The state of Colorado sits landlocked in the middle of the nation with the mighty Rocky Mountains dominating the west and vast, sweeping plains to the east. The terrain and weather can be a dangerous combination when it comes to road travel. Deadly highway crashes are all too common with the mix of big rigs traversing the state via the Interstate system on I-70, I-76 and I-25 and inexperienced, out-of-state drivers on ski, wilderness and casino adventures.
The state of Colorado sits landlocked in the middle of the nation with the mighty Rocky Mountains dominating the west and vast, sweeping plains to the east. The terrain and weather can be a dangerous combination when it comes to road travel. Deadly highway crashes are all too common with the mix of big rigs traversing the state via the Interstate system on I-70, I-76 and I-25 and inexperienced, out-of-state drivers on ski, wilderness and casino adventures. When a giant semi truck is involved in the accident, the chance of serious or deadly harm increases significantly.
Unique Colorado Driving Conditions
Already this year early spring storms have caused major Colorado multi-vehicle accidents involving large commercial trucks:
* In January near Limon on the plains east of Denver, high winds caused a sand storm, known locally as a brown blizzard or brownout. In near-zero visibility a fatal chain-reaction pile-up accident on I-70 involving six semis and eight cars left twisted, fiery wreckage, with a burning tractor trailer landing on top of a car.
* A late-March snowstorm brought an 18-vehicle pile up — including 4 tractor-trailers — on I-76 near Hudson.
* In early April during a nasty storm with high winds and white-out conditions a big rig on I-76 rear ended a fire truck followed by the impact of five more semi trucks.
At any time of year, a treacherous storm can come up suddenly on a sunny day with little warning and fast intensification. Avalanches and rock slides are real dangers on mountain roads, as are hairpin turns and steep road grades, especially under icy conditions. Accordingly, Colorado has a tire-chain law that requires certain large commercial vehicles to chain four drive wheels whenever the state issues the order. A driver risks a large fine if the chain law is not obeyed and his or her truck obstructs the highway.
I-70’s runaway truck ramps can prevent accidents by stopping out-of-control semis. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the ramps are mostly used by drivers with little mountain-driving experience. In one recent four-year period, the ramps were used 113 times. Generally, in Colorado mountains a big-rig driver must continuously take into account the speed limit, road condition, visibility, moisture and ice, grade, load weight, inadequate guard rails and sharp curves, especially if the cargo is hazardous or living. Likewise, operators of smaller vehicles should take care to keep a generous distance from large trucks and refrain from passing them in bad driving conditions. When roads are barricaded by authorities, all drivers should refrain from violating the closure orders.
Other Contributing Factors
Experts agree that usually more than just one factor causes a traffic accident. A 2007 study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sheds light on contributing factors in large truck crashes. The study looks at “driver error, vehicle failure, or environmental condition (roadway or weather).” In Colorado, the environmental conditions of unique terrain and volatile climate are clear, and other common situations may contribute, such as sudden traffic-flow changes or other accidents. Other factors that can contribute to accidents involving semi trucks may include:
* Driver errors or impairment — inadequate training, insufficient experience, fatigue, alcohol or drugs, speeding or driving too fast for the conditions, tailgating, medical emergency, poor judgment, distraction, lack of concentration, unfamiliar roads, failure to follow traffic laws
* Vehicle failures — manufacturing or design flaws, worn or defective tires, cargo shifting, poor maintenance, spontaneous equipment failure
What if You Are in an Accident With a Semi Truck?
First and foremost, seek necessary medical attention and contact law enforcement. If you are able, take pictures of the accident, even with your cell phone if you do not have a camera. Be sure to always tell the truth and not tamper with evidence. Your insurance policy will require that you report the accident to your insurance company. Contact a personal injury lawyer with experience in truck crashes as soon as you can while the evidence and witnesses are fresh. It is highly preferable to have someone on your own side investigate the accident if possible, although Colorado law enforcement accident reports can be extremely helpful.
Seek Legal Counsel
Remember, there is a time limit, called the statute of limitations, within which you must file any lawsuit for your injuries and damages from the accident. The statute of limitations is another important reason for contacting a lawyer early in the process.
You will want a knowledgeable attorney to help you deal with the insurance companies, both because they may not have your best interests in mind and because the insurance issues in a truck accident case can be extremely complex. In addition, you will need legal counsel to guide you through the complicated interplay of federal and state laws that come into play in an accident with a big rig.
