Motor vehicle accidents happen for many reasons. Fatigue, reckless behavior, distraction, speeding and many other actions can significantly increase the chance of a collision. Truck accidents are particularly concerning because these types of crashes are more likely to result in serious injury, property damage or even death because of the large size and heavy weight of these commercial vehicles.
Vehicle accidents are a major safety concern in Colorado, especially in an age when drivers are more distracted than ever. Truckers are not immune to the temptation of picking up the phone, texting or even looking at social media while behind the wheel. Despite these things, data seems to indicate that the overall number of motor vehicle accident fatalities actually decreased in 2019. This could be the result of many factors, including safety awareness programs and more.
Despite this good news for Colorado drivers, statistics also indicate that the number of fatal accidents that involved at least one large truck rose by at least 1% from year to year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration considers large trucks to be those that weigh at least 10,000 pounds. These statistics could be an indication of a continued need to promote, encourage and enforce safety standards in the trucking industry.
Truck accidents are often the result of preventable factors, and innocent people can suffer significant harm because of just one mistake. Victims of these types of accidents may not be sure how they can pick up the pieces and move forward. They may have grounds to pursue legal recourse through a personal injury claim, and an assessment of the individual can reveal what legal options may be available.