Experienced Denver Truck Accident Lawyers

Semi-Truck Accident Major Causes

In 2015, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recorded 415,000 accidents involving commercial vehicles in the United States. These collisions resulted in 3,852 deaths, up 22% over comparable collisions in 2009.

Surprisingly, 60% of commercial vehicle accidents were on rural roads, whereas just 25% happened on rural or urban interstate highways.

Furthermore, 35 percent of all fatal collisions involving commercial vehicles happened between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Commercial truckers are often seen to be above-average drivers, yet government data shows that their errors, blunders, and carelessness cause more than half of all truck accidents.

The most frequently identified crash-related causes in the FMCSA’s 2005 Report to Congress on the Large Truck Crash Causation Study are listed below.

(Note that many factors caused some crashes.)

• 29 percent of cars have braking difficulties.
• Driver: Traveling too quickly for the current circumstances – 23%
• Driver: Unacquainted with the highway – 22%
• Environment: 20 percent of the time, there are roadblocks.
• Driver: 17 percent usage of over-the-counter drugs
• Driver: Insufficient surveillance – 14%
• Fatigue in the driver – 13%
• Driver: 10% of the time, I felt pressure from the carrier.
• Driver: Illegal manoeuvre – 9%
• About 9 percent of drivers are inattentive.
• Driver: External distraction (8% of the time)
• Car: Tire-related issues – 6%
• Driver: Following too closely– 5%
• Driver: Jack-knifed (5% chance)
• Car: Cargoshift – 4%
• Illness in the driver – 3%
• Internal distraction – 2% of drivers
• Driver: Illegal drugs accounted for 2% of the total.
• Alcohol – 1% for the driver

The FMCSA classified “brake difficulties” as an “associated problem” rather than the “primary problem” that caused the accident in many instances.

Examples include collisions in which the driver was at fault.

For present circumstances and instances in which the driver lacked acquaintance with the roads, the driver drove too quickly.

driving conditions and the Risk of a Commercial vehicle Accident

Drivers are considerably more likely to cause accidents than the cars they drive or the environment in which they travel, considering all of the causes stated by the FMCSA for collisions involving commercial vehicles.

While manufacturers and governments may add more safety measures to commercial vehicles and governments can create and maintain better roads, greater driver training is the single most critical element in lowering the frequency of commercial vehicle accidents.

Since the FMCSA’s Large Truck Crash Causation Study, data on non-commercial vehicle collisions shows, that driver attention has become a more important element in accidents. For example, according to a recent survey by Progressive Insurance, the public thinks that texting and glancing at smartphones are the leading causes of road accidents. However, 62 percent of 18- to 34-year-old drivers feel that texting or glancing at a phone while driving is safe; 64 percent say it is the most prevalent cause of accidents.

Motor Carrier Safety Administration Rules Federal 

Driver attention has been a growing concern for commercial truck drivers since the 2005 research.

In 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued two new guidelines for anybody operating a commercial motor car (CMV):

Section 392.82 of Title 49 (Code of Federal Regulations) – “Using a Handheld Mobile Telephone” mandates:

No driver may use a hand-held cellphone while operating a commercial motor car.

No motor carrier may permit or compel its drivers to use a hand-held mobile phone while operating a commercial motor car.

Definitions.

For this section alone, driving means operating a commercial motor car on a highway, including when briefly stopped due to traffic, a traffic control device, or other momentary delays. Operating a commercial motor car does not include moving the car to the side of, or off, a roadway and stopping in a spot where the car may safely stay stationary.

Emergency exception.

When communicating with law enforcement authorities or other emergency services, drivers of a CMV may use a hand-held mobile phone.

For this section, driving includes operating a commercial motor car with the engine running, even when the car is briefly parked due to traffic, a traffic control device, or other unforeseen delays.

Operating a commercial motor car with or without the engine running when the driver moved the car to the side of, or off, a roadway, as defined in 49CFR 390.5, stopped at a spot where the car may safely stay stationary is not considered driving.

Exception for an emergency. When communicating with law enforcement officers or other emergency services, drivers of commercial motor cars are permitted to text while driving.

