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The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Personal Injury Lawsuits

April 10, 2018

In 2016, nearly four thousand people died in large truck accidents. Seventeen percent of those deaths were truck occupants, while sixty-six percent were passengers or drivers in other vehicles. Another sixteen percent were motorcyclists, pedestrians, or bicyclists. Often, passengers injured in commercial truck accidents contact a personal injury lawyer with the intent to file a lawsuit against the responsible party.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Colorado truck accident, you can trust our experienced team at Kinnaird & Kinnaird to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Of the fifteen million trucks in the United States, nearly thirteen percent are big rigs, eighteen wheelers, tractor-trailers, or semis. The vast majority of semi accidents result in at least one fatality.

Truck accidents can ruin lives – and many of them can be prevented. Below are five common causes of tractor-trailer crashes:

#1: Driver Error

All too often, truck accidents are caused by negligent drivers, who are sometimes drowsy, drunk, or otherwise intoxicated while behind the wheel. Reliable witnesses can help prove a driver was incapacitated at the time of the accident.

#2: Poor Maintenance

Because commercial vehicles travel thousands of miles on a daily basis, they go through an immense amount of wear and tear. Drivers, maintenance crews, and owners are responsible for maintaining tractor-trailers to avoid equipment failure on the roadway. Still, negligence can lead to worn brake pads, cracked windshields, or other malfunctions that may cause an accident.

#3: Equipment Failure

Sometimes, maintenance rules are followed but equipment is faulty. Manufacturers can be found negligent if a defective or dangerous part leads to a Colorado truck accident. Your personal injury lawyer can help determine who is responsible for your accident.

#4: Rule Breaking

There are strict rules in place for drivers of commercial tractor-trailers. Not only are drivers limited in the number of hours they can drive without resting, but there are industry-specific loading rules that determine how much cargo can be carried in one truck. Negligence during loading or refusal to rest after hours behind the wheel can often lead to catastrophic accidents.

#5: Bad Weather

Tractor-trailer drivers face a variety of weather patterns while on the road. Some drivers aren’t fully prepared or trained to drive in new climates. For example, a driver not adequately trained to operate a commercial truck in snow or ice may skid, hydroplane, or jackknife across the roadway, putting passenger vehicles in serious danger.

Contact an Experienced Colorado Truck Accident Attorney for Representation

Making the choice to contact a personal injury attorney is never easy – but the added experience is always worth it. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Colorado truck accident, contact our team at Kinnaird Law by calling today. Our office will devote our full energy and attention to your case, fighting tooth and nail for the compensation you deserve.