Commercial Trucking Accident Lawyers In Littleton

Representing 18-Wheeler Accident Victims Across Colorado

One of the most terrifying experiences any automobile or motorcycle driver can experience is an accident with a semi-truck. Because commercial trucks are so massive, and at times unstable, a significant number of this type of auto accident results in the driver of the smaller vehicle being severely injured or killed.

Unfortunately, these types of collisions are all too common on our roads and interstates today. In 2019, Business Insider listed Colorado as one of the most dangerous states to drive in according to U.S. truckers.

Our Littleton commercial trucking accident attorneys at Curtis | Walton Law can represent you if you’ve been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer. We proudly serve Littleton, Englewood, and the surrounding area! We are even willing to come to you!

Identifying the Causes of Semi-Truck Collisions

Trucks are large and imposing, yet surprisingly susceptible to crashes. Their bulk creates sizable blind spots, cargo can shift if improperly loaded causing the trailer to flip, and driver fatigue is common thanks to strict delivery deadlines. These only scratch the surface as to what can go wrong.

There are many other factors that can potentially cause a truck accident, including:

• Another vehicle suddenly cutting into the truck’s lane
• Dangerous road conditions due to poor maintenance or inclement weather
• Driver fatigue
• Eating while driving
• Talking or texting on a cell phone while driving
• The truck driver changing the radio station while driving
• Foreign objects on the highway
• Improper driver training or inexperience driving a truck
• Improper truck maneuvering
• Lane drifting, either caused by the truck or another vehicle
• Loss of control of the truck, due to an event such as a tire blowout
• Shifting cargo
• Speeding
• Usage of drugs or alcohol
• Vehicle failure, such as an engine malfunction or mirror mishap

Because truck accidents can be caused by so many different factors, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault.

Determining Liability in Trucking Accidents

An injury case involving an accident with a semi-truck will present some unique issues.

Understanding Commercial Trucking Regulations

First, semi-truck operators must follow numerous federal and state regulations. For example, how much weight a rig can haul, how long a driver can go without rest, and quality control in manufacturing and repair are just a small fraction of the kinds of conduct regulated in the trucking business.

Secondly, commercial vehicles are required to carry insurance with higher limits than non-commercial drivers. For this reason, a person injured by a semi-truck driver often has a better chance of reaching a settlement amount that properly compensates the person, versus the generally lower insurance coverage available in a “standard” car accident.

Lastly, parties other than the semi-truck driver, such has the company that hired the driver, may also have a financial responsibility to compensate the injured person.

Colorado's Truck Driving Time Regulations

According to the Colorado General Assembly, commercial truckers are limited to driving up to 11 hours a day as part of their 14-hour "on duty" period (Hours of Service Laws).

This law also mandates the following for commercial drivers:

• They must take 10 hours off duty after driving for 11 hours
• They may not be on duty for more than 60 hours in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days

If you believe that your accident was caused by a truck drivers' disregard for Colorado hour restrictions, you may have a case. Contact our firm today!

Navigating the Aftermath of a Truck Accident

When a person is injured in a trucking accident, it can take months to completely assess all the person’s injuries. At that point, the person may need surgery or other extensive future treatment.

Yet, these injuries may leave the person permanently impaired, even after corrective surgery. Therefore, the true value of a claim can only be assessed after a firm prognosis has been established by medical providers.

With such large insurance coverage policies at stake, the trucking company's insurance carrier will quickly try to limit the recovery of the injured person. Accordingly, these companies have established procedures for handling commercial trucking claims, especially in the early stages of the claim.

Oftentimes, an insurance company will try to quickly settle a case for an amount far less than what the plaintiff actually deserves. This is an unjust trap, which an injured person needs to avoid—while already dealing with their wounds, trauma, and other misfortunes.

Local Support and Resources for Truck Accident Victims in Littleton

Living in Littleton, we understand our community's unique challenges, especially when navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident. The bustling traffic on major routes like US-85 and the nearby I-25 corridor can often lead to dangerous situations involving large commercial vehicles. Our Curtis | Walton Law team is deeply familiar with these local roads and their specific hazards.

In Littleton, local government entities such as the City of Littleton and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) work tirelessly to maintain road safety. However, accidents still occur despite their efforts, often due to factors beyond their control, such as driver fatigue or shifting cargo.

One of the significant pain points for our clients is dealing with the aftermath of these accidents. The physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming, and seeking compensation can be daunting. We know that residents of Littleton and surrounding areas like Englewood often face long recovery periods and substantial medical bills. Our goal is to alleviate some of this burden by providing knowledgeable and compassionate legal support.

We also recognize the importance of local medical resources in the recovery process. Facilities like the Littleton Adventist Hospital and the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital are crucial in providing immediate and long-term care for accident victims. Our familiarity with these institutions allows us to better coordinate and support our clients' medical needs.

At Curtis | Walton Law, we are committed to serving our community with the dedication and understanding that only locals can provide. Don't hesitate to reach out if you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident in Littleton. We are here to help you navigate this challenging time and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

It is important to consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible following your crash, and especially before signing anything from either your insurance company or the other party’s insurance company. Contact us online or call (720) 815-4402 to speak with an attorney now.