Despite these apparent bans, commercial truck drivers continue to use hand-held mobile phones and text while driving.

Several studies conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration highlight the hazards of inattentive commercial truck drivers.

These studies discovered:

Commercial vehicle drivers who text take their eyes off the road for almost five seconds on average.

A two-ton car traveling at 55 miles per hour will go 100 yards with a driver who is not looking at the road.

Why Commercial vehicle drivers who text are 23 times more likely than those, who do not text to cause traffic accidents.

Using a mobile phone for any reason—especially texting—distracts from practically every part of the brain that drivers need to focus on while driving and avoiding accidents.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN DENVER

Commercial vehicles are ubiquitous on the roadways in the United States, particularly in Denver.

Sadly, many commercial vehicles are engaged in accidents daily.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you understand how devastating it can be. Serious injuries may result in high medical expenditures, long recuperation periods, and lost work time. Commercial vehicle drivers, corporations, and anyone responsible for the collision may be held liable for the damage they cause.

An expert commercial vehicle accident attorney can assist you in obtaining compensation for your medical costs and other damages. An experienced Denver accident attorney may make a difference in the result of your commercial vehicle accident claim.

We at Warrior Truck Accident Lawyers are prepared to fight for you. Our lawyers are dedicated to assisting families throughout Colorado in recovering financially from injuries caused by the carelessness of commercial vehicles, the organizations that employ them, and others. To book a free consultation with a Denver commercial vehicle accident attorney, call 719-300-1100 or contact us online.

HOW CAN A DENVER COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ATTORNEY HELP ME?

An expert commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you free of charge by evaluating the specifics of your accident. Our legal staff is well-versed in the ins and outs of commercial vehicle accidents. We can assist you in determining whether or not you have a viable claim and whether or not legal action is necessary.

Any personal injury claim will include:

An accident investigation.

A great number of paperwork.

Negotiations with insurance companies.

Meeting deadlines.

Our commercial vehicle accident law company will perform a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible.

You will be in the greatest position to earn a fair commercial vehicle accident settlement if you choose a qualified Denver personal injury lawyer to handle your case.

Our professional legal team has won thousands of personal injury cases have been won for our clients by our professional legal team at Warrior Truck Accident Lawyers.

Allow us to put our expertise to work for you.

The insurance companies of the guilty parties will be involved in a commercial vehicle accident claim.

Accident victims are often offered a rapid settlement by insurance companies to alleviate their obligation and prevent the expense of litigation.

These quick-settlement offers the other hand, these quick-settlement offers are meant to encourage you to take cash and go, and they often do not cover all of your losses.

While some accident victims may be tempted to accept a lowball settlement offer, we can provide you with an estimate of how much your claim is worth and if the insurer’s offer is realistic.

Multiple insurance firms may be involved in commercial vehicle accident claims in Denver. The driver, corporation, car owner, and other parties involved in the collision may all have their insurance carriers. Dealing with many insurances may be difficult, but an experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer can handle everything for you while you concentrate on your rehabilitation.

IN DENVER, THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE CRASHES

We encounter many different causes of commercial vehicle accidents at Warrior Truck Accident Lawyers, and we know that any of them may result in serious injuries to the passengers of the smaller cars.

The following are the most prevalent causes of commercial vehicle accidents:

Drowsy driving: Drivers are often on the road for lengthy periods, and many of them fail to take the essential rest breaks.

Even if drivers follow the rules,

Even if they follow the hours-of-service restrictions, they might get exhausted, and driver weariness is a factor in many accidents.

Distracted driving: Anything that diverts a driver’s focus away from the road might lead to distracted driving.

I was talking on the phone, texting, gazing at a navigation system, eating, daydreaming, or anything else that takes the driver’s eyes or thoughts off the road.

Failure to use the brakes promptly: Some commercial trucks are huge. Because of the enormous operational weight of certain cars and their load, drivers must arrive at a safe height with more advanced time. A tired or distracted motorist may be unable to respond quickly enough to a traffic delay or light turning red.

