Key facts
- Truck driver hours
- 11 hours driving after 10 off dutyFederal rules limit how long commercial truck drivers can drive. Property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and trucks keep electronic logs.49 C.F.R. Part 395
- Truck insurance minimum
- At least $750,000 (interstate freight)Interstate trucking companies hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, far more than the minimum for a car.49 C.F.R. § 387.9
- Deadline to sue (vehicle crash)
- 3 yearsIn Colorado you generally have 3 years from the date of a car, truck or motorcycle crash to file an injury lawsuit.C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)
What are the main causes of truck accidents?
Driver fatigue, distraction, improper loading, bad weather and road conditions are among the most common. A truck’s trip involves many people, and a mistake by any of them can cause a crash. That also means more than one party can be responsible.
How does driver fatigue cause truck crashes?
Tired drivers react slower and make worse choices. Federal rules limit driving time for this reason. Federal rules limit how long commercial truck drivers can drive. Property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and trucks keep electronic logs. (49 C.F.R. Part 395) A company that pushes drivers to break those limits, or a driver who falsifies a log, can be a cause of a crash.
How does distracted driving cause truck crashes?
A truck needs more distance and time to stop, so a moment of inattention matters more. Looking at a phone, a screen or the roadside can cause a crash. Since January 1, 2025, Colorado drivers may not hold or use a phone in their hand while driving, except in emergencies. Texting while driving was already illegal. Federal rules for commercial drivers also restrict phones.
How can cargo cause an accident?
Cargo that is badly loaded or secured can shift and throw the truck off balance. A shifting load can cause a jackknife or a rollover, and a careful driver may not be able to prevent it. In that case, the company or the people who loaded the truck may be liable, not just the driver.
What about road and weather conditions?
Rain, snow, ice, wind and rough road surfaces raise the risk, and drivers must adjust to them. A driver who goes too fast for conditions can be at fault. If a road defect played a part, a government may be responsible, which has special rules and short notice deadlines. If a public road is involved, ask a lawyer right away.
Do drugs and alcohol play a role?
They can. Federal rules are strict about alcohol for commercial drivers. FMCSA’s large truck and bus crash statistics show that a much larger share of drivers in the other vehicle in fatal crashes had alcohol in their system than the truck drivers did. A driver found to be impaired can face being taken off duty and may lose their commercial license.
Who can be held responsible?
The driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, a maintenance shop or a parts maker. Interstate trucking companies must carry large insurance policies. Interstate trucking companies hauling general freight must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, far more than the minimum for a car. Finding every responsible party is the point of the investigation.
What is the deadline to sue?
It is a firm one, so don’t wait. In Colorado you generally have 3 years from the date of a car, truck or motorcycle crash to file an injury lawsuit. If a government is involved, a notice may be due far sooner.
What should you do after a truck crash?
- Get medical care.
- Photograph the scene, truck, plates and any company names or numbers.
- Get the driver’s information and witness details.
- Write down the truck company name, and ask that records be kept.
- Talk to a lawyer before giving a statement to the trucking company’s insurer.
Talk to us for a free case review about your crash.
Related questions
Who can be liable in a truck crash?
The driver, the trucking company, a cargo loader, a maintenance provider or a vehicle part maker can be, depending on what caused the crash.
How do I find out what caused my crash?
Through investigation: the police report, the truck's electronic logs, maintenance and driver records, photos and witness accounts. Records can be lost, so acting early matters.
What is the deadline to sue after a truck crash?
In Colorado you generally have 3 years from the date of a car, truck or motorcycle crash to file an injury lawsuit.