Accidents involving large trucks involve an entirely different set of causes, laws, and probable effects. The Colorado truck accident lawyers of Caplis & Deasy, LLC are attorneys with the experience necessary to help you obtain the compensation you deserve after an accident involving a large truck.
Though each case handled by our Colorado truck accident attorneys is unique, some causes of truck accidents are more common than others.
If you were to take the wheel of a large semi tractor-trailer, you would likely be very nervous about operating it correctly, checking mirrors constantly and maintaining a safe speed. However, truck drivers who operate these massive vehicles for a living can sometimes lose sight of proper safety precautions. A negligent Colorado truck driver might cause an accident by speeding, failing to check blind spots, or by making lane changes and turns too quickly.
For trucking companies, time is money. This sometimes means that unscrupulous companies will attempt to put new employees on the road without ensuring that they understand safety protocol or even have a valid commercial driver's license. If an inadequately trained driver is responsible for your collision, the Colorado truck accident lawyers of Caplis & Deasy, LLC may take action against the trucking company.
Most truck drivers are paid by either the number of miles they have driven or the speed with which they deliver their cargo to its destination. Though there are strict federal laws that limit the number of hours per day that a truck driver can operate his or her vehicle, many drivers try to squeeze in extra driving time every day. As a result, a large number of truck accidents involve drivers who are either fatigued or under the influence of drugs to help them stay awake.
Unfortunately, alcohol and drug use frequently contribute to semi-trailer accidents. Nearly 3 percent of accidents involving trucks are caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This percentage translates into a large number of collisions statewide that could have been prevented. Fatigue is the leading reason that drivers take drugs on the road; methamphetamines and other stimulants are often used by drivers to maintain their alertness.
In investigating a truck accident case, time is of the essence. It is important that you retain a lawyer as soon as possible after the collision so the collection of evidence can begin immediately. Accident reconstruction is often performed by both the trucking company and victim's attorneys in an attempt to piece together the exact chain of events leading up to the accident. For accident reconstruction to be effective, investigators need to be able to take measurements and pictures of skid marks, oil stains, and points of impact. In many cases, this evidence disappears after one or two days due to road wear and weather elements. The Denver, Colorado firm of Caplis & Deasy, LLC has experienced truck accident attorneys who will facilitate a thorough reconstruction.
While investigating your truck accident case, our lawyers will also review the driver's log book, talk to witnesses, and request the results of any drug and alcohol testing that was done just after the crash. With this information, we can build a case that will help to level the playing field against the trucking company's insurance company.
A collision with a semi truck can have devastating effects on your well-being and health. If you have been involved in an accident with a large truck and require trustworthy legal help, please contact the Colorado truck accident lawyers of Caplis & Deasy, LLC. Our attorneys can provide the guidance and representation you need during this difficult time in your life.