Fort Collins Truck Accident Is a Reminder of Dangers on the Road

 Posted on October 25, 2019 in Personal Injury

Last week, a Chicago truck driver died in an accident near Fort Collins. Although the official cause of death has not been released, the 52-year-old man was declared dead at the accident site. Initial reports, however, have declared that intoxication or speed were not contributing factors. There were also no other people were injured during this accident on Interstate 25. The semi-truck went off to the right side, hit a sign, and rolled over. Any death on the road is a tragedy, but we know when a truck accident happens, the casualties can often be very serious. 

A Truck Driver's Negligence Can Cause a Crash  

What is unusual about this crash is the death of the truck driver. Statistically, passengers of other vehicles are much more likely to die as the result of a truck accident. In 2017, 683 truck occupants died in accidents, while 2,797 car passengers died in the same year. People in cars are much more vulnerable to truck accidents. Cars have more protection than a motorcycle, but either can be helpless against an 80,000-pound truck at full speed. 

Although preliminary reporting on this Fort Collins truck accident suggests that speeding or substance abuse was not involved, many truck accidents involve negligence. When drivers do not take proper precautions, like following the rules of the road, they can be at fault for causing an accident. Trucking companies can also be held liable for poor maintenance and not following industry standards. When a person in another vehicle is injured and suffers because of these failures, the victim has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation for their damages. 

Luckily, no other cars were involved in this accident, but if someone was hurt, he or she would have to prove negligence to receive compensation. Monetary compensation can account for time away from work because of injuries, medical bills, and damages for pain and suffering. A truck accident can leave a car passenger with a variety of injuries which may be permanent and life-altering. For example, if a person is paralyzed because a truck driver ran a red light, the victim could face months of rehabilitation or permanent disability. If the victim had a physically demanding job, he or she would likely need to find another career. Modifications to the injured party’s home and vehicle may be necessary to fit a wheelchair, or new accommodations may need to be purchased all together. 

Contact a Larimer County Personal Injury Lawyer

There are many reasons why a truck accident may occur, from weather conditions to speeding to distracted driving. Truck drivers and trucking companies need to be held accountable for their negligence. If you have been seriously injured in an accident that involved a truck, contact an experienced Fort Collins truck accident attorney today to discuss your options. Seeking compensation for damages can help you address your needs while you recover. Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. has handled many types of personal injury cases, especially those caused by truck crashes. Call our office today at 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2019/10/21/semi-truck-driver-dies-crash-colorado-interstate-25/4054616002/

https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/large-trucks