How Can Truck Crashes Kill Motorists But Not Harm Truckers?

 Posted on March 12, 2025 in Car Accident

On March 8th, a deadly accident occurred on I-25 in Loveland. A Toyota Rav4 reportedly went under a tractor-trailer, killing the SUV’s driver. The semi driver was uninjured. An analysis of U.S. Department of Transportation data from 2022 revealed that of the 2,523 occupant deaths in large truck vs. car crashes that year, 2,418 (96 percent) were passenger vehicle occupants, with only 105 (4 percent) being occupants of the large trucks.

The unfortunate truth is that passenger vehicle occupants are at a significant disadvantage in truck accidents. Injured victims may qualify to receive compensation for their damages through a personal injury claim, and a wrongful death claim could provide compensation for the families of fatal truck crash victims. However, getting as much as you are entitled to is challenging unless you have a skilled Fort Collins, CO personal injury lawyer advocating for your best interests.

Why Are Truck Accidents So Deadly for Motorists?

There are huge size and weight differences between tractor-trailers and the average passenger vehicle. Fully loaded, a truck can weigh 80,000 pounds with a length of 72 feet and a height of 13.5 feet. The bed of most box or flatbed trailers is usually 5 feet above ground, although some are lower. In comparison, passenger cars average around 4,000 pounds, with hoods being an average of 40 inches above ground level; SUVs and pickup trucks can be heavier and taller.

As evidenced in the collision mentioned above, even an SUV can travel under the bed of a tractor-trailer. Underride and override crashes can crumple passenger compartments, causing catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Many drivers do not realize that semi-trucks need a longer time and distance to stop than cars do because of the truck’s heavy weight and momentum. Other drivers may merge directly in front of a tractor-trailer, making a rear-end collision unavoidable. Impact forces are also substantially stronger when a truck collides with another vehicle.   

How Much Is a Truck Accident Claim Worth?

There is no average settlement amount for truck accident claims. Your case’s value depends on several variables that are unique to your situation. However, your damages could include:

• Current and future medical expenses and lost income

• Ongoing care costs

• Property damage

• Home and vehicle modifications to accommodate permanent injuries

• Multiple forms of mental and emotional pain and suffering

Wrongful death claims could provide additional damages, including funeral and burial expenses and compensation for the family’s losses. You may think that the liable insurance company will accept your claim and pay a fair amount. Sadly, the opposite is usually the case. You need clear evidence to substantiate your claim, proving that the insurer’s policyholder directly caused your losses and the extent of those losses. Even with strong evidence, you will probably need to fight the company to obtain a reasonable amount of compensation that covers your losses.

Your lawyer will investigate your accident and use the evidence we uncover to support your compensation claim. We know how to calculate your damages accurately and will fight to see you secure as much as you deserve.

Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Fort Collins, CO Truck Accident Attorney

If a truck accident severely injured you or claimed the life of someone you love, our dedicated Larimer County, CO personal injury lawyer at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will take action to hold the at-fault party accountable. Arrange for your complimentary case review by calling 970-225-2190 or contacting us online.