At Colorado Car Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping accident victims throughout Denver and across the state. Our experienced attorneys understand the challenges you face after a car accident, including dealing with medical bills, insurance companies, and lost wages. We provide personalized legal strategies to help you secure the compensation you deserve. With a proven track record of successful outcomes, we are committed to fighting for your rights and guiding you through every step of the legal process.
Truck accidents are not just larger versions of car accidents. They involve different vehicles, laws, and levels of risk. The size and weight of commercial trucks, the involvement of multiple parties, and strict federal and state regulations make truck accident cases more demanding than typical car accident claims. If you have been injured in a truck crash in Colorado, understanding these key differences is the first step toward protecting your rights and securing proper compensation.
In this blog, we explain how truck accidents differ from car accidents, what makes these cases more complex, and why working with an experienced Denver truck accident attorney is essential for protecting your rights and pursuing full compensation.
Size and Force: The Physics of Impact
Truck accidents involve much more force than car accidents, which leads to more severe injuries and greater vehicle damage. The size and weight of commercial trucks create a different level of danger for everyone on the road.
Truck vs. Car: Weight and Momentum
A fully loaded semi truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while most passenger cars weigh less than 4,000 pounds. This size difference means a truck crash brings significantly more force than a typical car wreck. The added momentum makes it harder for trucks to stop in time, increasing the risk of high-impact collisions with smaller vehicles.
Impact on Injury Severity
The injuries suffered in truck accidents are usually more severe than those from car accidents. Victims in smaller vehicles often experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple broken bones. These types of truck accident injuries often lead to long-term medical treatment and costly recovery.
Vehicle Damage and Road Conditions
Truck accidents often cause extensive damage to passenger cars, especially in underride crashes where a car slides beneath the trailer. These collisions can be fatal or lead to catastrophic injuries. Truck crashes may also affect several lanes, creating road hazards for other drivers and increasing the chances of multiple-vehicle accidents.
More Than One Party: Liability is Complex
Truck accidents often involve several parties who may share legal responsibility. This makes truck accident cases different from typical car accident claims.
The Truck Driver
The truck driver is often the first party investigated after a truck crash. Driver fatigue, speeding, or distracted driving are common causes of truck accidents. A review of the driver’s records, training, and logbooks can reveal violations that may support a claim.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company may be held liable if it failed to enforce safety policies, hired unqualified drivers, or pushed drivers to violate hours-of-service rules. In Colorado, trucking companies must follow both state and federal regulations and related commercial vehicle statutes.
Cargo Loaders and Maintenance Contractors
Improperly secured cargo or overloaded trailers can cause a truck to lose control. Cargo loaders may be liable if their actions contributed to the crash. Similarly, maintenance companies can be responsible if poor vehicle maintenance or mechanical failure led to the accident.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
If defective parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, played a role in the crash, the truck manufacturer or parts supplier may be liable. These claims require investigation of the vehicle’s maintenance history and an inspection of failed components.
Comparative Fault in Colorado
Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. This means each party, including the injured person, may be assigned a percentage of fault. A person who is 50 percent or more at fault cannot recover damages. Understanding how liability is divided is critical in truck accident litigation.
Regulations: Federal and State Laws Apply
Truck accidents are different from car accidents in part because truck drivers and trucking companies must follow strict federal and state rules. These regulations affect how truck accident cases are handled and who may be held liable.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
The FMCSR sets rules for commercial truck drivers across the country. These include limits on how many hours a driver can be on the road, required rest breaks, and drug testing. Violations of these rules can lead to driver fatigue and increase the risk of a truck crash. Black box data and logbooks often help show if a driver broke these rules.
Colorado-Specific Trucking Laws
Colorado has its own laws for commercial trucks under C.R.S. § 42-4-235 and related sections. These include weight limits, equipment standards, and hazardous material requirements. Trucking companies must follow both state and federal rules to operate in Colorado. If they do not, they may be held liable in truck accident claims.
Licensing and Driver Qualifications
Truck drivers must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) under C.R.S. § 42-2-402. Drivers must also meet certain age, training, and health standards. A driver who lacks proper certification or fails a medical check may be disqualified. Driving without proper credentials is strong evidence in a truck accident case.
Why Regulations Matter in Truck Accident Litigation
These rules create a higher duty of care for commercial truck drivers and trucking companies. When a truck accident happens, investigators and attorneys review compliance with these laws. Any violation can help prove fault and increase the value of a claim for the accident victim.
Evidence: Truck Accidents Leave a Bigger Trail
Truck accidents often produce more evidence than car accidents. This evidence can be critical in proving fault and building a strong truck accident claim.
Black Box Data and Electronic Logs
Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices and black box systems. These tools record speed, braking, hours of service, and other driver actions before a crash. This data helps show if a driver was speeding, driving too long without rest, or failed to react in time.
Driver and Maintenance Records
Trucking companies are required to keep records of driver qualifications, driving history, and regular vehicle maintenance. These records can show if a driver had past violations or if the company failed to fix mechanical problems. Poor maintenance or defective parts often play a role in truck accidents.
Inspection Reports and Safety Violations
Both federal and Colorado agencies perform regular inspections of commercial trucks. If a truck involved in a crash had a history of safety violations or failed inspections, this information can support the claim. Violations such as worn tires or faulty brakes increase the risk of serious injuries.
Witness Statements and Camera Footage
Many trucks have dash cameras, and nearby traffic or businesses may capture video of the truck crash. Eyewitness accounts can also provide details about how the accident happened. These sources give a clearer picture of events than most typical car accident cases.
Why More Evidence Matters in Truck Accident Cases
The large amount of evidence available in truck accident litigation helps identify who was at fault. It also helps truck accident lawyers prove violations of safety rules or negligence by the trucking company. This level of documentation is rarely seen in car accident claims.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney in Colorado
Truck accidents in Colorado involve complex legal and insurance issues. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you pursue fair compensation and protect your rights.
Understanding the Complexity of Truck Accident Cases
Truck accidents differ from car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties and strict regulations. Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or cargo loaders. A truck accident attorney will investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Navigating Federal and State Regulations
Commercial trucks are subject to federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), covering aspects like driving hours, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications. A truck accident attorney in Colorado is familiar with these regulations and can determine if any violations contributed to the crash.
Addressing Severe Injuries and Damages
Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents often result in serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. These injuries can lead to long-term medical treatment and disability. A truck accident attorney will ensure that all current and future medical expenses, including rehabilitation and therapy, are included in your compensation claim.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Trucking companies often have powerful legal teams and substantial insurance policies. A truck accident attorney will negotiate with these companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Free Consultation and No Upfront Fees
Colorado Car Accident Lawyers offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees, and they only get paid if you win your case.
Contact an Experienced Denver Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to get legal help. Reach out to our team at Colorado Car Accident Lawyers for an experienced Denver truck accident attorney. We are ready to review your case, identify every liable party, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 864-313-2487 for a free case consultation today!
