Fort Collins Truck Accident Lawyer Information
An estimated 5,000 people die as a result of truck accidents and collisions in the United States each year. Fort Collins, being the county seat and most populated city in Larimer County as well as the fourth largest city in the State of Colorado, has its fair share of truck accidents due in large part to its high population and traffic. With a population of approximately 143,986 people, Fort Collins is a sprawling metropolitan area with a great deal of traffic congestion, which leads to frequent automobile accidents of all types, including truck accidents.
The most common form of transportation in Fort Collins is still the automobile, with most residents driving to work alone or carpooling in a single vehicle each day. Bicycling is also a popular and viable means of transportation in Fort Collins where there are more than 280 miles of bicycle routes, including designated bike lanes along city streets. The Fort Collins freeway system consists of several state and US highways, including Interstate 25 which provides the most direct route south to Denver.
Fort Collins Semi Accident Injury Attorney
Because a commercial vehicle accident involving an automobile usually results in severe injuries or death, due to the weight difference of a car versus the weight of a tractor trailer, it is essential that you choose an experienced commercial vehicle accident attorney. Commercial vehicles come in all shapes and sizes and are called various names throughout the United States. Here are just some common names and their meanings:
- Truck
- Semi
- Tractor trailer
- 18 Wheeler
- Big-Rig
The above five references usually refer to a vehicle that has, when you count all the axles of both the tractor and trailer, a total of 5 axles, 10 brakes, an average overall standard height of 13´ 6´´, an overall length of 70´ to 80´, a total of 12 gears (10 forward and 2 reverse), and an overall maximum weight of 80,000 pounds without any overweight certificates. Compared to the average weight of an automobile, which is only 5,000 pounds, you can easily see how much more dangerous a large truck like this could be.
Fort Collins Big-Rig Injury Lawyers
Then there are trucks that do certain things and carry certain items:
- Bob-Tail Trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Refrigerated trucks
- Flat bed trucks
- Logging trucks
Then there are trucks that are commercial in nature but do not necessarily involve long haul situations. Some of the examples stay within the State of Colorado and some do not. However, when any one of these is involved in a Fort Collins wreck, it is advisable to retain a Fort Collins attorney with Big-Rig accident knowledge.
- Charter Bus accidents occur running back and forth from area casinos;
- Shuttle bus accidents driving to and from the airport, e.g.,Hat-Field;
- Transportation buses such as Greyhound;
- Fort Collins Bus Rapid Transit Buses.
Fort Collins truck accidents caused by semi trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor trailers, buses and commercial vehicles are common on Fort Collins streets, avenues, and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of Fort Collins happen along the major Fort Collins highways, which include the I-25 and US-87.
Fort Collins Truck Accident Lawyers
When driving along a Fort Collins intersection, avenue, or highway, there are many factors that can lead to a commercial semi-truck rollover, jackknife accident, or tractor trailer collision. The consequences can be devastating, with very serious injuries that can even result in death. When truck drivers fail to take the necessary precautions to avoid trucking accidents, they needlessly endanger the lives of people who ride in smaller vehicles. Drivers of semi tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers are often pressured to work long hours in order to meet delivery deadlines. Drivers are required by federal law to take breaks and adhere to safety regulations, but they often take shortcuts when it comes to driver safety, resulting in driver negligence.
Under federal and state laws, a trucking company may be held liable for driver negligence occurring in Fort Collins, Colorado. If you have been a victim of a tractor trailer or big rig truck accident in Fort Collins, Colorado, or a nearby area, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. A qualified Fort Collins truck accident lawyer or attorney who is familiar with the federal laws as well as Colorado laws and regulations regarding commercial trucking can be a great asset in any potential lawsuit against a trucking company. This is a good reason why anyone involved in a truck collision should consider hiring a Fort Collins truck accident law firm to represent them in their claim against the trucking company.
Common Causes of Fort Collins Truck Accidents:
- DUI / Drugs
- Driver Fatigue
- Improper Maintenance
- Hazardous Roads
- Aggressive Driving
- Overloaded Trucks or Trailers
- Loads that Shift Weight
- Faulty Brakes
- Tire Blowouts / Tread Burn
- Rear End / Head-on Collisions / Jackknives
Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Fort Collins and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Northern Colorado, including Arvada, Aurora, Bellvue, Berthoud, Boulder, Brighton, Denver, Erie, Evans, Firestone, Fort Collins, Fort Lupton, Gilcrest, Greeley, Horsetooth Heights, Hudson, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Loveland, Platteville, Redmond, Timnath, Wellington, Westminster, Windsor, and other communities in Larimer County.
Fort Collins Truck Accident Attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Fort Collins Truck Accident Lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.