Denver Runaway Truck Crash Attorneys
Have You Been Injured by a Runaway Truck in Denver?
No one wants to see a runaway big rig. These defective vehicles can cause high-speed collisions and may also spill hazardous cargo, putting everyone on the road in danger. Devastating injuries, costly medical bills, heartbroken family and friends, and lifelong disabilities are often the result of a runaway truck.
If you or someone you love was injured by a runaway truck, it is important to have an experienced legal team on your side. Our Denver runaway truck accident attorneys will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 for a free consultation.
What Causes Runaway Trucks?
A tractor-trailer (or just its trailer) may break loose due to several issues, such as:
- Poor maintenance: Large trucks’ brakes must be regularly inspected and serviced by owner and operator alike, as worn-out brakes are the main cause of brake failure.
- Poorly trained drivers: Operating a 10,000-lb vehicle is not the same as operating a normal sedan and requires proper training. When a shipping company fails to train its drivers, this can result in the unqualified drivers crashing.
- Fatigued drivers: Truckers must be alert at all times, with full knowledge of how to operate their vehicles. A drowsy trucker may fail to react in time to prevent a catastrophic crash.
- Aggressive driving: Truck drivers must always proceed with caution, whether proceeding along a mountainous road in Colorado, a packed highway, or a public street. They need to pay attention to road signs and know when to start using the brakes, since commercial trucks take much longer than other vehicles to make a complete stop.
- Ignoring runaway truck ramps: A lot of roadways with inclines are equipped with exit ramps covered in gravel and sand, where truckers can steer their rigs in an effort to avoid colliding with other vehicles. While these runaway truck ramps are not always present, they should be used whenever possible to stop a truck that seems even a little out of control.
Runaway Trucks on Mountain Roads
Runaway trucks are especially dangerous on Colorado’s mountainous roads. Since trucks require more time to stop, Colorado roads that traverse hills or other slopes have more warning signs for truck drivers. Truck drivers must therefore be on high alert when out on these roads. If they fail to heed a warning, they may not hit the brakes in time and be unable to make a complete stop, crashing into whatever is downhill.
Weather is another factor. Hazardous weather such as rain and snow can cause a truck to pick up extra speed on a slope, making it all the more important that the heavy vehicle has an effective and working brake system. High winds are also quite common at higher altitudes, and they can also accelerate the speed of a truck, especially when it’s moving downhill.
Who Is Liable for a Runaway Truck Crash?
As noted above, it is imperative that truck drivers receive proper training before operating a vehicle of that weight and size. The trucking company should provide this training for each driver before he or she gets behind the wheel. A trucker must know when to apply pressure on the brakes, how to read warnings, and how to maneuver a truck on a mountainous road. If a truck loses control and crashes because its driver didn’t have the proper training, the trucking company may be liable to the victims.
Even with proper training, it is up to the truck driver to stay alert when operating a semi-truck. If a runaway truck crash was caused by fatigued, careless, or reckless driving, the truck driver may be liable to the victims.
Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you have been the victim of a runaway truck in Colorado, you may be entitled to compensation for your costly medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. It is important to retain any records of the crash and your medical treatment so that they can be used as evidence when you file a claim.
No matter who or what caused a runaway truck accident, you are not to blame – but the insurance companies are still determined to pay you as little as possible. Our dedicated team of Denver truck accident attorneys will fight back to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 for a free consultation.
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