Speeding: One of the leading causes of motor car accidents, especially commercial vehicles, is speeding. When a commercial truck is going rapidly, it requires a larger stopping distance.

Driving too fast for the conditions: The stated speed limit may be too fast in certain cases.

Adverse weather, high traffic, and slippery road conditions may require a commercial vehicle driver to slow down to properly operate their car. Regardless of the speed restriction, a commercial vehicle driver must maintain a safe pace for the circumstances.

Following too closely: Commercial vehicle drivers often fail to maintain sufficient distance between their car and the car ahead of them. Tailgating or following too closely might make it difficult to properly stop and result in a rear-end accident.

Aggressive driving: We have a lot of aggressive drivers on the road. They pose a threat to everyone who uses the road. Drivers of commercial vehicles that drive aggressively have the ability to do a lot of harm.

Equipment problems, such as misaligned brakes and worn tires, are common causes of commercial vehicle accidents.

A malfunctioning piece of equipment might result in an accident, and the manufacturer or brake maker may be held accountable for the accident victim’s injuries.

Wide turns: Commercial trucks may inflict severe damage due to their greater turning radius.

A serious injury accident might occur if the driver fails to consider other cars before making a turn.

Improper lane changes: Commercial vehicles in a hurry to change lanes may fail to see a car in a blind area, endangering passengers and other road users.

COMMERCIAL TRUCK TYPES

There are many different kinds of trucks on the roads and highways of Denver and the surrounding regions.

Any of these might endanger other drivers or pedestrians, including:

Semi-Trailer Trucks

Tow one or more trailer units with a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds.

Cargo Trucks or Vans

These are motor cars used to convey goods.

Tractor Trailers

A tractor is linked to a trailer for moving freight.

Fuel Trucks

These are tiny cars that deliver a variety of fuel kinds.

Flatbed Trucks

These trucks may be tiny or big, having a flatbed instead of an enclosed trailer for loaded transport.

Livestock Trucks

Livestock trucks have enclosed trailers that are often ventilated.

A truck’s instability might be exacerbated by live cargo.

Buses

Buses of all sizes, including school buses, charter buses, and municipal buses, may inflict severe damage in accidents.

Dump Trucks

These trucks feature moveable cargo containers that may be accountable for various factors in an accident.

Cement Mixers

Due to their weight, moving components, and debris, these big cars may be dangerous.

Oil Equipment Trucks

These are usually tractor trucks that move large, exposed equipment in oil fields for various purposes.

Tanker Trucks: These are bigger trucks that transport massive volumes of petroleum in a sealed, hefty cargo compartment. They have a greater center of gravity than tractor-trailers and need unique driving skills.

Moving vans are often operated by novice drivers, resulting in a high risk of accidents and injuries.

SHOULD I STRIKE A DEAL WITH THE COMPANY?

Never accept a settlement from a corporation without first discussing it with a Denver, personal injury attorney.

Because each case is unique, we always urge potential clients to have a knowledgeable Warrior Truck Accident Lawyers commercial vehicle accident lawyer in Denver analyze the circumstances of their claim. The majority of commercial vehicle accident injury lawsuits result in a settlement. However, these settlements are normally handled by experienced attorneys.

DO I HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS TO COMPENSATION IN THE EVENT OF A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN DENVER?

If you were injured in an accident caused by a negligent motorist, corporation, or other entity in Colorado, you have the right to seek compensation.

Keep in mind that, according to the Colorado Civil Code, the statute of limitations for filing an injury claim is two years from the date of the injury.

If you do not submit your lawsuit within the time limit, the court may dismiss it.

Contact a truck accident lawyer in Denver now.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, please call Warrior Trucking Accident Attorneys.

We provide free consultations on prospective claims and would be delighted to chat with you about how we might assist you in pursuing legal action.

Attorneys from Warrior Trucking Accidents will fight for your right to compensation help you through this tough period in your life.

The Warrior Trucking Accident Attorneys have a lot of experience helping persons who have been injured in commercial vehicle accidents.

Call us immediately at 719-300-1100 for an initial consultation if you are dealing with this sort of injury.

You may also contact us over the internet.