• February 17, 2020
  • Blog

Any type of auto accident is dangerous, but trucking accidents mean a collision with a loaded semi-truck and an increased risk of serious injury.

Semi-truck on a mountain road.

Trucking crashes are on the rise in Colorado as a growing population demands an increased amount of goods. Not only are trucking accidents more dangerous, but they are also trickier to navigate in a lawsuit. In a trucking accident case, you’re battling the driver, the trucking company, and the insurance company in order to receive full compensation. It’s important to have an experienced trucking attorney at your side who understands these cases.

Here are the common causes of trucking accidents:

  • Rollovers. Accidents involving truck rollovers are the most common. Due to the top-heavy design of a semi-truck, obstructions like a curb, guardrail, uneven road, or other vehicles can cause a driver to lose control of the truck. Turning too aggressively can also lead to rolling over, especially if the truck is carrying an unbalanced load. In the case of a rollover, the danger and severity are extremely high and have high fatality rates.
  • Swinging turns. Trucks can cause a collision when making a tight turn – known as a swinging turn or a “squeeze play” accident. These most often include a collision with another obstacle or vehicle when the truck swings too tightly left or right, takes too wide of a turn, or not turning wide enough.
  • Brake failure or malfunctioning brakes. As we know from the deadly Colorado crash in May 2019, it is possible for the brakes to fail or malfunction. Most trucks have air brakes designed to stop a loaded truck in 100 feet when traveling at 35 to 40mph. However, when those brakes malfunction or the system fails, these trucks can become a deadly force on the road.
  • Tire blowout or bald tires. Semi trucks carry heavy loads and travel long distances, which causes significant wear and tear on their tires. Most Colorado drivers are familiar with the scores of stripped tires and tread along the roadside. If and when a tire blowout occurs, the driver can lose control over the vehicle and potentially get in an accident.
  • Blind spot accidents. Large semi trucks have especially large “no zone” areas where other vehicles aren’t visible to the driver. For these trucks, blind spots are on their left and right sides and for vehicles traveling too closely behind. Most have warning stickers that state if you can’t see the driver in his or her side mirror, he or she can’t see you.
  • Sleep deprivation. Since truckers often drive for several hours at a time, there is always the risk of a driver falling asleep at the wheel. In this case, the drivers have a responsibility to other vehicles on the road to maintain awareness and drive safely. If they don’t, they’re putting both their lives and yours at risk.

What to do if you get in a trucking accident:

If you have been injured in a trucking accident, it is important to seek representation. Under current federal law, any company that owns a trucking permit is responsible for all accidents involving a truck that has its placard or name displayed on the vehicle. The truck company may try to negotiate a settlement, but without having a lawyer present, you could be cheated out of the full costs and expenses associated with treating your injuries, fixing damage and compensating you for lost wages.

The attorneys at Galperin & Associates know that all accidents are different and are here to help you maximize your right to recovery. Contact us today at 720-501-3451 to speak to an attorney.

Author Photo

Written and Legally Reviewed ByJacob Galperin

Jacob Galperin is a litigation attorney with an emphasis in personal injury. He has represented hundreds of injured victims and has been able to recover millions in compensation for his clients.

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