On January 26, 2021, a multi-vehicle car accident occurred on northbound I-25 near Loveland. A number of semi-trucks and passenger vehicles were involved, with 6 people getting taken to the hospital for care. The snowy weather and icy roads likely contributed to the accident, which is nothing new for Colorado this time of year. Truck drivers go through professional training, are familiar with the routes and road conditions, and should be prepared for bad weather. Why are fatal trucking accidents continuing to increase?

Trucking Accident Statistics

In 2018, the IIHS reported there were 4,136 fatalities in crashes involving large trucks. The victims of these accidents were much more likely to be passenger vehicle occupants than truck drivers. Of those killed in 2018 large truck accidents, 2,786 were in passenger vehicles and 619 were motorcyclists, cyclists, or pedestrians. Truck drivers and large truck occupants accounted for 678 of the fatalities. 

About a year ago, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) launched a study of large truck accidents. Despite safety improvements in all types of vehicles, the number of fatal trucking accidents actually increased from 2016 to 2018. Fatal trucking accidents reached their lowest point in 2009, with 2,893 fatal crashes. Since 2009, fatal large trucking accidents have jumped more than 50%.

The Large Truck Crash Causal Factors Study is supposed to identify the causes of many of these large truck crashes. The purpose of the trucking accident study is to, “yield information that will help FMCSA and the truck safety community to identify activities and other measures likely to lead to significant reductions in the frequency, severity, and crash rate involving commercial motor vehicles.”

Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Colorado

There are a number of possible causes of a trucking accident and some types of accidents are more common in Colorado compared to other states. The steep highway roads, narrow passes, winter weather, and high winds can make driving a large semi through Colorado especially challenging. Other common causes of trucking accidents include: 

• Truck brake failure
• Distracted drivers
• Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Dangerous weather
• Poor road conditions
• Truck driver fatigue
• Poor truck maintenance
• Overloaded or unbalanced cargo 

Complications in Truck Accident Claims

Any car accident can be difficult to deal with, especially if you've suffered an injury. After an injury accident, you may be trying to get medical treatment while dealing with the trucking company or insurance company refusing to pay out. The trucking company may refuse to take responsibility, leaving it up to the injury victim to fight to get damages. 

You deserve to be compensated for your injuries and lost wages and the trucking company is generally liable for the negligence of their drivers. Filing a personal injury lawsuit against both the driver and his or her employer may be the best way to proceed. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney at the Denver Legal Eagles, you can get the financial compensation you deserve. Contact our attorneys today at 303-642-8888 for a free consultation.