Truck accidents can turn life upside down in an instant, and dealing with what comes next isn’t always straightforward. With so many moving parts, from insurance issues to liability questions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve created a clear, straightforward guide for anyone involved in a crash in Wyoming or Colorado — so you know what to expect and where to start.
This overview covers what makes semi truck accidents unique, the parties involved, what to do immediately after an accident, common causes and injuries, and potential compensation.
We know how devastating a truck accident can be, and we hope this guide can help ease your stress and allow you to focus on healing and recovering from your accident.
What Makes a Truck Accident Different from a Car Accident
While they may appear similar, a car accident is very different from a truck accident. A truck can weigh over twenty times as much as a car, so the injuries resulting from a truck accident tend to be severe, permanent, or even fatal. In addition, liability can be further complicated by interactions between the driver, trucking company, manufacturer, shipper, and local municipality. Not only that, but truckers also have to comply with strict federal regulations about vehicle maintenance and limits on how many hours they can drive per day or week, so there’s a chance your accident involved a violation of a federal law as well.
The Parties Usually Involved in a Trucking Accident
It can be confusing to navigate the legalities of a truck accident case without the help of an experienced truck crash lawyer. Because of the many interacting factors at play when transporting goods over the highway and across state lines, multiple parties can be at fault. Additionally, most truck drivers do not own their vehicles and are instead contractors, and one company might own the tractor while another owns the trailer or the cargo.
Potential liable (responsible by law) parties include:
- Truck driver
- Truck owner
- Trucking company
- Defective truck part manufacturer
- Maintenance company
- Cargo loading company
- Shipping agency
- Government entity
- Another driver
What You Should Do Immediately After a Truck Accident
The moments following an accident are confusing, frightening, and critical. Ensuring the safety of you and those around you after a truck accident is the first priority.
Here are some key steps you should take immediately after a truck crash for safety:
- Stop your vehicle.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Check surroundings for danger (fires, debris, etc.)
- If possible, navigate your vehicle out of the way of traffic. (If not possible, exit the vehicle and move a safe distance away from traffic.)
- Assess the injuries to yourself and everyone in your vehicle.
- Call 911. (This is not the first step because making sure everyone is safe is the priority. It’s still crucial to report all accidents to the authorities once it is safe to do so.)
- If emergency warning devices are available, such as warning triangles, set them up.
It’s also important to take steps to ensure you can get the compensation and justice you deserve. Here are some key immediate actions to prepare for your case and set yourself up for healing and recovery:
- Gather information, including the names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details of the other driver, as well as photos of the accident scene. (Refrain from apologizing or admitting fault. What you say can be used against you.)
- Get a medical exam, even if you don’t think you need one. Keep records of this visit.
- Contact your insurance company to provide a detailed account of the accident and a copy of the police report so they can begin their investigation.
- Speak with an attorney! Contact a trusted personal injury lawyer to advocate on your behalf regarding your accident.
Common Causes of Semi Accidents
Driving a big rig is a hazardous job, and many factors contribute to the safety of everyone on the road. Drivers need to be well-trained and well-rested, and vehicles need to be well-maintained, as the first line of defense against a tragic accident.
Common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Brake failure
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Failure to maintain the vehicle
- Inadequate training of drivers
- Inclement weather
- Poorly-maintained roads
- Mechanical defects
- Overloaded trailers
- Unsecured loads
- Trucking companies promoting or requiring unrealistic schedules
Common Injuries from Semi Accidents
Because a truck is so heavy, the injuries from an accident are often severe and may be life-changing or even life-threatening. Some injuries might not be apparent right away, so even if you think you’re okay, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately after your accident.
Common injuries from truck accidents may include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Internal organ injuries
- Neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputations
Compensation You Could Be Entitled To After a Truck Accident
You could be entitled to a few different types of compensation. Generally speaking, there are four main categories of damages you could be owed:
- Economic damages: Calculable, financial losses, such as lost wages, past and future medical expenses, and reduction of future income.
- Non-economic damages: Non-calculable losses such as pain and suffering, post-traumatic stress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Permanency: Your injuries may be permanent.
- Punitive damages: Also known as exemplary damages, they are much rarer, intended to punish, and are awarded above and beyond the compensation. This type is typically sought in cases of willful or malicious conduct.
Free Guide: 7 Mistakes to Avoid After a Truck Accident
What you do after a truck crash can seriously impact your recovery — and your rights. Before you talk to the insurance company or sign anything, grab our free guide:
Take five minutes now to set yourself up for success later.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident in Colorado or a semi accident in Wyoming, Shafner Injury Law is here to listen without judgment and fight for your fair and just compensation so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track. Our experienced, results-driven accident attorneys will handle the complicated web of insurance claims and take your case to trial if necessary. We work on a contingency fee basis: we only get paid when you get paid.
Contact us today for your free consultation:
info@shafnerlaw.com
303-796-0555
Blog Disclaimer:
Nothing on this blog is intended as legal advice. For legal advice, contact a personal injury lawyer directly.