According to the National Transportation Safety Board, nearly 5,000 people die each year in traffic accidents involving large truck. Many factors can lead to an accident. Inclement weather, treacherous road conditions, reckless or careless driving, driving while intoxicated are just a few causes of trucking accidents. Truck equipment failure and truck driver negligence are other common factors. If you were injured in a trucking accident in Denver and suspect truck driver negligence played a role, it would be in your best interest to consult with a Denver personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Why Would a Truck Driver be Negligent?
There are a variety of reasons why a truck driver can be found negligent. Sometimes a driver is so bent on earning a day’s pay that he or she fails to exercise proper safety measures. Stress and fatigue is a common factor in accidents caused by truck driver negligence. Truck drivers often work under tight deadlines, leading many to drive too fast or drive all night without taking breaks. Other causes of truck driver negligence include:
- Failure to exercise good judgment in inclement weather
- Driving with a load that’s not properly secured
- Driving with an unbalanced load
- Failure to inspect or maintain the truck before driving
- Not making necessary repairs before driving
- Failure to swerve, stop or maintain control of the truck to avoid colliding with another vehicle
- Failure to use turn signals, swerving in and out of lanes or tailgating
- Doing other things while driving (changing radio station, texting, talking on cell phone, writing on log book)
Trucking Laws
The trucking industry is regulated by federal laws that have strict requirements for truck companies, drivers and manufacturers. These laws attempt to regulate the amount of hours truck drivers may drive at one time, forcing drivers to rest between shifts and reduce the likelihood of an accident caused by driver fatigue. These laws also require truck companies to do regular truck maintenance and inspection and comply with safety guidelines. Your Denver personal injury attorney will investigate whether the trucking company involved in your accident violated any federal laws and regulations, which may have contributed to truck driver negligence.
Where to Find a Qualified Denver Personal Injury Attorney?
If you want to be represented by a law firm with years of experience handling truck accidents involving truck driver negligence, the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C. is the firm you’re looking for. The Denver-based firm has a proven track record with truck accident cases, backed by 40 years of legal and negotiating experience. They focus on maximizing compensation for their clients. These Denver personal injury attorneys have an understanding of the unique legal strategies involved in truck accident cases, as well as a knowledge of truck company regulations, truck safety requirements and truck driver training, requirements and regulations. Contact their office for a free initial consultation.
