Getting hurt in a truck crash can turn your world upside down. You’re dealing with pain, medical bills, and maybe even time off work. On top of all that, there’s a lot of wrong information floating around about truck accident claims. These myths can hurt your chances of getting fair money for your injuries.
Let’s clear up the confusion. Here are the biggest myths about truck accident claims and what you really need to know to protect yourself.
Common Myths That Can Hurt Your Case
Myth 1: Truck Drivers Are Always at Fault
The Truth: This isn’t always the case. While truck drivers do cause many crashes, other people and companies can be to blame too.
Here’s who might be responsible for your truck crash:
- The truck driver (if they were tired, drunk, or breaking rules)
- The trucking company (for bad hiring or not fixing trucks)
- The company that loaded the truck (if cargo fell off)
- The company that made truck parts (if something broke)
- Other drivers on the road
In 2023, large truck crashes killed 4,354 people, but not every crash was the truck driver’s fault. A good Denver truck accident lawyer will look at all possible causes to find everyone who should pay.
Myth 2: Bigger Trucks Mean Bigger Payouts
The Truth: The size of the truck doesn’t decide how much money you get. What matters is:
- How badly you got hurt
- Who was at fault
- How much the crash changed your life
- What your medical bills and lost wages add up to
Yes, trucking companies often have bigger insurance policies than regular drivers. But that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically get more money. You still have to prove they were wrong and show how much the crash cost you.
Myth 3: Insurance Companies Will Pay Fair Amounts Right Away
The Truth: Insurance companies are businesses that want to keep their money. They often offer low amounts hoping you’ll take it quickly.
Here’s what insurance companies might do:
- Offer you money before you know how hurt you really are
- Ask you to sign papers that give up your right to sue later
- Try to blame you for the crash
- Wait a long time hoping you’ll give up
Don’t talk to the truck company’s insurance without a lawyer. They’re not on your side, even if they act nice.
Myth 4: You Can Handle the Claim Yourself
The Truth: Truck accident cases are much harder than regular car crashes. Here’s why:
Federal Rules: Trucks must follow special rules that regular cars don’t. These include:
- How many hours drivers can work
- How much trucks can weigh
- How often trucks need safety checks
Multiple Parties: Unlike car crashes where usually one person is at fault, truck crashes often involve many companies. You might need to go after the driver, trucking company, and others all at once.
Big Legal Teams: Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to pay you less. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.
Evidence Goes Away Fast: Important proof can disappear quickly. Trucks have computers that track what happened, but companies might delete this data if you don’t act fast.
Myth 5: Minor Injuries Don’t Matter
The Truth: Even if you feel okay right after a crash, you might be hurt worse than you think. The shock and rush of stress chemicals can hide pain.
Some injuries show up later:
- Back and neck problems
- Brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Emotional trauma
Always see a doctor after any truck crash, even if you feel fine. Some injuries that seem small at first can cause big problems later.
Myth 6: Filing a Lawsuit Takes Forever
The Truth: While some cases do take time, many truck accident claims get settled without going to court.
Most Cases Settle: Smart lawyers often work out deals with insurance companies. This saves time and gets you money faster than a trial.
You Don’t Do Most of the Work: If your case does go to court, your lawyer handles almost everything. You focus on getting better while they handle the legal stuff.
The key is starting early. In Colorado, you have three years to file a lawsuit after a truck crash. But waiting hurts your case because evidence disappears.
Why These Myths Are Dangerous
Believing wrong information can cost you in several ways:
You Might Accept Too Little Money
If you think insurance companies are fair, you might take the first offer they give you. This could be much less than you deserve.
You Might Wait Too Long
Some people think they have forever to file a claim. But important evidence gets lost, witnesses forget what happened, and laws limit how long you can wait.
You Might Not Get Medical Care
If you think your injuries aren’t “bad enough,” you might skip seeing doctors. This hurts both your health and your legal case.
The Real Facts About Truck Accidents
Let’s look at what the numbers really tell us:
Truck Crashes Are Common: In 2023, there were about 155,000 truck accidents in the United States. That’s more than 400 crashes every single day.
Most Deaths Aren’t Truck Drivers: When someone dies in a truck crash, 65% of the time it’s someone in a regular car, not the truck driver. Only 16% of deaths are truck occupants.
Crashes Happen During the Day: Most people think truck crashes happen at night, but 62% happen during daylight hours.
Rural Roads Are Dangerous: More than half of deadly truck crashes happen on country roads, not busy highways.
What You Should Do After a Truck Crash
If you’re in a truck accident, here’s what to do:
Right Away:
- Call 911 – Get medical help and police to the scene
- See a Doctor – Even if you feel okay
- Take Pictures – Of your car, the truck, and the crash scene
- Get Information – License, insurance, and company details
- Don’t Sign Anything – From the trucking company’s insurance
Soon After:
- Call Your Insurance – Report the crash
- Don’t Talk to Their Insurance – Without a lawyer present
- Keep Records – Of doctor visits and time off work
- Contact a Lawyer – Before you make any big decisions
Types of Injuries in Truck Crashes
Truck crashes often cause serious injuries because trucks are so much bigger than cars. A typical truck weighs 20 to 30 times more than a car.
Common Injuries Include:
- Broken bones
- Back and spine injuries
- Brain injuries
- Burns
- Internal injuries
- Cuts that leave scars
These injuries can change your whole life. You might not be able to work the same job or do things you used to enjoy. A good lawyer will help you get money for all these changes, not just your medical bills.
How Much Money Can You Get?
Every case is different, but you might be able to get money for:
Medical Bills: Past and future doctor visits, surgery, therapy, and medicine
Lost Wages: Money you couldn’t make because you were hurt
Pain and Suffering: Payment for physical pain and emotional distress
Life Changes: If you can’t do your old job or need help with daily tasks
Some truck accident cases result in very large settlements because the injuries are so severe. But remember, the amount depends on your specific situation.
Choosing the Right Lawyer
Not all lawyers know how to handle truck accident cases. You need someone who understands:
- Federal trucking rules
- How to investigate crashes
- How to deal with big insurance companies
- The medical side of serious injuries
Look for a lawyer who:
- Has won truck accident cases before
- Works on contingency (no fee unless you win)
- Will go to trial if needed
- Communicates clearly with you
Don’t Let Myths Hurt Your Case
The truth is, truck accident claims are complicated. Insurance companies count on you not knowing your rights. They hope you’ll believe these myths and accept less money than you deserve.
But now you know better. You know that:
- Anyone involved in the crash might be at fault
- The size of the truck doesn’t determine your payout
- Insurance companies aren’t looking out for you
- You need professional help to get fair treatment
- Even “minor” injuries can be serious
- Most cases settle without long court battles
Final Thoughts
Truck accidents can change everything in seconds. Don’t let myths and misinformation make things worse by keeping you from getting the help you need.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash in Colorado, the team at CO Trial Lawyers is here to help. We know the real facts about truck accident claims, and we’ll fight to get you every dollar you deserve.
Don’t wait. Call today for a free talk about your case. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you understand what your case might be worth. Remember, you don’t pay us unless we win money for you.
The myths are cleared up. Now it’s time to get the justice you deserve.