When a large commercial truck collides with your vehicle on I-25 or Highway 36, the impact is devastating. Your life can change in an instant. The physical injuries are often severe, the medical bills quickly become overwhelming, and the legal issues are far more complicated than typical car accidents. At McCormick & Murphy P.C., we understand that commercial vehicle accidents present unique challenges that demand specific legal knowledge and determined advocacy.
With over 60 years of combined legal experience and millions of dollars recovered for Colorado clients since 1995, our Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys have successfully handled the most involved commercial vehicle accident cases across the state. We know how to manage the detailed layers of federal rules, identify all responsible parties, and counter insurance companies that will try to reduce your rightful compensation.
The Rising Risk of Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Colorado
Colorado’s commercial vehicle accident data for 2025 highlights a serious concern. Denver County leads the state with 33 reported truck accidents as of late January 2025, followed by significant numbers in Weld, Larimer, and El Paso counties. These are not just statistics – they represent real families whose lives have been forever altered by crashes that could have been prevented.
The information reveals concerning patterns that directly affect your safety and legal rights. In 2024, Colorado recorded 21 truck drivers suspected of alcohol use in accidents, 11 suspected of drug use (including 8 involving marijuana), and 16 charged with DUI. Human error remains a leading cause of commercial truck accidents, responsible for 86% of fatal crashes nationally in 2021.
For 2025, these figures emphasize the extreme importance of having seasoned legal representation when dealing with the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident. The potential harm is greater, the injuries are often more severe, and the legal battles are more involved than ever before.
Understanding Colorado’s Trucking Rules in 2025
Commercial vehicle accidents involve many federal and state rules that can greatly affect your case. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations for driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualifications. When trucking companies or drivers break these rules, it can significantly strengthen your legal position.
Key rule violations we investigate include:
- Hours-of-service violations that cause driver fatigue
- Poor vehicle maintenance and inspection records
- Incorrect driver training and qualification papers
- Failure to conduct required drug and alcohol testing
- Violations of cargo loading and weight limits
Our legal team carefully examines electronic logging devices, maintenance logs, and driver qualification files to find rule violations that insurance companies hope you’ll never uncover. These violations often shift responsibility from individual drivers to trucking companies with greater insurance coverage, increasing your potential recovery.
Multiple Responsible Parties: How Commercial Vehicle Cases Are Different
Unlike typical car accidents involving two drivers, commercial vehicle accidents often involve several parties who could be held responsible. This added complexity can work to your advantage when you have experienced attorneys who know how to identify and pursue claims against all responsible parties.
Parties who may be responsible in your case include:
- The truck driver who caused the accident
- The trucking company that employed or contracted the driver
- The company that loaded or secured the cargo
- Maintenance providers who failed to properly service the vehicle
- Manufacturers of faulty truck parts or components
- Training companies that did not adequately prepare the driver
This structure of multiple responsible parties means higher insurance limits and more potential sources of recovery for your injuries. However, it also means more insurance companies working together to deny or minimize your claim. You need attorneys who understand these relationships and will hold every responsible party accountable.
Overcoming Obstacles in Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases
Obstacle 1: Insurance Company Tactics and Rapid Response
Commercial trucking companies and their insurers send rapid response teams to accident scenes within hours. These teams work to reduce evidence, pressure witnesses, and build defenses before you’ve even left the hospital. Their goal is simple: protect their profits at your expense.
Our solution involves immediate case investigation and evidence protection. We send our own investigators to accident scenes, secure important evidence like electronic logging device data, and interview witnesses before insurance companies can influence their statements. Time is essential, and we act quickly to protect your interests.
Obstacle 2: Involved Federal Regulations and Documentation
Commercial vehicle cases involve thousands of pages of federal regulations, maintenance records, driver logs, and company documents. Insurance companies rely on individual attorneys being overwhelmed by this detail.
We have developed clear methods for analyzing this paperwork, working with industry experts who understand FMCSA regulations thoroughly. Our team knows exactly what documents to ask for, how to interpret complex data, and where to find the key evidence that proves negligence.
