El Paso County Trucking Accident Lawyers
Are You Entitled to Compensation for El Paso County Truck Crash Injuries?
There are few things scarier than taking a routine drive on the I-25 only to be overtaken by two monstrous commercial trucks towering in each lane on either side of you. With more than 7,000,000 Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) traveling through Colorado Ports of Entry, however, this can be a daily experience. Commercial trucks, also referred to as big rigs, tractor trailers, semi trucks, or 18-wheelers, are the biggest, heaviest, and most dangerous vehicles on the road. A minor collision for a truck can cause devastation for smaller vehicles. Its weight can crush a smaller passenger car and its increased height can shear the roof off of cars forced underneath it. Because large trucks pose so many dangers, they are governed under stricter federal and state regulations. But these regulations are often violated.
A truck driver or trucking company that violates federal rules or is negligent is some other way may be held responsible for any accident they cause. If you've been injured in an El Paso County truck crash, Timothy R. Bussey, an experienced lawyer, can help you understand your legal rights and options. To learn more, call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. at (719) 475-2555.
Federal Regulations
Truck drivers are required to hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This license has more requirements than normal driver's licenses for passenger cars. CDL holders and their vehicles are held to strict safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Not only must truck drivers agree to various alcohol and drug tests, but they must also follow the Hours of Service (HOS) rules, which limit the number of hours they can stay on the road without rest. Fatigued driving is a serious safety concern when it comes to the drivers of large trucks.
When You Can File a CO Accident Claim
If your accident was caused by another's actions, you may hold them responsible in civil court. Fault is always investigated by an experienced attorney, but there some common examples of when you may have the right to file a personal injury claim in El Paso County.Speeding, distracted driving, and other reckless or negligent driving behaviors can cause serious truck accidents and all point to negligence or reckless. Fatigued driving is one of the most serious problems for truckers that cause crashes.
Truck Driver and Trucking Company Negligence
Trucking companies often offer cash bonuses or other incentives for quick delivery, pressuring truck drivers to stay on the road longer. Other times, trucking companies might give drivers unrealistic delivery times. This leads drivers to fake the log books and stay on the road for sometimes more than 15 hours. Drowsiness and fatigue make a driver's reaction time and alertness much worse.
Fatigued driving is negligent driving and a violation of HOS Rules. If a truck driver breaks these rules and causes an accident, they may be held accountable for their actions. Other truck accident situations where you may be able to get money for the injuries you suffered include:
- Overloading the truck;
- Improper maintenance;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and
- Defective truck parts.
El Paso County Attorneys Getting the Financial Support You Deserve
If you've been injured or you have lost a loved one as the result of Colorado truck crash, a skilled El Paso County truck accident attorney at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can help you get fair compensation from the at-fault driver or company so that you can focus on the healing process. Call (719) 475-2555 to learn more about your legal rights and options.
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