Box truck accidents can be especially devastating, even when comparing other types of truck accidents. When they occur, it’s almost certain that at least one party will suffer severe injuries and thousands of dollars in damage. To make matters worse, pursuing fair compensation for these damages can be especially challenging because it’s not always clear who is liable. If you need immediate help with a claim, we encourage you to contact our Colorado box truck accident lawyers for a free consultation.
What Makes Box Trucks Dangerous?
There are many reasons box truck accidents can be more dangerous than other types of accidents, but a primary factor is size. Simply put, box trucks are larger and have a greater potential to cause more damage. They are also harder to control due to their size, shape, and weight.
Apart from size, the drivers themselves may be to blame. While many box trucks are operated by professional CDL drivers equipped with intensive training, many more may be rented to inexperienced drivers who aren’t used to the bulky frame, height, and weight of the vehicle. Moving companies may rent box trucks to customers who may lack prior experience in driving a box truck and are unaware of the risks involved with doing so.
What Kinds of Accidents Are Most Common for Box Trucks?
While usually not as devastating as a big rig accident, box truck accidents still have the potential to cause serious injuries or even death in the right circumstances. Here are a few common types of accidents caused by box trucks:
- Overpass Accidents: Drivers who are unfamiliar with the height of their vehicle are at risk for hitting low-clearance overpasses, such as bridges or drive-thrus. This can cause damage to the truck, but if rear-end traffic is unable to slow down in time, it can also result in multi-vehicle accidents.
- Wide Turn Collisions: Box trucks need more space than other vehicles and have larger blind spots. This is a challenge for box truck drivers on interstates, but it’s especially risky when they navigate local roads and intersections that they may be unfamiliar with. When making turns, they may accidentally cross over into oncoming traffic or cause a head-on collision when navigating treacherous winding mountain roads.
- Merging: As mentioned, box trucks are frequently seen on both interstates and state roads and they have much larger blind spots than other vehicles due to their height. This can make merging especially dangerous for box truck drivers and surrounding motorists.
- Rollovers: Box trucks are top-heavy and are especially susceptible to rollovers. This is more likely if a driver is inexperienced in operating a box truck. Moreover, moving trucks that are loaded haphazardly can cause a shift in weight distribution and put a driver more at risk for rollovers.
Most Serious Injuries from Colorado Box Truck Accidents
The list of possible injuries that a driver can sustain in a box truck accident is practically endless. Unfortunately in most cases, it’s rare for only minor injuries to be present. Here are a few of the most common injuries that our firm sees resulting from these types of accidents:
- Spinal or Neck Injuries: Sudden impact to the neck or spine can cause life-long disability or even paralysis or death, but a minimum can cause herniated discs or whiplash.
- Brain Injuries: Blunt-force trauma to the head can cause a number of serious injuries including a concussion, TBI, or a coma.
- Internal Injuries: In more serious box truck accidents, particularly T-bone collisions or pedestrian accidents, a person may sustain internal bleeding or punctured organs.
- Broken Bones: As with any type of motor vehicle accident, box truck accidents can easily result in broken bones, especially in high-impact crashes or collisions.
- Death: Fatalities are not uncommon in box truck accidents. If a person is hit by a box truck and tragically passes as a result, their family members can sue for compensation for their loss.
Who Is Liable for a Crash with a Box Truck in Colorado?
It depends on the situation. If the driver of the box truck is employed by a trucking company, there’s a good chance that the trucking company may be vicariously liable. However, unlike tractor trailers which are more commonly owned by trucking companies, box trucks are frequently rented by movers. They are also commonly used by delivery companies such as FedEx or UPS or even government agencies such as the USPS. The liability in a box truck accident may fall on the driver, the shipper, the company owner, or even state, federal, or local government depending on factors like who owns the truck, how it’s insured, and what caused the accident.
Determining liability is an important part of what our Colorado truck accident attorneys do. We know what to look for, and that knowledge and experience is what has helped Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers secure millions in recoveries for former clients.
What Happens When You Get Hit by a U-Haul?
Box trucks are commonly used as moving trucks. U-Haul is one such company that leases their box trucks for client use which can complicate things if an accident occurs. Most moving truck companies generally require that all lessees sign a liability contract before they hand over the keys to the truck as well as review insurance options before they get behind the wheel. The driver typically has an option to “opt-out” of insurance or purchase additional insurance if desired.
Depending on what is covered in the contract and insurance policy, liability for injuries that result from a U-Haul truck accident (or other moving truck accident) can fall on the driver, the person who loaded the truck, the person who rented the truck, insurance, the truck’s manufacturer, or the moving truck company themselves if they violated the terms of the contract.
Complications Arising from Mail Truck Accidents
Mail and package delivery truck accidents are another complicated scenario. Some mail and package delivery services are privately owned (such as UPS or FedEx) while others are government-owned (such as USPS) which means that in some scenarios, the company or government is liable when the driver is not. To make matters even more complicated, some delivery companies lease their vehicles to independent contractors who may assume liability for accidents caused by them. Determining who’s responsible for paying damages depends on the business’ individual management and operations structure.
Protecting Yourself on the Road with Box Trucks
Box trucks are pretty much everywhere, including metropolitan areas such as Denver or more rural areas throughout the state, and it’s never a bad idea to learn how to protect yourself when you encounter one on the road. Below are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Maintain a safe distance. Box trucks are frequently operated by drivers who are inexperienced in driving them. Always keep a buffer between you and a box truck, especially at intersections when a wide turn might be warranted.
- Stay away from blind spots. Box trucks have large blind spots on all sides, especially on the right and directly behind them. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they likely can’t see you — so pass quickly and avoid lingering in these areas.
- Watch for rollovers. Box trucks are top-heavy and may be susceptible to rollovers especially if loaded poorly.
- Look out for falling cargo. Moving trucks have notoriously finicky latches which may come undone during transport. If this happens, watch out for falling cargo such as furniture or other belongings.
- Prepare for sudden stops. Box trucks, such as package delivery services, or movers who are unfamiliar with the area, may make frequent stops. Again, keep a wide distance between you and the driver.
- Pass cautiously. When overtaking a box truck, always pass on the left where the driver has better visibility. Use your turn signal, maintain a steady speed, and don’t cut back in too soon.
Do You Have a Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me?
Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers is available to answer any questions you may have about filing a personal injury claim. Our attorneys practice throughout the State of Colorado with offices in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins, Glenwood Springs, Greeley, Grand Junction, Lakewood, Littleton, Longmont, Pueblo, and Thornton.
Injured in a Box Truck Accident in Colorado? You Need The Strong Arm®
Unfortunately, even the most prepared and experienced drivers are still at risk when box trucks are on the road. If you or a loved one has been injured in a box truck accident, our Colorado injury attorneys want to help. Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers is the largest personal injury firm in Colorado. We have the experience and the resources required to take on large trucking companies. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.
