Colorado Springs Truck Accident Lawyer
Strong Legal Support for Truck Accident Victims in El Paso County
A truck accident can leave you facing serious 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 truck accident lawyer in Colorado Springs 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 to discuss your case.
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.
Other reasons truck accident claims are different include:
- Multiple responsible parties: A case may involve the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, a cargo loading company, or another third party.
- Complex evidence: Important evidence, including driver logs, black box data, inspection records, and dispatch communications, can be lost or overwritten if it is not preserved quickly.
- Federal and state regulations: A Colorado Springs commercial truck accident attorney must understand how federal trucking rules and Colorado regulations apply when investigating liability and building a claim.
Whether your accident happened on I-25, U.S. 24, or another route, it is important to act quickly after a truck accident because of these factors. 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.
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.
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.
Other responsible parties can include:
- The trucking company
- Cargo loading company
- Maintenance contractor
- Truck manufacturer
- Freight broker
- 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 in Colorado Springs
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.
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.
Available Compensation in Truck Accident Claims
Providing Unparalleled Customer Service
Our past clients say it best! Hear what they have to say about working with our firm.
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“I recommend Gary Craw unreservedly for personal injury cases.”- Patricia
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“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
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“I would recommend them to any and everyone.”- Jeff
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“Tom Herd is sharp, has incredible insight, is an effective communicator, and you will feel like you have a very knowledgeable friend helping you and representing you full circle.”- Barb
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“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
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- Paulette
Your staff and you were respectful and accommodating every time I called or visited the office.
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Among everything else that you did extremely well, I was impressed with how organized you were with all the paperwork. I liked the follow-up letter with reminders about what to do.- Susie
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“Derry Adams, your belief in not over-planning is spot on. We enjoyed working with you.”- Mike