Being in a truck accident is a completely different experience from being involved in a car accident. The size and shape of trucks makes them prone to types of collisions you simply don’t see with passenger vehicles. They include:

• Jackknife: Jackknife accidents are unique to tractor-trailers. They occur when the back end of a truck swings out from the tractor, forming a 90-degree angle. The trailer is much heavier than the tractor, so it pulls the front end of the truck along until it comes to a natural stop.
• Tire blowout: Although tire blowouts aren’t unique to trucks, they are much more likely for trucks than for other vehicles. Truck tires are put under substantial pressure every day, thanks to the huge cargo loads they take. Blowouts are always a possibility, especially on trucks that aren’t properly maintained or inspected.
• Rollover: Rollovers are more likely on trucks because of a tractor-trailer’s height. An unbalanced truck or intense winds can cause a rollover.
• Underride: Underride collisions often lead to severe or fatal injuries. This type of accident happens when a car drives into the back of a tractor-trailer and gets stuck underneath its back end.
• Turning: Turn accidents are incredibly common. In fact, in Fort Collins, approach turn crashes are often very severe. These occur when one vehicle is turning left and another vehicle approaching them is going straight. The left-turn driver misjudges the other car’s speed or distance and turns in front of them. This is particularly dangerous when a truck driver is going straight—even if they see that someone is taking an unsafe left turn in front of them, their truck takes so long to stop that they will not be able to take evasive action.

The injuries you suffer do a lot to determine how much compensation you can receive. So does your documentation of your injuries and the crash, so make sure to take pictures, take notes, and get copies of everything related to your accident. A successful claim may lead to compensation for:

• Medical bills, prescription medications, travel expenses to and from appointments, and other medical expenses
• Lost wages and income
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• For those who suffer catastrophic or permanent injuries, future medical expenses and lost future income

Be aware, though: the insurance company will fight you every step of the way. Even if it’s clear that the other driver was to blame for your accident and injuries, they will try to diminish their own financial losses in every way available to them.

That’s the main reason you should work with Colorado Accident Attorneys. The at fault party’s insurance company does not have your best interests in mind; they are simply trying to protect their own profit margins and their end-of-year bonuses. If that means that you are left with staggering medical debt or lost wages, that does not affect them at all.

When you work with Colorado Accident Attorneys, you can breathe easy and focus on your recovery—your legal needs are in experienced hands. We’ve seen how serious truck accidents can completely turn a victim’s life upside down, and we strive to hold negligent drivers accountable.

Let’s sit down and talk more about your legal options and next steps. We’re here to support you as you recover. To schedule a free consultation now, just call us at 303-567-7981 or request more information online.