Winter Roads and Semis in Colorado: A Dangerous Combination

 Posted on November 26, 2024 in Car Accident

Although the mountains in Colorado provide some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation, navigating the mountain terrain can be challenging even with ideal weather conditions. During the winter months, inclement weather makes these areas treacherous to travel. Still, tractor-trailers must transport goods year-round.

What problems do trucks experience on Colorado’s roads during winter? What should you do if you are injured in a truck accident? Call to discuss your accident and legal options with our skilled Fort Collins, CO lawyer from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C..

Challenges Trucks Face on Colorado’s Winter Roads

Semi-trucks can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds. You might think the extreme weight provides stability, but these trucks are also high-profile vehicles, with a height of 13.5 feet. In ideal conditions on flat roads, trucks traveling at 65 mph require 525 feet to stop. Icy mountain roads are anything but ideal.

Winter truck accidents in Colorado frequently occur because:

• High winds during snow storms increase the likelihood of truck drivers losing control, especially if the roads are slick.

• Truck drivers may not be speeding, but they might drive too fast for conditions.

• Limited visibility while snow is falling can prevent truckers from seeing other vehicles, road obstructions, or turns.

• Bridges, steep inclines, and declines may be covered with snow or black ice, causing trucks to slip because they lack sufficient traction.

• Trucks are not equipped with chains or other approved traction devices, violating Colorado’s Must Carry Law.

• Truck brakes do not perform correctly.

• Mudslides or flash floods damage roads.

• Drivers are inattentive or distracted.

• Truckers follow other vehicles too closely.

Negligent driver errors combined with hazardous conditions often result in injury-producing accidents. If you can, keep your distance when sharing the road with a tractor-trailer this winter. Even the most experienced and conscientious truck driver may be unable to avoid colliding with you.

What Should You Do if You Are Involved in a Truck Collision?

These actions hold true no matter the time of year. If you are injured in a truck crash, you should:

• Notify the police.

• Take photos to preserve evidence that could literally melt away.

• Avoid admitting fault.

• Try to get contact information from any eyewitnesses.

• Accept or seek a medical evaluation.

• Call Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. for case-specific advice and information.

Accident claims involving commercial vehicles are more complicated than others, particularly if your injuries are severe. Trucks often cause catastrophic injuries, such as organ damage, multiple fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

Your damages are likely to be high, and liable insurance companies often offer unreasonably low settlement amounts. You may not realize insurers are taking advantage of you until it is too late unless you have a competent attorney from Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. safeguarding your best interests.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Larimer County, CO Truck Accident Lawyer

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we hope you remain safe on the roads. If you are injured in a collision, we are ready and able to help you reach the best possible resolution for your accident claim. Call 970-225-2190 to consult with our respected Fort Collins, CO personal injury attorney.