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Trucking Accident Lawsuit Information

in Denver and throughout Colorado and Wyoming

Who can be held responsible for trucking accidents?

Multiple parties may be responsible in trucking accident, including:

  • Trucking companies
  • Truck manufacturers
  • Truck drivers

Trucking companies have a responsibility to monitor their drivers and maintain equipment. Defective trucks can be the responsibility of truck manufacturers. Drivers who do not adhere to trucking laws, or who drive carelessly can also be at fault.

What are the most common causes of trucking accidents?

  • Driver fatigue - It is estimated that driver fatigue is involved in up to 40% of trucking accidents.
  • Intoxication - Alcohol and drugs are often a factor in trucking accidents. Many drivers turn to illegal stimulants in an effort to combat fatigue. Truck drivers are subject to much more stringent laws regarding alcohol consumption than drivers of passenger vehicles.
  • Weather conditions - Poor visibility and slippery roads create hazards for any vehicle. These hazards are greatly compounded for large trucks.
  • Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks - Too much weight and improper weight distribution can make a large truck impossible to handle, and can cause the truck to go out of control.
  • Equipment failure - When equipment fails, such as brake systems or tires, even the best driving cannot always prevent a serious accident.

Are there limitations of how much time a truck driver spends on the road?

Hours of service (HOS) regulations state that drivers may be on the road for no more than 10 consecutive hours and no more than 11 hours in one day. They must take at least 10 hours off between daily driving sessions. They may not drive more than 60 hours during one week, or more than 70 hours during an eight day period. They must take at least 34 consecutive hours off each week.

Can just anyone drive a big truck?

No. Truck drivers must have a special license called a commercial drivers license (CDL). Special training and tests are required to obtain a CDL. Beyond that, there are different classes of CDLs which dictate the types and weights of trucks which drivers may operate. Extra training and tests apply to drivers who haul certain types of cargo, such as hazardous materials, or drive certain types of trucks, such as triple trailers. Accidents, traffic violations, and violations of trucking laws can cause a driver to lose his or her CDL.

What is an underride accident?

Because of the height difference between tractor trailer trucks and passenger cars, the hood and engine compartment or trunk can slide underneath the truck causing all of the impact to occur between the bed of the truck and the occupant compartment of the car, resulting in serious injuries, decapitation, and death. An underride accident can occur due to impact between a car and the front, rear, or side of a large truck.

Click to view our video about "Trucking Accident FAQs"

More about Truck/Semis Accidents

Questions About Trucking Accident Lawsuits

Verdicts and Settlements

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or a loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Colorado, Wyoming or anywhere in the US, you may have the right to file a truck accident lawsuit. Burg Simpson has the experience, and the resources, to ensure that you can recover the damages you deserve for your injuries and your losses. Please call or email our trucking accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation.

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Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, P.C. is a law firm serving the Rocky Mountain Region. The firm has offices in Denver, Colorado, Cody, WY, Cincinnati, Ohio, & Phoenix, AZ. The Firm is responsible for the content on the website,this information is not to be interpreted as providing legal services,
nor as proposing any form of legal advice.