Colorado Springs Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Causes & Liability in Truck Accidents

Semi-truck accidents can occur anywhere from along the I-25, US 24, and other roads. Crashes involving 18-wheelers or big rigs are more likely to result in severe injuries and complex liability issues. 

Key causes for truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Aggressive or inattentive driving
• Inadequate maintenance
• Hazardous road conditions

In some cases, the driver may be responsible for negligently operating their vehicle. Sometimes the trucking company can also be liable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failure to maintain vehicles. Cargo loading companies or parts manufacturers may also be responsible in certain circumstances. Our truck accident attorneys at The Law Firm of Ted Bills in Colorado Springs thoroughly investigate every crash, collect evidence, review driver logs, and consult with industry professionals to build strong liability cases.

FMCSA Hours of Service Regulations

Since trucks can cause such severe accidents the hours that truckers are allowed to drive are heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). While there are many laws regulating truck drivers, the ones that deal specifically with hours spent on the road are called hours of service regulations. 

There are three main parts to this law:

• 14-hour workday limit: A driver is not allowed to be on the road for longer than 14 hours, once that 14-hour limit has been met the driver must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours.
• 11-hour driving rule: Within the 14-hour workday, a trucker can only be actually driving for 11 of those hours, the remaining time must be spent on rest or meal breaks. 
• 60/70 hour rule: If a trucking company is open seven dates a week, a driver is allowed to work up to 70 hours in an eight-day period before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off. Likewise, if a trucking company is open less than seven days a week a driver is allowed to work up to 60 hours in a seven day period before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off.

Contact Our 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Colorado Springs

Alongside his years of experience as a truck accident attorney in Colorado Springs, Ted offers valuable medical insight, having worked in an emergency room and trauma center during his college years. He assisted in surgeries and transcribed physician orders, giving him firsthand understanding of medical terminology and complex injury records relevant to personal injury and semi-truck accident cases. This combination helps our big rig accident attorney in Colorado Springs accurately assess injury claims and pursue the full financial support you need. 

At The Law Firm of Ted Bills, we take pride in our personal, accessible approach. Clients benefit from direct communication with their attorney and our firm’s aggressive negotiation with insurers and trucking companies. Let our truck accident lawyers in Colorado Springs handle the legal burdens so you can focus on your recovery after a serious collision.

We've Recovered Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars for Truck Accident Victims

• $500,000.00 Recovery - Tow Truck vs. Vehicle Collision - Client suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), left temporal contusion, right parietal and left parietal involvement, with loss of consciousness, combativeness, brain swelling requiring a medically induced coma for several days, and ongoing significant cognitive, speech, language, and memory deficits.
• $250,000.00 Recovery - Semi-Truck vs. Vehicle Collision - Client suffered severe neck and back injuries with a disc herniation at L5-S1.

Call us today at (719) 444-1000 to schedule your free case evaluation and learn how our Colorado Springs truck accident attorney can help you hold trucking companies accountable for fair compensation!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Colorado?

In Colorado, most truck accident claims must be filed within three years of the crash. Missing this deadline, known as the statute of limitations, can prevent you from recovering compensation. While limited exceptions may apply, acting quickly is important, as key evidence in truck accident cases can be lost. Our tractor-trailer accident attorney in Colorado Springs can help preserve evidence and meet all required deadlines.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Prioritize safety and call 911 to report the crash and seek medical care. If possible, take photos, gather contact and insurance information from the truck driver, employer details, and speak with witnesses. Avoid admitting fault at the scene. Contacting a semi-truck accident attorney in Colorado Springs early can help protect your rights and guide you through the next steps.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Colorado follows a "modified comparative negligence" rule, which means your damages could be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the crash. However, as long as you are judged to be less than 50% responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation with the help of a skilled tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Colorado Springs.