Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Colorado Springs, CO

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Colorado Springs, Colorado?

  719-444-7000 is the Colorado Springs Police Department's non-emergency phone number.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Colorado Springs, Colorado?

  The Colorado Springs Police Department located at 705 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, has a Records & Identification Section that is reachable at 719-444-7463. The police also maintain an online portal for processing requests remotely, 24 hours a day.

• What are the common causes of truck accidents in Colorado Springs?

  Truck drivers in Colorado Springs cause crashes when falling asleep behind the wheel due to working beyond the federally-mandated working hour limits and suffering from fatigue. Physical fitness deficiencies are also an issue and operators who fail to report their maintenance medications are prone to side effects. The improper loading of freight is a factor and exceeding the weight limit causes rollovers.

• Who are the parties liable for truck crashes in Colorado Springs?

  In Colorado Springs the driver is personally liable for the harm caused by negligent and unsafe behavior behind the wheel. The maintenance company is liable if it fails to keep vehicles operating in a safe condition. The truck manufacturer owes victims damages if the accident resulted from defective parts like faulty brakes and substandard tires.

• What are the effects of comparative negligence on a truck accident plaintiff's case in Colorado Springs?

  Comparative negligence in Colorado Springs reduces the amounts due to the plaintiff and is relevant if the victim also fails to exercise due diligence during a crash. The fault is apportioned in terms of percentages and if the court determines that a claimant was at least 50% to blame for a truck collision, no damages are awarded.

• How much does a claimant in Colorado Springs owe lawyers in truck accident matters?

  Truck accident lawyers in Colorado Springs frequently charge legal fees on a contingency basis. The client owes the counsel nothing until the case ends in a favorable court judgment or extrajudicial settlement. Upfront fees are unnecessary and the attorney is entitled to a percentage of the sum awarded or negotiated upon the dispute's resolution.

• What are the pieces of evidence needed for a claimant's truck accident case in Colorado Springs?

  The key pieces of evidence when suing in Colorado Springs include the statements of witnesses that are preserved for the courts. Wage statements from one's employer prove the extent of lost wages. Video footage from nearby surveillance cameras and photos give accident reconstruction specialists data to dramatize how events unfolded, and the trucker’s driving logs show if fatigue is a factor.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.