When you’re involved in a truck accident in Manitou Springs, the legal and financial ramifications can be overwhelming. Our seasoned Manitou Springs Truck Accident Lawyers at the Green Law Firm P.C. are committed to easing your burden and helping you navigate this challenging journey. We understand the devastating impact a truck accident can have on your life, and we’re here to advocate for your rights. With an in-depth understanding of the local laws and a proven track record of securing fair compensation, we provide the comprehensive legal representation you need in the aftermath of a serious accident. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Manitou Springs truck accident lawyers today for your free case evaluation.
What is a Manitou Springs Truck Accident?
A Manitou Springs truck accident refers to any collision involving a large commercial vehicle such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or other heavy freight carriers, that takes place within Manitou Springs, Colorado. These accidents can have catastrophic consequences due to the large size and weight of these vehicles. Victims of such accidents can suffer severe injuries or even death. The resulting legal cases are often complex due to the multiple parties involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance providers. Determining liability can be a challenging process that requires a comprehensive understanding of both Colorado state law and federal trucking regulations.
Common Causes of Manitou Springs Truck Accidents
Manitou Springs truck accidents can occur due to a wide range of causes, many of which are linked to the negligence of the truck driver or the trucking company. Here are some common causes:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often have long, exhausting schedules that lead to fatigue, which can impair their ability to concentrate and react swiftly on the road.
- Speeding or Reckless Driving: A truck driver might drive aggressively or exceed the speed limit in order to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or any other activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road can result in collisions.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain a truck can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems that can cause accidents.
- Impaired Driving: Accidents can occur if a truck driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Improper Loading: If a truck’s cargo is improperly loaded or secured, it can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control.
- Lack of Training: Inadequate training on safe driving techniques and emergency responses can contribute to truck accidents.
- Bad Weather Conditions: Manitou Springs can experience harsh weather conditions like heavy snow or rain, which can lead to slippery roads and poor visibility, increasing the risk of truck accidents.
Common Types of Manitou Springs Truck Accidents
Truck accidents in Manitou Springs can take various forms due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved, as well as the unique landscape and weather conditions of the area. Here are some common types of truck accidents:
- Jackknife Accidents: This type of accident occurs when the trailer of the truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to abrupt braking or slippery road conditions.
- Rollover Accidents: This type of accident happens when the truck tips over onto its side or roof, often as a result of high speeds, sudden turns, or imbalance due to poorly loaded cargo.
- Underride Accidents: This horrific type of crash occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a larger truck or trailer, often due to the truck stopping suddenly.
- Rear-End Accidents: This is when a truck hits another vehicle from behind, often due to the truck driver’s fatigue, distraction, or failure to brake on time.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have larger blind spots than other vehicles. If a driver fails to check these blind spots before changing lanes or turning, they may collide with other road users.
- Lost Load Accidents: If a truck’s cargo is not properly secured, it may fall onto the roadway, causing accidents.
- Head-On Collisions: These occur when a truck and another vehicle collide front-to-front, often due to the truck driver veering into oncoming traffic.
- T-Bone Accidents: These occur when a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, usually at intersections.
Common Types of Manitou Springs Truck Accidents
Truck accident laws in Manitou Springs are governed by a combination of federal and state laws. Here’s an overview:
- Federal Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes regulations that trucking companies and truck drivers must follow. These include rules on hours of service (to prevent driver fatigue), maintenance and inspection of vehicles, driver qualifications, and alcohol and drug testing.
- State Laws: Colorado also has its own laws related to truck accidents. This includes traffic laws that all drivers must obey such as speed limits, right-of-way laws, and laws against drunk or distracted driving.
- Negligence and Liability Laws: Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that a person can recover damages in a truck accident lawsuit if they are less than 50% at fault. The amount of compensation they receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
- Insurance Laws: Colorado requires all motorists, including truck drivers, to carry certain minimum amounts of liability insurance to cover damages in the event of an accident.
- Laws on Evidence: In case of truck accidents, companies are required to keep certain records, such as driver’s logbooks and vehicle maintenance records, which can be crucial evidence in accident lawsuits.
Statute of Limitations in Manitou Springs Truck Accidents
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, which includes truck accidents, is two (2) years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two (2) years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
However, there can be certain exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you didn’t discover your injuries until some time after the accident, the ‘discovery rule’ may apply, which would start the two-year period from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injuries.
In cases involving a governmental entity, different deadlines may apply. You typically need to provide a governmental entity notice of the claim within 182 days (about 6 months) from the date of the accident.
Contact our Manitou Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t let the aftermath of a truck accident overwhelm you. Contact our Manitou Springs truck accident lawyers at Green Law Firm P.C. today for professional and compassionate legal assistance. With our extensive experience and unwavering commitment, we’ll guide you through each step of the legal process, fighting for the compensation you deserve. No matter the complexity of your case, we’re ready to help you recover and rebuild. Your road to recovery starts with a call; reach out to us today.
