Who Pays for Damages When Two Semi Trucks Crash in Colorado?

 Posted on September 12, 2025 in Truck Accident

Traffic on I-25 north of Mead came to a standstill one morning in May 2025 when two semi-trucks collided and blocked multiple lanes. Drivers sat for hours as crews worked to clear the wreckage.

Even though no one was killed, the crash had the potential for serious injuries and resulted in significant property damage. When two commercial trucks collide, the question of who pays for the damages is rarely straightforward to answer. If you have been involved in an accident with a semi, a Fort Collins, CO truck accident lawyer can help untangle the legal issues and fight for fair compensation.

Determining Liability Under Colorado Auto Accident Laws

Colorado follows a fault-based system, meaning the driver who causes the crash is responsible for paying damages. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1401, a reckless or careless driver who endangers others can be liable for resulting damage and injuries. For example, if a truck driver is speeding or making unsafe lane changes, they can be held responsible.

To prove negligence, you typically must demonstrate the following:

• The truck driver had a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely and follow traffic laws.

• The driver failed to meet that duty, for example, by speeding, driving distracted, or ignoring safety regulations.

• The breach directly caused the crash and resulting harm.

• You suffered actual losses, including injuries, medical expenses, or property damage.

You may need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, the trucking company’s insurer, or pursue a lawsuit in court. Because truck crashes often involve multiple insurers and high-dollar policies, determining liability requires a careful review and presentation of evidence.

Are Independent Truck Drivers Liable for Damages if They Are at Fault in Colorado?

Independent owner-operators are directly responsible for their own actions on the road. Unlike company drivers, where the trucking company may be held vicariously liable under the principle of "respondeat superior," an independent driver is personally accountable if their negligence causes a crash.

Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1601, any driver involved in an accident that results in injury or property damage has a duty to remain at the scene, provide information, and take responsibility. For owner-operators, this means that claims for damages are typically brought against them and their insurance policy, not a larger carrier. Keep in mind that even for independent contractors, liability can sometimes extend to brokers or shippers if they exercised control over the driver’s work at the time of the crash.

What if Both Trucks Are at Fault for a Truck Accident in Colorado?

Colorado law addresses cases involving shared fault through its comparative negligence rules. Under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, your compensation can be lowered by the same percentage as your share of fault. Additionally, C.R.S. § 13-21-111.5 allows courts to assign fault among multiple defendants so that each is responsible only for their share of the damages.

It works like this:

• If one truck driver is found 70 percent at fault, they must pay 70 percent of the damages.

• A driver who is 50 percent or more at fault cannot recover damages from the other driver.

• Victims, such as passengers or other drivers, can recover damages based on how much each defendant was at fault.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Larimer County, CO Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a family member has been injured in a collision between two semi-trucks, an experienced Fort Collins, CO truck accident lawyer at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will investigate the crash, identify every responsible party, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Attorney Hoggatt is deeply committed to advocating for accident victims. With his professional background, he has the experience and resources needed to take on the toughest trucking cases. Call 970-225-2190 today to schedule your free consultation. Se Habla Español.