Trucks travel on Colorado roads every day, but unfortunately, in some cases, they don’t do so safely. Truck crashes happen far too often, and they often have serious or even fatal consequences for innocent victims sharing the road with these large commercial motor vehicles.
If you or someone you love was involved in a truck crash, you need the right legal help from an advocate familiar with the complexities that a collision involving a commercial vehicle can bring. Ridder Law is the firm that you are looking for to provide that help.
At Ridder Law, our experienced Lakewood personal injury accident lawyers are there for you at every step of your case, from ensuring investigators sent by trucking companies don’t portray the accident in the wrong way to helping you identify all the defendants that are to blame.
To find out more about how our firm can help with your case when a truck crash has occurred, give us a call today at (720) 812-1047 to schedule your free consultation.
Why Choose Us After A Lakewood Truck Accident?
There’s only one firm you should turn to in the Lakewood area after a truck accident. Here’s what sets Ridder Law apart from the competition and ensures we are the advocates that are right for you:
- Our representation is personalized to you. You aren’t just another truck accident victim. You will have our full support throughout your case, with the ability to connect directly with your attorney and to get answers to questions 24/7 if you need them. Since we are local to Lakewood, we can also meet you in person.
- We know Federal Motor Carrier Safety Rules inside and out: FMCSA regulations govern many aspects of driver behavior, from cargo loading to when a driver needs to stop and rest. Our firm knows these rules and can determine if they were violated, which will make your case easier to prove.
- We have stood up to big trucking companies. We know that trucking company investigators often try to downplay your damages or cast doubt on the crash cause, and we are familiar with how to deal with these issues and ensure the correct story gets told.
- We have a long track record of successful truck accident cases. Our firm has recovered millions from both truck drivers and trucking companies, and we will help you determine if vicarious liability law can make trucking companies liable for your losses.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Lakewood
Truck collisions can take many forms, each presenting unique dangers:
- Rear-end collisions: When a large truck slams into the back of a smaller vehicle, the force of impact can be deadly due to the truck’s size and weight.
- Jackknife accidents: These occur when the trailer swings out from behind the cab, forming a sharp angle and often blocking multiple lanes of traffic.
- Underride accidents: A smaller vehicle can become lodged underneath the trailer in a rear or side collision, often leading to fatal head or neck injuries.
- Rollover crashes: Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them prone to rolling over—especially on curves or ramps when cargo is unstable or speed is too high.
- Blind spot accidents (or “no-zone” crashes): Trucks have large blind spots on all sides, and drivers who don’t check properly can sideswipe vehicles, motorcycles, or bicyclists.
- Wide turn accidents: A truck may swing into an adjacent lane to complete a turn, potentially striking or pinning vehicles beside or behind it.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Lakewood
These serious crashes are rarely “accidents” in the traditional sense—they’re often the result of negligence. Common contributing factors include:
- Driver fatigue: Federal regulations limit how many hours truckers can drive, but these rules are often violated due to tight delivery schedules or pressure from employers.
- Distracted driving: Cell phone use, eating, adjusting the radio, or even checking GPS can divert a driver’s attention from the road for just long enough to cause disaster.
- Improper loading: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can make the truck harder to control, especially when braking or turning.
- Mechanical failures: Poorly maintained brakes, worn tires, and steering system defects are common issues that can lead to loss of control.
- DUI driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it a significant cause of catastrophic truck accidents.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Despite their size, some truck drivers exceed speed limits, follow too closely, or fail to adjust for bad weather or road conditions.
- Lack of proper training or experience: Operating a commercial truck requires specialized training, and poorly trained drivers may not know how to handle emergency situations.
At Ridder Law, we know how to identify these causes through in-depth investigation, expert analysis, and review of onboard data. Whether it’s a driver pushing past legal hours or a company failing to maintain its fleet, we’ll uncover the truth and fight for the justice you deserve.
What Can A Lakewood Truck Accident Lawyer Do for You?
In the aftermath of your truck accident, Ridder Law can offer the personalized support you need to maximize your chances of a successful truck accident claim. Our firm will:
- Help collect data from the crash scene and other evidence, including big box data from the truck’s onboard recorder, driver maintenance logs, and records related to vehicle maintenance and more.
- Identify all potential defendants, including the trucking company, truck maintenance professionals, and others responsible for your harm
- Negotiate with big trucking companies and their insurers to try to successfully resolve your claim outside of court, so you can avoid the stress of legal proceedings
- Go to court on your behalf if needed to get justice
Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Through it all, our team is by your side to answer questions — we won’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Contact us online or call us today at (720) 812-1047 to speak with an experienced Lakewood truck accident lawyer to find out more about how we can help you.