Truck Accident Lawyer in Denver, CO
Compassionate Legal Support for Truck Accident Victims
At the Law Office of Joseph A. Lazzara, P.C., we pride ourselves on helping those involved in negligence-related trucking accidents pursue compensation. With over 25 years of legal experience, Attorney Lazzara has the knowledge, skills, and legal experience to help you mount a solid case and fight to achieve the best possible case results.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a trucking accident in Denver or the surrounding areas, you can trust our firm with handling your case. We understand how complex and draining trying to navigate a claim alone can be, and we strive to make the process as straightforward as possible. Our clients receive personalized attention and solutions that aim to address your needs and case objectives.
To schedule a complimentary case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you with your truck accident claim, call (720) 809-8262 today.
Understanding the Different Types of Truck Accidents
As with all motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents can happen in many different ways.
Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents:
- Blind spot accidents. Semi-trucks have a larger blind spot than other vehicles, and vehicles should avoid driving beside or behind large commercial vehicles when possible because of their large blind spots. While in a truck driver’s blind spots, you are at great risk of being hit, crushed, pushed off the road, or trapped on the underside of the truck.
- DUI-related accidents. Commercial truck drivers are held to even stricter standards concerning driving while under the influence, and they are supposed to submit to regular drug and alcohol testing. However, even with the requirements for testing, some drivers still drive their large 18-wheelers while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which can lead to accidents.
- Head-on collisions. This type of crash occurs when a truck and another vehicle collide bumper to bumper. These crashes are often fatal, as other vehicles are much smaller than the semi-trucks they collide with and are crushed.
- Rear-end accidents. If a truck hits the rear bumper of a car (or vice versa), that is a rear-end collision. Even at low speeds, a car rear-ended by a truck can suffer severe damage and even be jolted forward into traffic or other vehicles.
- Rollover accidents. These accidents occur when a truck loses control and ends up flipping or rolling over; a rollover can be caused by excessive speeding, going into curves too quickly, steep inclines or declines, overcorrecting, and collisions with other vehicles or objects on the road. Other vehicles can be crushed or hit while the truck is rolling.
- Spilled cargo accidents. Trucks are, in most cases, hauling a load, and if the cargo is not secured or loaded properly, it can fall out of the truck while it’s on the road. These accidents can also occur if a truck is overloaded.
- T-Bone accidents. These accidents often occur at intersections and involve one vehicle hitting another vehicle’s side, forming a T-shape.
- Truck tire blowout accidents. If a truck’s tire(s) blow out, they can lose control of their vehicle, and the truck can swerve into other vehicles or the path in which those other vehicles are traveling, which can lead to a sideswipe or crushing-related accident.
- Underride accidents. Motorcycles and small vehicles are most commonly involved in this type of trucking accident; an underride accident involves a vehicle getting trapped underneath a truck’s trailer after a collision and being dragged for a period. These accidents can occur if a truck brakes suddenly and a vehicle is behind the truck or during reckless lane changes.
- Wide-turn accidents. You may have noticed that many trucks have caution signs concerning their wide turns. This is because they swing widely to the left when making right turns and have to be mindful of vehicles that may get hit or trapped while they are turning.
In many of these crashes, the size and weight of the commercial vehicle compared to a passenger car or motorcycle is what leads to devastating outcomes. When I investigate a wreck on routes like I-225, E-470, or busy surface streets in Aurora and Centennial, I look at driver logs, maintenance records, and cargo documents to see whether federal safety rules were followed. This detailed approach allows me to build strong claims in serious collisions, including those involving a tractor-trailer accident attorney Arapahoe County residents may need after being hit by a large commercial rig.
Further Reading: Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Injuries Commonly Sustained in Truck Accidents
As trucks are heavier because of the size of the vehicle and the loads they carry, the injuries sustained by those involved in truck accidents can be serious. The products the truck was carrying, the point of impact, and other factors can also contribute to the severity of a person’s injuries.
Common injuries people sustain in truck accidents include:
- Amputations
- Bone breaks and fractures
- Burn injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Crush injuries
- Ear and eye injuries
- Head and brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations and gashes
- Orthopedic injuries
- Spinal cord damage/trauma
- Wrongful death
After a serious crash, you may need emergency treatment at facilities such as UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, or another trauma center in the Denver metro area, followed by months of rehabilitation. I work closely with treating providers to understand the full scope of your injuries, how they affect your ability to work, and what kind of long-term care you may require. This information is essential in evaluating the value of your claim, particularly in collisions involving large commercial vehicles where an 18-wheeler accident attorney Arapahoe County drivers turn to must be prepared to document extensive medical needs and future costs.
Legal Process After a Truck Accident in Arapahoe County
Once you have received medical attention, the next step is to understand how a truck accident claim moves forward in Colorado and what role I can play in guiding you. Insurance companies often begin their investigations quickly, and it can feel overwhelming to respond to adjusters while you are still recovering. I help you focus on your health while I gather police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other evidence needed to present your case clearly. Having a clear roadmap of the process can reduce stress and help you decide how you want to move ahead.
Throughout this process, I keep you informed about important developments and help you weigh settlement offers against the risks and costs of further litigation. My goal is to ensure you never feel pressured into a decision and that you always understand the potential consequences of each option. When you are dealing with the aftermath of a collision with a large commercial vehicle, working with a big rig accident attorney Arapahoe County residents can meet with in person can make a meaningful difference in how prepared you feel at every stage of the legal journey.
Your Trusted Truck Accident Attorney in Arapahoe County
Backed by over 25 years of legal experience, the attorney at the Law Office of Joseph A. Lazzara, P.C. is here and prepared to help you navigate your truck accident case. We understand how damaging a truck accident can be to your physical, emotional, and financial health and are committed to helping you hold the negligent parties liable for your damages.
Discuss your case with our truck accident attorney today. Call (720) 809-8262 or reach out online to schedule your consultation.