Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Truck accident law in Buena Vista, as in the rest of the United States, generally falls under 'personal injury law’. These kind of cases involve disaster incidents, often causing catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. A crash may occur due to various reasons including driver negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, or violation of federal and state trucking regulations. Both federal laws and Colorado state laws apply to truck accidents in Buena Vista. These laws establish standards that trucking companies, owners, and drivers must meet, and are designed to protect other drivers on the road.
In the aftermath of a truck accident, you might be dealing with severe injuries, escalating medical costs, and loss of income. Engaging a competent lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Furthermore, truck accident cases can be complex due to the existence of multiple potentially liable parties - from the truck driver, to the owner of the truck, or even the manufacturer of a faulty part. A lawyer can help in establishing liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and providing representation in court if necessary.
Local laws in Buena Vista that are relevant to truck accidents include Colorado’s Modified Comparative Negligence law. This law asserts that you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the accident, as long as you were less than 50% responsible. However, the compensation would be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. Buena Vista also adheres to the state’s statutory law, which limits the time to file a lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident.
Firstly, ensure the safety of everyone involved and call 911 for medical help if required. Contact the police and document the accident scene. Get contact information of witnesses and also from the truck driver. Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries with anyone, other than your lawyer, doctor, and police.
Yes, if the truck driver was performing job-related duties at the time of the accident, the trucking company may also be held accountable for your injuries.
As per Colorado law, there are caps on the non-economic damages one can recover from a truck accident, such as pain and suffering, unless there are permanent physical impairments.
Because Colorado follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, you can still get compensation even if you are partly at fault. However, your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation accordingly.
It is advisable not to accept or sign anything without first consulting with a truck accident attorney, who can assess whether the offer is fair and representative of your damages and losses.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a part of USDOT, is responsible for regulating the trucking industry in the United States, and their website contains valuable resources. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) traffic management centers can also provide information related to safety measures, crash reports, and trucking regulations.
If you need legal assistance due to a truck accident, start by collecting and organizing all related information such as police reports, medical reports, and photographs from the incident. Find a reliable personal injury lawyer specializing in truck accidents, preferably one familiar with the laws of Buena Vista, Colorado. They will guide you regarding your options and the necessary steps to build a strong case.
