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According to the NHTSA, 87 fatal accidents involving a semi-truck occurred in the state of Colorado during 2017. Those truck crash fatalities represented almost 10 percent of all fatal accidents in the state of Colorado. Unfortunately, due to the sheer size difference between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle, the odds of those in the smaller vehicle being killed in a semi-truck crash are significant.
If you suffered an injury in a truck accident in Colorado, it is important to understand the factors that may have contributed to your accident. What caused your crash? How can you seek justice?
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
While there are many causes of Colorado semi-truck accidents, below are some of the most common:
- Truck Driver Fatigue. Fatigue is a major cause of semi-truck accidents. Truck drivers only get paid for the time they are behind the wheel. Although there are federal laws in place that dictate driving hours allowed, many truck drivers keep two logbooks and simply hope they don’t get caught. The company that employs the truck drivers are almost always aware the driver is exceeding hours yet says nothing because they are also making money.
- Distracted driving. Distracted driving is becoming just as big a problem with semi-truck drivers as it is for all drivers. Whether eating, texting, talking on a cellphone, fiddling with controls, or attempting to read a GPS or map, distracted driving is a serious problem. Truck drivers, in particular, tend to eat while driving to save time.
- Cargo Loads. Shifting cargo can cause truck accidents in two ways. The cargo can unexpectedly shift, causing the truck driver to have an accident, including truck rollovers. The cargo on the truck can also be dislodged if not properly secured. When this happens, other vehicles can wreck as the cargo spreads across the roadway.
Other common causes of semi-truck accidents include inexperienced drivers, the increased stopping distance for large trucks, poor maintenance, poor road conditions, and reckless driving behaviors such as excessive speed or failure to yield.
Who’s Responsible for a Truck Accident?
Determining liability after a truck accident is particularly complex. Multiple parties often share the blame for the accident. Those parties include:
- The driver
- The trucking company
- The loading company
- The maintenance company
- The truck manufacturer
Since injuries are likely to be severe or catastrophic, it is important to speak to an experienced Denver truck accident attorney to ensure your future is protected. Trucking companies and manufacturers often have large insurance companies and legal teams on their side. They work quickly to reduce their own liabilities after an accident. This means that they will use a variety of tactics to convince you to sign a quick settlement.
Never sign anything without first speaking to our Colorado Springs trucking accident lawyers!
Contact Our Colorado Springs Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Have you or a loved one been injured in a truck accident in Colorado Springs? Are you worried you won’t be able to move forward in your life because of medical expenses or injuries? If so, you need an experienced Colorado Springs truck accident lawyer on your side to help you collect the money you need – and deserve.
Contact the dedicated attorneys at the Green Law Firm, P.C. today by calling (719) 694-8515, or by filling out the contact form on this page, to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and discuss your case.