Denver Commercial Truck Accident Attorney
A crash with a commercial semi truck causes severe harm for people in smaller cars. For victims and their families across Denver and the Colorado Front Range, they face major physical and financial challenges because of this crash. After such a devastating event, it is natural to seek a clear understanding of what your legal rights are and how you can seek compensation.
At The Viorst Law Offices, P.C., our team brings over 30 years of experience to personal injury claims. Attorney Anthony Viorst is a former public defender who has litigated hundreds of jury trials. We provide strong legal support to hold at-fault parties liable for your damages. Our legal team works to pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Federal Rules Governing Commercial Trucking
Stringent federal regulations govern the commercial trucking industry. These rules help prevent major highway crashes by maintaining high safety standards. In many ways, commercial truck accidents differ from standard auto accident claims.
FMCSA Safety Rules And Compliance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets specific rules for trucking companies and drivers. These rules establish the following safety requirements:
- Vehicle weight limits: Rules are designed to prevent trucks from carrying loads that compromise braking and stability.
- Routine inspection schedules: Carriers must perform regular maintenance to keep every vehicle roadworthy.
- Mandatory drug testing: Drivers must undergo screening to confirm they are fit to operate heavy machinery.
When a company fails to follow these rules, it puts others on the road at risk.
Hours Of Service And Driver Fatigue Issues
Hours of service rules limit how long a commercial driver can operate a truck without resting. Because driver fatigue is a leading cause of highway semi-truck crashes, our legal team investigates logbook changes and driving schedules. We do this to prove when a driver or employer violated rest rules.
Securing Critical Evidence After A Collision
Trucking companies and their insurers often send defense investigators to the scene of a semi-truck crash. They do this to assess liability.
Preserving Black Box And ELD Telematics Data
Modern commercial trucks contain systems that record speed and braking patterns at the moment of a crash. We review this technical data to reconstruct the crash and determine exactly what happened.
Sending Spoliation Letters To The Carrier
Electronic logs and black box data can be overwritten or lost shortly after a crash occurs. We take action by sending spoliation letters to the carrier to help prevent this loss of evidence. This formal legal demand creates a legal duty for the company to save all electronic evidence and maintenance records.
Liability In Commercial Vehicle Claims
Identifying corporate defendants is a necessary step in a commercial vehicle claim.
Negligence Of The Trucking Corporation
You may be able to hold the trucking company liable for the actions of its driver under the law. This liability often includes negligent hiring practices or poor training that led to the collision.
Maintenance Contractors And Freight Loaders
A crash investigation may reveal multiple liable parties beyond the driver and employer. We evaluate the following entities for liability:
- Freight loaders: Third-party companies that improperly secure cargo can cause trailer rollovers.
- Maintenance contractors: Mechanics who fail to repair brakes or replace worn tires cause major equipment failures.
- Commercial insurance carriers: Multiple insurers provide overlapping coverage for different parts of the transport operation.
Our team analyzes the relationship between these parties to identify all sources of financial liability for your injuries.
Seeking Justice For Catastrophic Injuries
The massive size and weight of an 80,000-pound semi truck cause immense damage during a highway crash. Victims sustain crush injuries, traumatic brain injuries and severe spinal cord damage. These severe injuries require extensive medical treatment and permanent life care plans to address long-term needs. Our legal team sees the heavy toll these crashes take on families across Colorado. We help pursue claims to address the full scope of your physical and financial losses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewing common questions helps you understand the legal process ahead.
Why are truck claims different than car accidents?
Commercial truck cases involve federal rules, technical crash data and multiple corporate defendants. Unlike a standard auto crash between two drivers, a semi-truck crash requires investigating the driver, the carrier, the cargo loaders and the vehicle makers.
What evidence must be gathered after a semi crash?
Your legal team must secure the electronic logging device data, the engine control module records, driver files and corporate dispatch logs. This information can be lost or overwritten if not legally preserved through immediate action.
Can I sue the company if the driver caused the crash?
Generally, an employer may be held liable for the negligent actions of an employee acting within the scope of their employment. You may also sue the company directly for negligent hiring or retention practices.
If you have more questions about your specific situation, please reach out to our office.
Recovering Compensation For Your Injuries
If a commercial semi truck hit you, the trucking company will begin its investigation. Contact The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. today at 303-872-5712 to protect your rights.
