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Both the federal and Colorado state governments have passed safety laws and regulations that truck drivers and carriers must follow. If a crash occurs because a truck driver or trucking company failed to follow these laws, they could be liable for any resulting injuries.
Is a Truck Driver in Colorado Required to Have a CDL License?
In Colorado, truck drivers must have a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) to operate semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles. To obtain a CDL, drivers must meet several requirements. First, they must hold a valid driver’s license or a commercial learner’s permit. They also need a current DOT medical card, which proves they meet health standards from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additionally, drivers must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) at an approved school, pass the CDL skills test, and pay the applicable fees.
These requirements exist to make sure would-be drivers have the training and ability to safely operate semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. A driver who doesn’t have a valid CDL from Colorado or another state should not be behind the wheel of a commercial truck.
Is There a Limit to the Number of Hours a Driver May Operate Daily?
State and federal regulations limit how many hours truckers can be behind the wheel in a given day or week. These rules are called “Hours of Service” (HOS) regulations.
Colorado uses the same Hours of Service standards as the FMCSA. Here are the key points to know:
- Truck drivers can work up to 14 hours within any 24-hour period.
- Within those 14 hours, drivers may drive for a maximum of 11 hours.
- After driving 11 hours, drivers must take 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
- Truck drivers cannot extend their 14-hour on-duty window with off-duty time, meals, or fuel stops.
- Drivers may not be on duty more than 60 hours in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days. The limit that applies depends on how many days per week the trucking company operates. The period restarts once the driver takes at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.
- Drivers can split their 10-hour off-duty period so long as one period is at least 2 hours long and the other is at least 7 hours long and spent in a sleeper berth.
What Are the Weight Limits for Trucks Driving in Colorado?
Colorado has strict weight limits for trucks. The maximum allowable weight for a truck or a combination of vehicles in Colorado is generally 85,000 pounds, while federal regulations set a limit of 80,000 pounds. Single vehicles with two axles have a weight limit of 36,000 pounds on national highways and 40,000 on state highways, while those with three or more axles can weigh up to 54,000 pounds. Trucks exceeding these limits must obtain special permits from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Additionally, trucks and trailers with a combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 26,000 pounds must stop at all Colorado State Patrol ports of entry for inspection.
What Are Colorado’s Insurance Requirements for Truckers?
Colorado and federal laws require trucking companies to carry hefty insurance policies to account for the fact that commercial trucks weigh significantly more than passenger cars and can cause much more damage in a crash. How much coverage a trucking company needs for its vehicles depends on several factors, such as whether the truck carries people or goods, the type of goods the truck carries, and whether the truck’s routes take it to other states or countries.
For trucks carrying passengers, the insurance requirements are fairly straightforward. Commercial vehicles with seats for 15 or fewer passengers (with some exceptions) need $1.5 million in liability coverage. Commercial vehicles with seats for 16 or more passengers need $5 million in liability coverage.
The insurance requirements for trucks carrying goods are much more complicated. Depending on what the truck carries and where it goes, it may need anywhere from $750,000 to $5 million in liability coverage.
Must a Colorado Truck Driver Also Follow Federal Regulations for Trucking?
In general, Colorado truck drivers must follow all applicable federal and state laws. There are exceptions in cases where a truck driver or trucking company operates solely within Colorado’s borders. A truck accident attorney can investigate a crash to see what laws applied to the truck driver who hit you and whether the driver violated them.
What Should I Do If I Am in a Truck Accident in Colorado?
The aftermath of a truck accident may seem overwhelming. But by taking the right steps, you can protect yourself and your right to compensation. After seeking medical treatment, here’s what you should do next:
- Save evidence – Keep detailed records of your injuries, medical treatments, and any related expenses. Photos, medical bills, and notes about how the accident impacts your daily life can be valuable evidence.
- Contact your insurance company – Report the collision to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with basic information about the incident, but avoid making statements about fault until you speak to an attorney.
- Consult a truck accident lawyer – A lawyer experienced in truck accident cases can handle the legal process on your behalf, protect your rights, and pursue the fair compensation you deserve. They can also deal with the trucking company’s insurance and legal teams on your behalf.
- Follow medical advice – Continue with all prescribed treatments and attend all your follow-up appointments. This not only aids your recovery but also provides documentation of your ongoing injuries.
Contact a Colorado Truck Accident Lawyer
Determining whether a truck driver or trucking company broke the law is a crucial part of many personal injury claims. However, it’s not something you should worry about yourself. Instead, a Colorado truck accident lawyer can investigate the crash for you while you concentrate on healing. The Wilhite Law Firm has extensive experience with these cases and can determine if you were injured because someone broke state or federal trucking laws. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with a Colorado truck accident lawyer and find out what your case could be worth.
