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Underride Truck Accidents: Essential Information for Injury Victims

November 22, 2024

How Our Lawyers Can Help After an Underride Truck Accident

At Jordan Law, we specialize in helping victims of underride truck accidents in Colorado. Here’s how we can support you:

  • Thorough investigation: We collect evidence, review crash reports, and work with experts to understand the cause of your underride accident.
  • Skilled negotiations: We handle discussions with insurance companies to fight for the maximum settlement you deserve.
  • Court representation: If your case goes to trial, our experienced truck accident attorneys will build a compelling case for you.
  • Comprehensive support: We answer your questions and guide you through every step of your case.

What Is An Underride Truck Accident Case?

A truck accident case focuses on getting compensation for injuries and losses caused by truck crashes. In underride truck accidents, smaller vehicles slide underneath a truck’s trailer, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. These cases require specific expertise, as they often involve multiple parties and complex investigations.

How Do I Get Compensation for an Underride Truck Accident?

To recover compensation after an underride truck accident, you’ll need to prove:

  1. Negligence: Someone acted carelessly or recklessly, causing the crash.
  2. Damages: You suffered injuries, property damage, or financial losses due to the accident.

What Is Negligence in a Truck Accident Case?

Negligence occurs when someone fails to act responsibly, leading to harm. Proving negligence involves these elements:

  1. Duty: The truck driver or company had a responsibility to ensure safety.
  2. Breach: They failed to meet that responsibility, such as by driving recklessly or not maintaining equipment.
  3. Causation: Their failure directly caused the accident and your injuries.
  4. Damages: You experienced measurable harm, such as medical bills or lost wages.

Contributory Negligence in Colorado

Under Colorado negligence law, you can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.

Who Is Liable for My Injuries After an Underride Truck Accident?

Several parties could be responsible for an underride truck accident, including:

  • Truck drivers who fail to follow traffic laws or drive recklessly.
  • Trucking companies that neglect maintenance, fail to train drivers, or ignore safety regulations.
  • Truck manufacturers if defective parts, such as brakes or underride guards, contributed to the crash.
  • Other parties, such as maintenance crews or cargo loaders, depending on the specifics of the accident.

What Compensation Can I Receive for an Underride Truck Accident?

Victims of underride truck accidents may be eligible for various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income or reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Potential Sources of Compensation for Underride Truck Accidents

Recovering compensation after an underride truck accident may involve:

  • Truck driver or trucking company insurance policies
  • Manufacturer liability coverage for defective parts
  • Personal assets of the at-fault parties
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage through your own insurance policy

Common Injuries in Underride Truck Accidents

Underride accidents often result in serious injuries, including:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal organ injuries
  • Severe cuts, burns, and disfigurement

Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents

Underride accidents can happen due to:

  • Sudden stops or improper braking
  • Faulty underride guards or missing safety features
  • Poor visibility in low light or bad weather
  • Distracted, fatigued, or impaired driving
  • Negligent truck maintenance

What To Do After an Underride Truck Accident

If you’ve been involved in an underride truck accident, take these steps to protect your rights:

  1. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.
  2. Report the accident to law enforcement.
  3. Gather evidence, including photos of the scene and witness contact information.
  4. Notify your insurance company about the crash.
  5. Contact a skilled truck accident lawyer at Jordan Law as soon as possible.

Why Choose Jordan Law for Your Underride Truck Accident Case?

Jordan Law has extensive experience handling Colorado truck accident cases, including underride accidents. Our team is dedicated to:

  • Investigating complex cases
  • Maximizing compensation for injury victims
  • Providing compassionate support throughout the legal process

We work tirelessly to protect your rights and deliver the best possible outcome for your case.

What Are Contingency Fees?

At Jordan Law, we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us any legal fees unless we win your case. You can focus on recovery while we handle the legal work.

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