Denver hosts hundreds of commercial trucks on its roads each day, and there are several potential causes. When a personal vehicle collides with a large truck, the results can be catastrophic. Some of the common causes of truck accidents are entirely preventable, and identifying the cause of your accident is a key part of a successful personal injury case.
The Denver truck accident attorney with Zara Injury Law is prepared to help you discover who is responsible for your accident and help you recover the compensation you need.
Truck crashes often have multiple points of liability depending on the cause
It takes many teams of people to safely and effectively get a truck from point A to point B. Negligence from any one of them can cause an accident. Many of the reasons for an accident can be attributed to the driver, but we must also consider who else may be liable in a truck accident..
Improper loading of cargo
If the dockworkers fail to load or secure the cargo properly in the truck, it can shift during the trip and throw the trailer off balance. This can cause the truck to jackknife or, in extreme cases, flip over.
A well-trained and experienced driver may be able to minimize the damage of the accident, but they are unlikely to be able to prevent it altogether. In such situations, a truck accident lawyer may argue that the shipping company is liable for improperly loading the truck.
Distracted driving
Any driver can fall victim to distracted driving, whether you see something happening on the side of the road, you’re checking navigation, or you’re lost in thought. However, semi-truck drivers have an additional obligation to prevent this behavior due to the size and weight difference between their vehicles and those of other motor vehicles.
In addition to federal regulations that require responsible driving behavior. The Colorado Department of Transportation implemented a new hands-free law in January 2025, increasing restrictions.
Road conditions
Poor road conditions can increase the risk of a truck accident. If the trucking company were diligent in using competent drivers, the driver could often mitigate the risks that poor road surfaces can cause. However, if they fail to pay attention due to distraction or driver fatigue, they may be unable to manage the situation effectively.
Poor weather conditions
Part of being a responsible driver is knowing your limits, identifying when it is no longer safe to drive, or adjusting your driving to account for conditions. However, drivers can make errors in judgment that leave them vulnerable to causing accidents under poor weather conditions, such as rain and snow.
How do drugs and alcohol play a role in truck accidents?
Drugs and alcohol regularly contribute to major accidents, though the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implements strict alcohol policies to minimize the increased risk that accompanies driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to the FMCSA large truck and bus crash statistics, fewer than 5% of truck drivers involved in fatal accidents had a BAC greater than .01, compared to more than 28% of drivers in the other vehicle.
FMCSA alcohol guidelines prohibit commercial truck drivers from being under the influence of alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty. Violating these guidelines results in an immediate 24-hour relief of duty. Long-term consequences typically include termination of employment and possible CDL revocation.
Call Zara Injury Law today to learn more about the cause of your truck accident
Whether the truck driver’s negligence caused your injuries or the city’s failure to maintain a safe road surface caused your accident, you should not have to face the burden alone.
Zara Injury Law is here to help you investigate the circumstances of your accident and fight for the compensation you need. Please call us today at (866) 823-8288 or contact us online to schedule a free case consultation and explore your options.