A deadly crash occurred north of St. Louis earlier this week, killing one person. Just before 2 p.m. on Wednesday, emergency crews were called to Riverview Drive to respond to a two-vehicle accident.

When they arrived, they saw a sedan with extensive damage to the front, and a semi-truck that had gone through a barricade to the right of the road. They pronounced the driver of the sedan dead at the scene. It's unclear how the car accident occurred, but the investigation is still ongoing.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

If you've been in a car accident with a semi-truck, you know how devastating it can be. Whether you were seriously injured or a loved one was killed in the accident, you've seen firsthand the dangers that semi-trucks can pose on the road. After all, in most truck accidents, it's the occupants of the smaller vehicles who are hurt or killed.

And in many cases, the accident was caused wholly or in part by the truck, whether due to the driver's behavior or mechanical failure on the part of the semi-truck. The following are the most common causes of Colorado semi-truck accidents:

• Fatigued driver: Truck driver fatigue is a big problem on Colorado's roads, as many drivers skimp on sleep to make more money and then fall asleep at the wheel.
• Distracted driver: Common distractions include changing the radio station, talking on the phone, texting, or talking to other truck drivers on the radio.
• Impaired driver: Some truck drivers consume alcohol while driving, though the use of prescription medication and illegal drugs can also lead to impaired driving.
• Brake failure: When the brakes fail, the truck could cause a tragic accident when it hits a passenger vehicle—or several of them—from behind.
• Improper truck maintenance: Balding tires, failure to change the oil, or improperly secured cargo are just a few examples of maintenance issues that can lead to an accident.

What To Do After an Accident with a Semi-Truck

Accidents with semi-trucks can be terrifying, especially when there's injury or death involved. Whether you were seriously injured, a loved one was killed, or your car was totaled, you deserve compensation to pay for the bills that have resulted from the accident. Initiating a lawsuit against the truck driver and his or her employer could be what you need to afford your bills in the aftermath of the crash.

Hiring a truck accident lawyer in Colorado means you have someone on your side who will go over every detail of the crash with you. This might mean obtaining police reports, talking to witnesses, and contacting the trucking company that employs the at-fault driver. And if you have any questions along the way, your Colorado truck accident lawyer should provide you with fast answers to put your mind at ease during the legal process. So if you're considering bringing a lawsuit against a truck driver after a serious collision, contact a Colorado truck accident lawyer near you today to get started on your case!