Common Myths About Truck Accidents

If you get injured in a truck accident in Colorado, you may be facing an uphill legal battle when it comes to recovering fair financial compensation for your losses. The more you understand about trucking accident claims, the easier it will be to protect your rights and maximize your case results. Start by debunking these common myths about truck accidents.

Truck Accidents Are Rare

Unfortunately, accidents involving large commercial trucks are more common than many people think. In 2021 (the most recent year data is available from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), large trucks were involved in 117,000 injury crashes, 5,700 fatal crashes and 401,000 property-damage only crashes. Every year, thousands of harmful truck accidents take place in Colorado alone.

Truck Drivers Are Always at Fault

Truck drivers are behind many truck accidents in Colorado due to dangerous behaviors such as speeding, texting while driving, driving while fatigued, and driving under the influence. However, this does not mean that all truck accidents are caused by careless and reckless truck drivers. 

Many truck accident cases involve negligence (the failure to act with proper care) by other parties outside of the driver. Examples include the trucking company for failing to maintain its fleet of trucks or ensure the safety of its drivers; cargo and shipping companies for issues related to the load the truck is transporting; and other motor vehicle drivers on the road for various mistakes.

It is important to explore all potential defendants or liable parties in your truck accident case before accepting a settlement. A Denver truck accident attorney can investigate the crash to identify everyone who may be at fault. Accessing all sources of financial compensation can optimize your monetary recovery.

A Truck Accident Claim Is the Same as a Car Accident Claim

This is a dangerous myth, as it results in many truck accident victims underestimating the complexity of their claims. It is important to recognize the major differences between a typical car accident case in Denver and one involving a commercial truck in Colorado. These include:

• Unique types of evidence, such as the truck’s black box
• Powerful adversaries such as trucking companies and their insurance providers
• Severe or catastrophic injuries, as well as wrongful deaths
• More insurance coverage available from commercial policies
• Multiple at-fault parties or defendants involved
• Federal trucking laws

The major differences between a truck and car accident claim are why it is especially important to hire a truck accident attorney to represent you. A lawyer will know how to hold one or more parties responsible for the crash.

I Can Secure a Fair Settlement Without an Attorney

While it may be possible to reach a fair settlement with an insurance provider without assistance from a lawyer, you cannot be sure that the value of the offer is just without at least consulting with an attorney. You can’t trust the evaluation given to you by an insurance provider, as insurance companies always put their own profits first. An attorney, on the other hand, will work for you and no one else.

I Can’t Afford a Truck Accident Lawyer

Even if you know you could benefit from hiring a truck accident lawyer, you may hesitate to do so based on misconceptions about how much one costs. Many law firms, including Fang Accident Lawyers, offer legal services on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay your truck accident attorney anything unless your case results in financial compensation. Our law firm also offers free, no-obligation consultations so you can learn more about your case.