Undoubtedly, truck accidents are some of the most tragic. The sheer size and power of semi-trucks make them incredibly dangerous to others on the road. If you or someone you love was recently the victim of a truck accident, we understand how challenging this time may be. Once the initial shock and trauma wear off, you may wonder, Who is liable for my injuries? This answer is sometimes immediately apparent, but other times, it is not.
Our priority is helping our clients seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact one of our truck accident attorneys in Longmont to discuss your legal options.
Many truck accidents are similar to those in standard private passenger vehicle incidents. For instance, rear-end accidents are common among both. However, certain types of accidents are unique to 18-wheelers and commercial trucks.
Jackknife accidents occur when the semi-truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating an L shape, often across the span of the road. Jackknife incidents are unique to 18-wheelers because they are composed of two parts: the cab and the trailer. Jackknife accidents can be hazardous and often cause unexpected accidents and pile-ups as ongoing cars are forced to stop suddenly. The jackknifed truck itself can wipe out several vehicles in its path as the trailer swings.
While rollover accidents can happen with any motor vehicle, they are prevalent and hazardous among semi-trucks. By design, big rigs are taller with higher centers of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers. The risk only increases if the trailer is loaded improperly.
You may not be familiar with the term, but an override accident is precisely what it sounds like. It happens when the semi-truck drives over the top of the vehicle in front of it, typically when the truck cannot stop in time. Override accidents are devastating because the tractor-trailer can crush and pin the car underneath it, causing severe injuries to anyone inside.
An underride collision occurs when a car rear-ends a semi-truck, typically at a very high rate of speed, and as a result, goes underneath the trailer. It can happen when the truck stops short or moves slowly, and the vehicle behind it crashes into the back of the tractor-trailer. Underride accidents are some of the most horrific accidents involving semi-trucks. The consequences are usually immediate and catastrophic.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of truck accidents.
In 2022, Colorado State Patrol investigated 600 severe injury or fatal crashes across the state where the at-fault driver was cited for inattentive driving. In 37 of those incidents, the driver operated a commercial motor vehicle, a 236% increase over 2021.
Distracted driving is a prominent cause of truck accidents and encompasses many situations—including talking on the phone, texting while driving, and searching for something that fell on the floor. This type of conduct becomes even more dangerous in semi-trucks because they are more difficult to slow down and challenging to maneuver.
Drinking and driving is illegal for all drivers, whether operating private cars or commercial vehicles. But because driving 18-wheelers poses unique challenges, operating with alcohol in your system can be especially hazardous. So most states have imposed a stricter legal blood alcohol content (BAC) for commercial truckers. Specifically, truck drivers must have a BAC of 0.04% or less to drive, as compared to 0.08% for non-commercial drivers.
The nature of commercial truck driving requires long periods behind the wheel and strict deadlines. While federal regulations require drivers to have enough rest and sleep, they are only sometimes adhered to.
Improperly loading the trailer with cargo can lead to dangerous weight distribution, rollover accidents, and more. Warehouses and truck drivers must ensure their cargo is evenly loaded to prevent tragedy.
Like any vehicle, failing to maintain or service big rigs properly can lead to a malfunction and an accident. Because of the time spent on the road, semi-trucks need to be serviced regularly to avoid potential mechanical issues.
Unfortunately, trucking companies sometimes hire incompetent drivers. Failure to conduct a background and driver’s license check can lead to an unqualified driver behind the wheel.
If you were injured in a truck accident and are considering filing a civil lawsuit for damages, you must evaluate all possibly liable parties involved. More than one party may be liable for damages, and identifying these parties can be vital to the success of your lawsuit. Potentially responsible parties include:
Often, the responsible party is not immediately apparent and can only be determined after a thorough investigation. While there is no legal requirement to hire an attorney to pursue a truck accident, we always recommend consulting with a Longmont truck accident attorney. At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we have the knowledge, experience, and resources to pursue an investigation.
You may be entitled to recover certain damages if you are injured in a truck accident. Common types of damages available in truck accident cases include:
Our knowledgeable Longmont truck accident lawyer can help you understand what kinds of damages you might be entitled to recover.
At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we are award-winning lawyers helping accident victims. For a free consultation, contact us today.