stop than smaller vehicles. It's advisable to avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots, which typically include the areas directly behind the truck and along its sides.

Another essential safety tip is to be alert and avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or using a smartphone. Traffic patterns can change quickly, and being attentive allows drivers to react promptly to unexpected situations. Adhering to speed limits, especially in areas with frequent truck traffic like I-25, can help mitigate potential accidents. By incorporating these practices, drivers contribute to safer roadways, minimizing the risk of involvement in serious accidents. Prevention and awareness are key components in reducing the frequency and severity of truck-related accidents in Fort Collins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

What Should I Do Immediately After A Truck Accident In Fort Collins?

Immediately after a truck accident, ensure your safety and the safety of others by moving to a safe location and calling 911. It’s essential to report the accident to law enforcement and seek medical attention, even if injuries initially seem minor. Document the scene: take photos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from the truck driver, witnesses, and other parties involved. Avoid making statements about fault or discussing the details with insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer. Engaging a knowledgeable truck accident attorney in Fort Collins can help protect your rights and guide you through filing claims and dealing with insurance companies.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Severe Than Car Accidents?

Significant rig accidents often result in more severe outcomes than car accidents due to the significant size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Trucks carrying loads of up to 80,000 pounds exert a tremendous force on impact, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic damage and injuries. The higher ground clearance of trucks can lead to underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath the truck in a collision. Factors such as longer stopping distances, wide turns, and limited maneuverability also play into the heightened risk associated with sharing roads with larger vehicles. The complexity of these dynamics makes knowledgeable legal representation essential in handling 18-wheeler accident claims.

Can I Claim Compensation For Psychological Trauma After A Truck Accident?

Yes, victims of truck accidents can seek compensation for psychological trauma and emotional distress resulting from an accident. These general damages consider the impact of the accident on mental health, including conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Establishing a link between the trauma and the accident typically involves thorough medical documentation and expert testimony. Securing compensation for psychological impact could involve demonstrating how the trauma affects daily activities and quality of life. Engaging an attorney familiar with pursuing these types of claims is essential in ensuring that victims receive the full breadth of compensation to which they are entitled.

What Evidence Is Important In Proving A Truck Accident Case?

Evidence is the cornerstone of building a successful truck accident case. Key elements include photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. Collecting witness statements and contact information can provide valuable perspectives on the dynamics of the accident. Truck driver records, such as logs and ELD data, may reveal hours-of-service violations. Secure maintenance records and data from event data recorders (black boxes) for compelling insights into the truck's performance during the accident. An attorney can help compile this evidence, ensuring all relevant documentation and expert analysis are considered in pursuing the case.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorney in Fort Collins Today

At the Tenge Law Firm LLC, we offer free consultations for Fort Collins area truck accident victims. When you call, we will listen to your story of the accident, assess the validity of your case, and determine if we can help. Our clients never pay attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover in their case, either through settlement or at trial. If you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident, the Fort Collins truck accident lawyers at Tenge Law Firm LLC are here to help. 

Call us today at (970) 510-8077 to speak with one of our Fort Collins truck accident lawyers. We have been assisting injury victims for over 26 years, and we want to help you seek justice.