Getting into a car accident has the potential to be one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life, but when a big rig is involved, the risk for severe, life-changing injuries is much higher. In Colorado, many truck accidents result in injury or death, not to mention hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. The good news is that Coloradans have options when it comes to seeking fair compensation for the injury and financial loss they’ve endured due to a big rig truck accident. Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers is here to help.
What Makes Big Rigs Dangerous?
The obvious answer is that big rigs are simply much larger than other vehicles which means that other drivers have less protection when a truck-car collision occurs. In fact, around 70% of fatalities in truck accidents were the occupants of other vehicles. Because of their larger size (among other factors) big rigs are also harder to maneuverer, and truck drivers require extensive training before they are authorized to get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, the risk for accidents is always there even with the most experienced and competent drivers.
When Are Big Rigs Most Likely to Cause Injuries?
While operating a big rig in Colorado is dangerous on its own, there are scenarios that can increase the risk of an accident. Big rigs are their most dangerous when the drivers are:
- Merging: Big rigs have a larger blind spot than other vehicles which makes merging more difficult. Acceleration and deceleration in a semi-truck are also more challenging.
- Exiting a Highway: Truck drivers require more time to exit a highway, and may require a wider radius if the exit ramp is sharp. This makes smaller vehicles vulnerable if they’re passing at the time.
- Reversing: Reversing with a tractor-trailer requires skill, space, and time. It might also require a spotter if the truck is being backed up into a dock.
- Navigating Curves: Big rigs have a high center of gravity which means that they are more likely to tip over if going around a curve too quickly. Furthermore, truck drivers may not anticipate other drivers on the other side of the curve and may cross into the other lane as they round the bend.
- Poor visibility: Trucking never stops, even during bad weather. Unfortunately, rain, snow, ice, wind, and even poor lighting can affect even the most seasoned trucker’s skills. The risks of a truck accident on Colorado’s mountain roads may also be higher, as many truckers will end up crossing the middle line as they drive around the curve.
- Heavy Cargo: Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can affect a truck’s braking ability and stability. Excess weight increases stopping distances and the risk of tire blowouts, while shifting loads may cause rollovers.
What Types of Truck Accidents Are Unique to Semi-Trucks?
Big rigs have the potential to rear-end, sideswipe, or T-bone another vehicle, but in addition to these, truckers also have to be mindful of other types of accidents that are unique to semi-trucks.
- Jackknifes: When a big rig makes a sharp turn in one direction, brakes suddenly, or is loaded improperly, it can cause the trailer to turn towards the cab (as with any other type of trailer). If there are other vehicles behind the truck or in the lanes next to it, it can wipe out several vehicles.
- Underrides: An underride is when a car slides underneath the side or rear of the trailer of a big rig. These types of accidents are incredibly dangerous and can result in the top of the car being sliced off.
- Swinging Trailer Accidents: If a trucker drives erratically, has a poorly loaded trailer, or is navigating inclement weather, the trailer can swing unpredictably and cause severe accidents.
Accidents Involving Livestock Trailers
Agriculture is one of Colorado’s largest industries and thus, many of the big rigs on Colorado roads haul livestock such as cattle, horses, and sheep. Livestock trucks pose unique risks to Coloradan drivers because they often traverse both local roads and interstates and, because they haul live cargo, they are often more likely to make frequent stops or drive at a slower speed. Though collisions with livestock trucks are rare, those pose risks to other vehicles because they can create blind spots. One impatient driver trying to pass a cattle trailer can end up hitting an oncoming vehicle.
Furthermore, collisions with trucks hauling livestock can also lead to that livestock escaping. While we admit there’s something charming about watching cows make a break for freedom, their fear is what makes them dangerous to other drivers. Most people will brake or swerve to avoid hitting an animal, and that can lead to accidents.
Other Types of Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Colorado
- Rollovers: Because of their high center of gravity, big rigs are prone to rollovers, especially when taking curves too fast or carrying improperly loaded cargo. Rollovers can block multiple lanes and create dangerous pileups.
- Overrides: An override is when a truck rides over a vehicle that is in front of it. This often happens when the truck can’t slow down in time.
- Lost Load Accidents: These accidents frequently occur with logging trucks or other types of trucks with limited load protection. If the load isn’t properly secured, the cargo can slip out and decimate surrounding vehicles.
- Wide Turns: Other vehicles can take wide turns, but they are commonly required of truckers who are hauling a long trailer. Unfortunately, if the truck driver is impatient or if there is not enough space, it can result in serious accidents.
- Blowouts: Because big rigs carry such heavy loads, tire blowouts are much more common. However, truckers are trained to observe their tire pressure and make adjustments if needed. If they fail to do so, the trucking company may be held liable for any accidents that occur due to a blowout.
Most Serious Injuries from Colorado Big Rig Accidents
Practically any type of injury you can sustain in a non-truck accident in Colorado is magnified the second a big rig is involved, and there are also unique risks for drivers who are hit by trucks. Here are a few examples of serious injuries that drivers or passengers sustain in truck accidents:
- Brain Injury: If the driver sustains a blow to the head, they may suffer a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
- Amputations: The crushing force of a truck accident can lead to limb loss, requiring prosthetics and long-term physical therapy.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt-force trauma from a truck accident can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding or punctured lungs.
- Paralysis, coma, or death: In more severe cases, complications from a spinal cord injury or a blow to the head can cause paralysis, coma, or even death. If this happens the surviving family members of the victim can sue for the cost of the victim’s care or funeral and burial expenses.
- Broken Bones: At the very minimum, a collision between a car and a truck is likely to produce multiple broken bones.
Who Is Liable for an 18-Wheeler Accident in Colorado?
There can be many liable parties in a Colorado truck accident. Along with the big-rig driver, these parties can include:
- The trucking company
- The shipper
- The broker (if there was one)
- Another driver
- A government agency
- The truck manufacturer
- Another third party
If you’ve been injured in a wreck with a big rig, Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers is here to help you. Our Colorado truck accident attorneys will handle every aspect of your claim, fighting to secure the maximum compensation possible from every liable party.
Challenges Arising from Accidents on Interstate Highways
Interstate highways are under federal domain. However, they are typically managed by local, state, and federal authorities (such as the Colorado State Patrol, local police force, or federal transportation systems). Because of this, the crash may be investigated by a combination of these authorities. If a crash involves other out-of-state drivers or commercial trucking companies, legal disputes can cross state lines which can further complicate your case. This is one of the many reasons why having a Colorado truck accident lawyer on your side from the beginning is a smart move.
How to Protect Yourself When Sharing Colorado Roads with Big Rigs
Truck accidents can happen at any time and anywhere, but there are ways to reduce your risk of being injured in one. Here are a few tips for protecting yourself when you encounter big rigs on the road:
- Stay out of blind spots. If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver may not be able to see you, either.
- When passing, always pass the truck on the left side and do not linger.
- Anticipate wide turns, especially at intersections.
- Use your signals to indicate a turn or a lane change.
- If your vehicle doesn’t have running lights, turn your headlights on.
- Do not cut big rigs off and then slow down; this is dangerous behavior in any scenario but it can prove deadly with a large truck.
Do You Have a Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers has offices across Colorado and serves the following communities: Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Greeley, Grand Junction, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Pueblo, and Thornton.
Call Our Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Even the most cautious and experienced drivers can still be affected by a truck accident, but unfortunately, many people still go without fair compensation for their injuries even when the accident wasn’t their fault. Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers wants to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Contact our Colorado truck accident lawyers today.
