Common Causes of Colorado Truck Accidents

 Posted on January 04, 2023 in Truck Accident

 Truck accidents are very common on the roads of Colorado, and they can occur very suddenly. Many times, drivers of smaller vehicles are left with serious injuries, but they do not know how the truck accident happened. The cause of an accident is not always easily identifiable, and it often requires extensive investigation. An experienced truck accident attorney can initiate this investigation to identify the cause so you can claim the full compensation you deserve. Today, we will look at some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Colorado.

Drowsy Driving

Truck drivers must meet very tight deadlines and to do that, they need to be on the road as much as possible. Federal regulations do outline the hours of service a truck driver can remain on the road, and when they must take breaks. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these rules in order to meet their deadlines. Other times, the trucking company may actually offer incentives for drivers to ignore the rules. When this happens, truck drivers can become very drowsy on the road and make mistakes that result in an accident.

Impaired Driving

For many, it is unfathomable that anyone would drive while impaired, much less the driver of a commercial truck. Unfortunately, truck drivers often think that drugs or alcohol might actually help them stay awake, which also means they can remain on the road longer and get to their destination on time. Impaired driving is incredibly dangerous and reckless behavior. When truck drivers engage in this behavior, it often causes some of the worst truck accidents.

Excessive Speed

Trucks are very heavy vehicles, and they take a long time to slow down and come to a full stop. When truck drivers speed, they often do not have the amount of distance necessary to stop, and they may end up crashing into a vehicle in front of them. Speed does not only cause truck accidents, but it can also increase the severity of accidents and the injuries sustained as a result.

Improper Inspection and Maintenance of Trucks

Many people assume the truck driver is the one at fault for a crash, but this is not always true. Trucking companies are required to inspect their trucks regularly and to perform regular maintenance and repairs when needed. In an effort to cut costs, some trucking companies cut corners and take shortcuts with maintenance and repairs. When this is the case, a part of the truck could fail and cause a crash.

Improper Loading

Truck drivers are not always the ones to load and unload their trailers. Sometimes, another company is responsible for this job. When cargo is loaded or balanced improperly, the load can move around during transport, throwing the entire truck off balance. An unbalanced truck could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Our Larimer County Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Crash

If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, contact an experienced Fort Collins truck crash lawyer at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C.. Call 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation and case review today. Our team knows how to conduct an investigation to discover the cause of your accident, and we will work hard to hold the liable party accountable for paying the maximum damages you deserve.

Source:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-of-service