Automobile accidents are a real issue in Colorado and happen for various reasons. So what is the average semi-tractor-trailer collision like and what should victims be aware of? While no two accidents are identical, wrecks with semi-trucks are usually very severe, resulting in significant bodily harm or even death for the occupants of the smaller, lighter-weight, vehicle.
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Driver Error is the Top Cause of Truck Accidents
Most semi-truck accidents are caused by operator error. Indeed, more than half of all accidents have driver error listed as their cause! Other causes include drug use, alcohol use, driver fatigue, inclement weather, or poor training on the part of the commercial vehicle operator. This means that victims of semi-truck collisions are often entitled to remuneration for their losses. To access this compensation, hiring a skilled truck accident personal injury attorney may be the best course of action to take.
Need Assistance with a Semi Truck Collision Claim? Reach Out to Matlin Injury Law!
Were you seriously harmed by a semi-truck accident in Colorado? If so, a skilled attorney may be able to assist you now. For all of your semi truck accident questions or personal injury inquiries, contact Matlin Injury Law, serving Parker, Aurora, Denver, Littleton, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Loveland, and all nearby areas. At Matlin Injury Law, a skilled team of personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve and recover from your losses. You can call 303-487-8911 to learn more!
Understanding Semi Truck Accidents: What Victims Should Know
Annually, millions of car accidents occur in the United States. Some fender-benders are minor and the individuals involved may walk away with minimal damage. Other automobile accidents, like ones involving commercial vehicles or semi-trucks, are severe and result in long-term injuries or even death.
Semi-Trucks Pose a Genuine Danger to Passenger Vehicles
An average semi-truck with no trailer attached weighs between 10,000 and 25,000 lbs. Moreover, an empty trailer hooked to a semi-truck creates a total weight of about 35,000 lb. When fully loaded, semi-trucks with a trailer can weigh up to 80,000 lb! In contrast, according to statistics from JD Power, the average passenger vehicles usually weigh around 4,094 lbs.
Therefore, accidents involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or other large commercial vehicles like buses can be deadly for passenger vehicle drivers. These collisions often result in serious harm to everyone in the lighter-weight vehicle, including the driver, anyone in the back seat, children, etc. Because of this, OTR truck drivers are required to operate their large conveyances with a certain duty of care. When truck drivers fail to protect the other motorists around them by driving safely, devastating consequences can follow!
Collisions with Big Trucks Involving Passenger Vehicles Have Severe Consequences
The average semi-truck accident usually results in serious harm befalling one or all of the passengers of the smaller vehicle. Sadly, these collisions also often result in the death of one or more passengers. When this happens, filing Wrongful Death claims may be necessary. Property damage or a vehicle getting “totaled” is also common.
Truck drivers can also be injured. With that being said, truck drivers generally have more protection from their large rigs. On the other hand, passenger vehicles are not built to withstand the impact of tractor-trailers, buses, or commercial vehicles. This is especially true when traveling at high speeds. The faster a truck or bus is moving when it hits a passenger vehicle, the more damage will likely be sustained.
Injuries Are Often Severe with Crashes of This Kind
With so much suffering caused by accidents with large trucks, claims, lawsuits, and settlements often follow. People who hire experienced personal injury attorneys to help them with commercial vehicle claims often have an easier time getting the compensation they deserve. With the help of a skilled lawyer, victims usually have better success rates after a semi-truck accident.
Common Semi-truck Accidents Injuries Include:
- Serious spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Vehicle destruction
- Property damage
- Paralysis
- Wrongful Death
What the Average Semi-Truck Accident Claim Looks Like
Since thousands of collisions with semi trucks and large vehicles take place every year, any resulting settlements or insurance claims will depend on a range of factors. These factors can include:
- The truck driver’s company policies
- The trucker’s contract or employment terms
- How many passengers were in your vehicle
- Whether you were in a commercial vehicle too
- Where the accident occurred
- Why the accident happened
- Who was assigned “fault”
- Whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs
So, for straightforward and accurate answers about a semi-truck accident claim in Colorado, you should request a free case consultation from a personal injury attorney. One way to do this is by filling out a form online with Matlin Injury Law.
After a Semi Truck Wreck, Consider Hiring a Lawyer Right Away
OTR trucking and semi accidents can be complicated. There may be numerous parties involved. Parties to hold liable may include the truck driver, the driver’s insurance company, the shipping associates, and more. If your collision was induced by the failure or negligence of an OTR truck driver, you may be entitled to claims or a settlement. While you can always file claims after a wreck, only a qualified semi-accident injury lawyer can help you get the most considerable claim amount. This means that you should think about contacting an attorney immediately for advice after being in a serious collision.
If You Are a Semi-Truck Accident Survivor, the Skilled Truck Accident Attorneys at Matlin Injury Law Can Help!
In Colorado alone, over 100,000 automobile accidents are reported every year. Semi-truck collisions are usually among the most severe! Don’t wait or risk getting a lower settlement than what you deserve. Instead, contact Matlin Injury Law and let us handle things for you! You can click here to get started or call 303-487-8911.
If You are Ready to File a Truck Accident Claim or Learn More, Contact Matlin Injury Law at 303-487-8911!
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