How a Speeding Truck in Colorado is Putting You at Risk

It happened in seconds. You were driving along I-25 through Colorado Springs when you noticed a semi truck barreling up behind you, clearly going faster than the posted speed limit. Before you could react, the truck swerved and lost control, slamming into the side of your vehicle and pushing you across the lane. Your airbags deployed. Your head was spinning. And nothing felt normal anymore.

Now you’re dealing with more than just a wrecked car. You’re in pain, facing medical appointments you didn’t plan for, and trying to figure out how to pay the bills. The trucking company’s insurer may already be calling, and they’re not on your side.

Crashes involving large trucks rarely end with minor damage. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean that the people in smaller cars often suffer the most. When a truck is speeding, the consequences can be even more severe.

If you were injured by a speeding truck in Colorado Springs or anywhere in Southern Colorado, you may be wondering what to expect next. This blog from a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney explains how these crashes happen, what your rights are under Colorado law, and what steps can help you protect your health and your case.

Why Speeding Trucks Are So Dangerous in Colorado

Colorado’s highways see more than their share of trucking traffic. From commercial deliveries to cross-country hauls, semi trucks are everywhere. But when a truck driver ignores the posted speed limit or drives too fast for road conditions, every other vehicle nearby is at risk.

Speeding reduces a truck’s ability to stop in time and increases the force of impact in a crash. It also limits a driver’s reaction time, raises the risk of losing control on steep grades or curves, and intensifies the damage in rear-end or head-on collisions. The faster the truck is going, the more likely it is that nearby drivers will suffer internal injuries, totaled vehicles, or worse.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck accidents involving speeding are among the leading causes of fatal crashes in the United States. In Colorado, this is compounded by mountainous terrain, unpredictable weather, and high-traffic areas like downtown Colorado Springs.

Other Risks That Make Truck Collisions So Dangerous

Speeding is just one of several risk factors that make large truck crashes far more dangerous than typical auto accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most deaths in crashes involving large trucks are passengers in smaller vehicles, not the truck drivers themselves.

Several common issues contribute to the severity of these crashes:

• Underride crashes, where a smaller vehicle slides under the side or rear of the truck
• Poor brake maintenance, which increases stopping distance and crash risk
• Inadequate rear or side guards, which fail to prevent fatal underride injuries
• Longer stopping distances, especially when hauling heavy loads or traveling downhill

These dangers are magnified when combined with aggressive driving, distracted driving, or fatigue behind the wheel.

What Colorado Law Says About Speeding Truck Drivers

Truck drivers in Colorado are subject to the same traffic laws as other drivers, and often held to even higher standards due to the risks associated with large commercial vehicles. Speeding in a truck doesn’t just violate traffic law—it puts everyone on the road at serious risk.

Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1101, drivers must operate their vehicles at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the conditions. The maximum lawful speed limit on Colorado highways is generally 75 miles per hour unless otherwise posted. Driving 25 miles per hour or more over the speed limit can be charged as a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. If it happens in a designated maintenance, repair, or construction zone, the charge may escalate to a class 1 misdemeanor.

A truck driver may also be cited for careless or reckless driving if their actions endanger others.

• Careless driving, defined under C.R.S. § 42-4-1402, is operating a vehicle without due regard for road conditions and surroundings. It is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, or a class 1 offense if it results in injury or death.
• Reckless driving, addressed in C.R.S. § 42-4-1401, involves willful or wanton disregard for safety. It is classified as a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.

If a speeding truck causes a crash, the driver, and in many cases, the trucking company, may be held liable under Colorado’s negligence laws. Colorado uses a modified comparative negligence system under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. You may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as your share of the blame is less than 50 percent. However, your total compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

To support a successful truck accident claim, your legal team will need to show that the driver breached a legal duty, such as by speeding or driving carelessly, that the breach caused the crash, and that you suffered damages like medical expenses, lost wages, or property damage.

Common Injuries in Speeding Truck Accidents

Truck accidents caused by speeding often lead to devastating injuries. Victims may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, or internal bleeding from the violent force of impact. In some cases, fires caused by ruptured fuel lines result in severe burns. Even soft tissue injuries like whiplash can leave lasting effects and long recovery times.

At Heuser & Heuser, we’ve seen firsthand how life-changing these crashes can be. One client was hit by a truck and suffered a broken pelvis, multiple broken ribs, a broken wrist, and serious ankle injuries. They required surgery and extensive rehabilitation to regain mobility.

These types of injuries don’t just bring pain. They often require weeks or months of medical care, time off work, and long-term adjustments to daily life.

What to Do After a Speeding Truck Hits You

If you’re hit by a speeding truck, prioritize your safety and your case from the start. Get medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Internal injuries may not appear right away. Then request the police report, which may contain valuable details such as speeding citations or witness statements.

Insurance companies may contact you quickly, but that doesn’t mean they’re acting in your best interest. Their goal is often to minimize what they pay out. Avoid accepting any early settlement offers until you’ve spoken to a lawyer who understands truck accident cases.

Document everything—photos, dashcam footage, witness names, and medical records. Keep track of every appointment, bill, and missed day of work. If you need long-term care or therapy, write down how your injuries affect your ability to earn a living. The more detailed your records, the stronger your claim will be.

Do not agree to a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first. These statements can be used against you later, even if you’re just trying to be helpful.

Send a Spoliation Letter

After a speeding truck accident, send a spoliation letter immediately to the trucking company to prevent them from destroying critical evidence like electronic logs maintenance records or dashcam videos whether deliberately or unintentionally. This letter legally obligates the defendant to preserve all relevant materials so victims can access the proof needed to demonstrate negligence or fault in court. Without it evidence could disappear due to routine data deletion or company policies severely weakening victims chances of securing fair compensation and justice. Key reasons for sending a spoliation letter:

• Ensures critical evidence like driver logs and vehicle data is preserved for legal proceedings
• Protects victims by holding trucking companies accountable and preventing evidence tampering

What You May Be Able to Recover

A successful truck accident claim may allow you to recover damages for:

• Past and future medical expenses and bills
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Ongoing care, therapy, or mobility support

In cases involving gross negligence or reckless corporate behavior, you may also be able to seek punitive damages. Your attorney can review the facts of your injury case to determine what may apply.

Work With a Colorado Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Who Won’t Let the Trucking Company Push You Around

If a speeding truck caused your injuries, don’t count on the trucking company or its insurance team to do what’s fair. At Heuser & Heuser, we’ve been holding trucking companies accountable across Southern Colorado for nearly 30 years. We know their tactics and we know how to fight back.

Our legal team builds strong cases from day one. We gather the necessary evidence, speak to eyewitnesses, and work with medical professionals to pursue the full compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and future care.

You found this blog because you were looking for a “truck crash lawyer near me.” Now it’s time to take action. Call (719) 520-9909 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule your free consultation. There’s no fee unless you win.

Southern Colorado Locals Committed to Providing Clear Guidance to Pursue Better Health and Fair Compensation.

https://heuserlaw.com/

Copyright © 2025. Heuser & Heuser, L.L.P. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Heuser & Heuser, L.L.P.
625 North Cascade Ave, Suite 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 520-9909
https://heuserlaw.com/

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