Colorado Continues to See Truck Accident Fatalities

 Posted on August 25, 2021 in Wrongful Death

Colliding with a large truck like a semi or 18-wheeler often results in devastating outcomes. Being some of the heaviest vehicles on the road, tractor-trailers can cause very dangerous accidents. Because of this immense threat, truck drivers have a higher level of responsibility behind the wheel. However, Colorado continues to see fatal truck accidents every year, many of which are the result of truck driver negligence. Colorado law provides families the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if their loved one was lost due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company.

Semi-Truck and Pickup Collide in Weld County

One recent crash serves as an example of just how dangerous truck accidents can be. On the morning of Wednesday, July 21, a pickup truck and semi-truck collided. The Colorado State Patrol reported to the scene of the crash, where two women were pronounced dead. The fatalities were the two passengers of the pickup truck who were both wearing seatbelts. It was also reported that the semi-truck driver was conscious and walking after the accident, though it is possible minor injuries were sustained.

Colorado Truck Accidents Leading to Fatalities

Accidents involving commercial truck driver negligence are frequently caused by the truck driver running out of the travel lane, losing control of the truck, or rear-ending another vehicle. These events are more apt to occur if the driver is fatigued, distracted, or speeding. Other factors that regularly contribute to truck accidents include prescription drug use, alcohol use, and truck maintenance problems.

Fatal crashes involving commercial trucks or buses increased by 45 percent between 2009 and 2018. Truck accidents have become one of the most common situations that engender wrongful death lawsuits. When a wrongful death accident occurs, it is important for surviving family members to understand their options so they can pursue compensation in a timely manner.

The state of Colorado enforces a statute of limitations of two years for most wrongful death lawsuits. Additionally, there are limits in place for the available damages a victim’s family can recover from this loss. There is no cap for economic damages, including the victim’s medical bills and the loss of their financial support. However, non-economic damages, including grief and loss of companionship, are capped at $571,800 for claims filed after January 1, 2020.

Contact Our Fort Collins Truck Accident Attorney Today

When a motor vehicle accident involving a large truck results in fatal injuries, and the victim’s loved ones want to recover damages, it is in the family’s best interest to seek help from a wrongful death attorney who can fight for a fair settlement or verdict. Our Larimer County wrongful death lawyers understand that no amount of money can alleviate the pain of losing a loved one; however, recovering the compensation you deserve can help ease the financial burden after their death. Contact our team at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. today to schedule your free consultation by calling 970-225-2190.

Sources: 

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief

https://www.denverpost.com/2021/07/21/fatal-crash-highway-14-weld-county/

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812456