Colorado Truck Accident Attorneys

Colorado Truck Accident Attorneys

Colorado is a state with significant semi-truck and 18-wheeler traffic. Many trucks find their way to Colorado each day, whether as a final destination or simply passing through. As the number of trucks increases on Colorado roadways, so too does the risk of trucking-related accidents.

Colorado Specific Trucking Laws

As is the case across the nation, trucking in Colorado is governed by a combination of federal and state laws. These laws, in addition to rules and regulations, govern everything from the maximum weight of a truck’s haul to the length of time a driver can drive before being required to rest. Truckers in Colorado are subject to federal and state regulations in addition to traffic laws that all drivers must obey.

Colorado also has unique trucking requirements due to the state’s weather and varying landscapes. For example, Colorado law requires that all trucks carry tire chains if they’re using I-70 to travel between Morrison and Edwards. It is important that truckers follow the various Colorado laws and regulations designed to keep the state’s roads safe.

Types of Truck Accidents

Accidents involving trucks do occur. The probability of an accident increases whenever truck drivers violate either traffic or specific trucking laws. The resulting accidents can be devastating given the sheer size of most 18-wheelers and semi-trucks on the roads. Some of the common types of accidents involving trucks include:

• Underride: If a vehicle following behind a truck does not have a reasonable opportunity to stop, it runs the risk of colliding with the truck and even being wedged under the trailer. This can lead to serious injury or death.
• Blown Tires: Although any vehicle’s tires can blow out, the debris from an exploding truck tire can result in damage to surrounding vehicles; the debris may strike a nearby vehicle or cause an accident whenever another driver tries to avoid the debris.
• Rear-end collisions: Trucks may fail to stop in a timely manner and may overtake a leading vehicle as a result. This accident can cause serious injury or death to the passengers in the vehicle struck by a truck.
• Jackknife: A truck driver can slam on his or her brakes and cause the trailer skid outward in a direction different from the cabin.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can often be avoided. When they do occur, it may be the result of the driver’s negligence. Some of the more common causes of truck accidents include:

• Inadequate driver training
• Driver fatigue
• Driver inattention
• Speeding
• Improper turning
• Use of alcohol or drugs

Truck Accident Checklist

If you are involved in a trucking-related accident, you should be sure to do the following things:

• Call the police or highway patrol.
• Seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
• Take photographs of the accident.
• Collect the names and information for the parties involved in the collision.
• Never admit fault.
• Obtain a copy of the official accident report.
• Retain an attorney.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney

Trucking accidents happen. You may be entitled to recovery of damages for those expenses you incur as a result of truck accidents caused by a truck driver’s negligence. Retaining a knowledgeable and experienced Colorado truck accident attorney can make all of the difference. Truck accident attorneys focus on litigating these types of cases. As such, a truck accident attorney is better suited to zealously represent you and address the important matters which make up your case.