Breckenridge Truck Accident Lawyers
Legal Representation After a Truck Crash
Trucks are big and dangerous. Because they can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, it takes a long time for a truck to stop, and a truck can do serious damage when it collides with a smaller vehicle on the road such as a car or motorcycle. That’s why truck drivers must be well-trained, sober, and wide awake at all times.
Unfortunately, a lot of trucking companies will try to save money by hiring inexperienced drivers or people without exceptional driving records. When this happens, it leads to serious accidents that can get people injured or killed. At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, we know how to hold truck drivers and their employers accountable for the types of negligence that lead to dangerous accidents.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
In many cases, truck accidents are caused by careless or reckless truck drivers. This is inexcusable when you consider the risks involved. Accidents can also happen when a truck is overloaded or poorly maintained. Common reasons why truck accidents occur include:
- Speeding: Traveling at normal speeds, a truck going down the highway contains an enormous amount of kinetic energy. When the driver exceeds the legal speed limit, it increases stopping time, making it much more likely that they will lose control of the truck if forced to hit the breaks or swerve suddenly.
- Distracted driving: Because they put in long hours, it’s not surprising that truck drivers might lose concentration at times. They are also subject to dangerous activities such as texting while driving or trying to change the radio. But such distractions are extremely hazardous for truck drivers, and they can even be deadly.
- Fatigue: There are federal regulations requiring truck drivers to limit the number of hours they drive so they can stay alert. Many drivers overlook these regulations, putting the lives of others at risk.
- Impaired driving: Truck drivers who are abusing drugs or alcohol have no business on the road. It’s essential for truck companies to screen and monitor their employees to prevent this from happening.
- Unqualified drivers: Truck drivers must have the appropriate Commercial Driver’s License, and their employers are required to ask for a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) before hiring any driver and to request an additional MVR from each driver every three years.
- Mechanical failure: All systems in a truck must be fully maintained to prevent accidents, including brakes, transmission, tires, steering, suspension, windshield wipers, and all headlights, side lights, brake lights, and taillights.
- Cargo issues: Overloading trucks increases stopping time and reduces driver control, and poorly secured cargo can cause spills and distractions that lead to horrible accidents.
What Are Some Types of Truck Accidents?
There are numerous ways that a truck driver can lose control, causing mayhem and destruction on the road. Some of the more dangerous scenarios include tire blowouts, rear-end accidents, wide turns, head-on collisions, truck rollovers, and side collisions with cars known as T-bones.
Another common type of truck accident is called, jack-knifing, which happens when the driver hits their breaks too fast, and the cab forms a 90-degree angle with the trailer. Trucks have several blind spots, and this often causes them to merge into other drivers. Underride accidents, when a truck stops quickly and causes an approaching driver to become trapped underneath the trailer, are particularly dangerous.
What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Drivers who are victims of crashes caused by trucks can suffer serious consequences. The following types of injuries frequently result when a truck collides with a car or motorcycle on the highway:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bleeding and lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
- Head and brain injuries
- Wrongful death
State and Federal Regulations
The trucking industry is regulated by the state of Colorado and the federal government to ensure the safety of everyone who travels on our roads. Truckers operating on I-70 are required to carry chains from September 1 through May 31. There are also strict regulations regarding the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
Federal laws regulate how cargo must be secured, insurance requirements, regular inspections and maintenance, and conditions under which toxic or hazardous materials may be transported. There are also strict hours-of-service regulations to prevent truck drivers from working too many hours.
Getting You the Compensation You Deserve
If truck driver negligence, lack of training, or mechanical failure was the cause of your accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the driver, their employer, or both. This will include the total cost of your medical care in addition to other considerations such as lost wages and the pain and suffering you have endured.
At Whitaker & Penix, LLC, our Breckenridge auto attorneys will carefully listen to what you have to say, and then we’ll conduct a full investigation of the accident to get you the best possible settlement. Call us today at (970) 368-0602 to get a FREE phone consultation. We know how to take on the insurance companies and win!