Obstacle 3: Severe Injuries and Long-Term Care
Commercial vehicle accidents often result in severe injuries requiring lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and adjustments. Insurance companies frequently offer quick settlements that seem large but fall far short of covering your actual long-term needs.
We work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to accurately calculate your future needs. This includes ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, lost ability to earn, and the impact on your daily life. We seek full compensation for both your current and future needs, never settling for less.
Our Effective Recovery Strategies for 2025
Based on current market trends and regulatory changes, we’ve developed specific strategies that maximize recovery for commercial vehicle accident victims in 2025:
Strategy 1: Focused Evidence Protection and Technology Use
Modern commercial vehicles contain advanced electronic systems that record important data about speed, braking, and driver behavior. We immediately seek court orders to protect this electronic evidence before it’s deleted or changed. Our team uses advanced accident reconstruction technology to build clear visual presentations that demonstrate fault.
Strategy 2: Detailed Regulatory Adherence Investigation
We conduct thorough checks of trucking company adherence to federal rules. This includes examining driver qualification files, vehicle maintenance records, hours-of-service compliance, and company safety policies. Rule violations often provide the basis for punitive damages and increased compensation.
Strategy 3: Smart Use of Multiple Insurance Policies
Commercial vehicle accidents typically involve multiple insurance policies with different coverage limits. We identify all available insurance coverage, including primary liability policies, umbrella coverage, and cargo insurance. Our goal is to access every available dollar of insurance coverage to fully compensate your injuries.
Strategy 4: Network of Experts and Industry Connections
We maintain relationships with leading experts in trucking safety, accident reconstruction, medical treatment, and economic damages. These experts provide reliable testimony that strengthens your case and helps juries understand the full impact of your injuries.
Why Choose McCormick & Murphy P.C. for Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Case
Our history of success speaks for itself. Since 1995, we have recovered millions of dollars for Colorado clients facing the aftermath of serious accidents. Our professional credentials and client reviews show our dedication to achieving excellent results for every client we represent.
What makes us stand out in commercial vehicle accident cases:
- Over 60 years of combined legal experience handling involved personal injury cases
- Deep understanding of federal trucking regulations and industry practices
- Proven ability to challenge large trucking companies and their insurance carriers
- Network of industry experts and accident reconstruction specialists
- History of securing significant settlements and jury verdicts
- Personal attention and clear communication throughout your case
We serve clients throughout Colorado, with offices conveniently located at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs. Our team also represents clients in Denver and Pueblo, ensuring that victims across the state have access to experienced legal representation.
Market Shifts Affecting Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases in 2025
Several market shifts are influencing commercial vehicle accident lawsuits in 2025. The trucking industry continues to experience driver shortages, leading to increased pressure on existing drivers and potentially more fatigue-related accidents. Electronic logging devices are now standard, providing more accurate data about driver adherence to hours-of-service regulations.
Insurance companies are becoming more aggressive in defending commercial vehicle claims, often hiring teams of lawyers and experts to fight every case. This trend makes it even more important to have experienced legal representation from the very start of your case.
Additionally, Colorado’s data-driven approach to traffic safety is leading to increased enforcement and infrastructure improvements in high-risk areas. While these measures may reduce future accidents, they also provide valuable data that can support your case if you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident.
Your Next Steps After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
After a commercial vehicle accident, time works against you. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies begin building their defenses while you focus on healing from your injuries. Each day you wait makes your case harder to prove and could reduce your compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Colorado, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. The trucking industry and their insurers have teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim from day one. You need dedicated advocates who will fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact McCormick & Murphy P.C. today at (719)-389-0400 or email us at [email protected] for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your legal options clearly, and begin building a strong foundation for your recovery. Our team is ready to take on the trucking companies and insurance carriers responsible for your injuries.
Don’t let the involved nature of commercial vehicle accident law prevent you from seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward holding the responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
Your recovery is our priority, and we will work tirelessly until we’ve secured every dollar you’re entitled to receive. Let our experience, resources, and determination support you during this challenging time.