Colorado Springs Truck Accident Lawyer
Strong Legal Support for Truck Accident Victims in El Paso County
A truck accident can leave you facing serious personal injuries, medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about what comes next. If you were hurt in a crash involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, delivery truck, or other commercial vehicle, a Colorado Springs truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
At Gaddis, Herd, Craw & Adams, P.C., we represent people injured in truck accidents in Colorado Springs and throughout El Paso County. Commercial truck claims are often more complex than ordinary car accident cases because they may involve federal safety regulations, company records, multiple liable parties, and large insurance policies. Our firm works to investigate the crash, preserve evidence, and build a strong claim for the compensation you need.
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck crash, speaking with a Colorado Springs truck accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options. Contact our team today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Truck accident claims are different from typical motor vehicle accident cases because commercial trucks are subject to strict safety rules and industry regulations. A case may involve the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, a cargo loading company, or another third party. Evidence may also disappear quickly if it is not preserved early, including driver logs, black box data, inspection records, and dispatch communications.
Because of these factors, it is important to act quickly after a truck accident. A lawyer can help protect evidence, identify all responsible parties, and deal with the insurance companies before they pressure you into accepting less than your case may be worth.
Hours Of Service Regulations for Truck Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration limits how long truck drivers can work and drive. Under hours of service rules, truck drivers may work up to 14 hours in a day, but may drive only 11 hours. After reaching that limit, they must take at least 10 consecutive hours off. Drivers must also take regular time off during the week based on the number of hours worked.
When drivers or trucking companies violate these rules, fatigued driving can increase the risk of serious crashes. Driver fatigue is a common issue in commercial truck accident cases and can play a major role in proving negligence.
Who Is Liable After a Truck Accident?
Liability after a truck accident is often more complicated than in a standard car accident claim. In some cases, the truck driver is responsible. In others, the trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring, poor training, unsafe scheduling, improper maintenance, or failure to follow safety regulations.
Other parties may also share responsibility, including a cargo loading company, maintenance contractor, truck manufacturer, freight broker, or another driver. Determining liability often requires a close review of crash reports, driver logs, electronic data, inspection records, and company policies. Identifying all liable parties is important because multiple insurance policies may apply.
The Importance of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Truck accidents can happen for many reasons, including:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence
- Poor truck maintenance
- Brake failure or tire problems
- Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo
- Failure to adjust for traffic, weather, or road conditions
- Violations of federal trucking regulations
A careful investigation can help determine whether the crash resulted from driver negligence, company misconduct, mechanical failure, or a combination of factors.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle
Our firm helps clients after many different types of commercial truck crashes, including:
- 18-wheeler accidents
- Semi-truck accidents
- Tractor-trailer accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
- Box truck accidents
- Dump truck accidents
- Fuel tanker accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Rear-end truck accidents
- Underride accidents
- Cargo spill accidents
Each case must be evaluated based on the type of vehicle involved, the cause of the crash, and the parties responsible.
Injuries Commonly Caused by Truck Accidents
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, these crashes often cause severe injuries, such as catastrophic injuries.
Victims may suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Severe cuts and bruising
- Burns
- Permanent disabilities
- Fatal injuries
Serious truck accident injuries can require emergency treatment, surgery, rehabilitation, long-term care, and time away from work. In the most severe cases, they can permanently affect a person’s health, mobility, and quality of life.
The Financial & Emotional Costs of Trucking Accidents
Providing Unparalleled Customer Service
Our past clients say it best! Hear what they have to say about working with our firm.
-
“I was injured in a car accident by a negligent driver. Tom Herd handled my personal injury claim and I was very happy with his work.”- Jeffrey
-
“Gary Craw made me feel very comfortable. If I ever need help again I will go to him.”- Katherin
-
I would say that you were very professional, thorough, and knowledgeable. I felt at ease talking to you, especially at this difficult time me!- Nicholas
-
“You are a superstar!”- Felix
-
“I always took the time to explain the process to myself and address ANY concerns I had. I have NEVER regretted hiring Gary Craw to represent me in this case. It took over 3 years, but a fair settlement was reached, and I feel I can move on with my life.”- Catherine
-
“As I look back on all that has transpired since Tom Herd represented me I am amazed at how far I've come. That was such a difficult time in my life with so many unknowns. I was able to carve out a solid life for myself. I couldn't have done it without you”- N. Ruminski
-
“After suffering a fracture of my spinal cord resulting from being hit by a careless car driver while I was riding my bicycle, a defense litigator recommended Gary Craw. I am glad I followed the recommendation. I would have been overwhelmed without Gary's h”- J. Beavers
-
Rare to find someone as knowledgeable as you are in their field.- Hardy