Superior, Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorneys Representing Victims of Commercial Truck Accidents in Superior

Large trucks are a common sight on the highways and roads surrounding Superior, Colorado. From delivery trucks making local stops to massive 18-wheelers traveling along U.S. Highway 36 and other major corridors, commercial vehicles are a vital part of the regional economy. However, when these vehicles are involved in collisions, the consequences can be devastating. Because of their size and weight, accidents with large trucks can lead to severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities.

The skilled attorneys at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. work with truck accident victims and their families to secure the compensation they need as they work to recover from these devastating situations. These cases are often far more complex than typical car accident claims, since they may involve multiple parties, federal regulations, and commercial insurance carriers. Our lawyers can handle every aspect of the legal process, from investigating the cause of the crash to negotiating with insurers and presenting a strong case in court if needed.

Traffic Violations Committed by Truck Drivers

When drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, they place everyone around them at risk. Common traffic violations that can lead to serious truck accidents include:

• Speeding: Commercial trucks require more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. Driving at unsafe speeds, especially in poor weather or heavy traffic, can result in catastrophic collisions.
• Improper Lane Changes: Large trucks have substantial blind spots, making it dangerous to change lanes without checking carefully. Failure to signal or yield can lead to sideswipe accidents.
• Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way: At intersections, freeway on-ramps, or during merging, truck drivers may not yield to other vehicles when required. These violations can result in T-bone or side-impact crashes.
• Following Too Closely: Tailgating in a large truck can be very dangerous. If the vehicle in front needs to slow down or stop suddenly, a truck may cause a rear-end accident that could seriously harm the vehicle's occupants.
• Ignoring Traffic Control Devices: When truck drivers run red lights or stop signs, they may cause devastating crashes at intersections.

The Dangers of Improper Cargo Loading

One significant factor in truck accidents that may be overlooked is the improper loading or securing of cargo. Commercial trucks carry thousands of pounds of freight, and when cargo is not balanced, secured, or within weight limits, the risk of an accident increases dramatically. Common issues related to cargo include:

• Shifting Loads: Improperly secured cargo can move during a long trip, affecting the truck's center of gravity and leading to a rollover or a loss of control for the truck driver.
• Falling Cargo: When items fall from a truck onto the road, they can strike vehicles directly or create dangerous obstacles, resulting in multi-vehicle crashes.
• Overloaded Trucks: When cargo exceeds weight limits, this can affect a truck driver's braking ability while putting extra stress on tires and suspension systems, increasing the risk of mechanical failures or a loss of control.

How Driver Fatigue Can Contribute to Truck Accidents

Fatigue is a serious and widespread issue in the commercial trucking industry. Truck drivers work long shifts, and they may face pressure to deliver cargo within tight deadlines. They may not take breaks when needed, and they may be unable to receive adequate rest. These issues can all contribute to drowsy driving. Driver fatigue is a leading factor in many truck accidents.

Although federal regulations impose limits on the number of hours a commercial driver may operate a vehicle without rest (known as Hours of Service rules), violations are not uncommon. Truck drivers may falsify logbooks, or they may be encouraged by their employers to continue driving and meet deadlines regardless of their level of fatigue. Drowsy driving can lead to multiple issues that could result in dangerous truck accidents, including:

• Slower reaction times
• Impaired decision-making
• Drifting between lanes
• Falling asleep at the wheel

Our attorneys can review logbooks, GPS data, and driver schedules to determine whether fatigue played a role in a truck accident. If a trucking company failed to enforce compliance with rest requirements, it may also bear responsibility for the accident.

Investigating a Truck Accident and Recovering Compensation for a Victim

Truck accident claims often involve several parties who may share liability, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, freight loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. To build a strong case, our lawyers will:

• Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We can take steps to obtain a truck's event data recorder (black box), review dashcam footage, analyze police reports, and interview witnesses. The information gathered during an investigation can help establish liability, demonstrate that negligence occurred, and ensure that a victim will be able to recover financial compensation.
• Work With Qualified Experts: Accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and trucking industry consultants can help establish how a truck accident occurred and who was responsible.
• Evaluate Compliance With Regulations: Reviewing the driver's Hours of Service logs, vehicle maintenance records, and cargo manifests can reveal violations that contributed to an accident.
• Communicate With Insurers: Insurance companies that represent trucking carriers often work aggressively to minimize payouts. Our lawyers can handle all communication with these companies, and we can negotiate settlements that will protect a victim's rights and financial interests.
• Secure Full Financial Recovery: We will work to ensure that a victim will be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and property damage.

Contact Our Superior, CO Truck Accident Attorneys

A commercial vehicle accident can result in devastating injuries and significant financial losses, but you do not have to face the aftermath of this situation alone. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., our attorneys can investigate the cause of a collision and take steps to hold the responsible parties accountable. Contact our Superior commercial truck accident lawyers at 303-997-2018 to arrange a free consultation.