Do you trust that the truck next to you will stay in its lane? Do you trust that the driver of the truck behind you is paying attention? Perhaps you should be more wary since trucks play a major role in fatal motor vehicle accidents here in Colorado.
Many truckers live in other states and only pass through Colorado on their way to somewhere else. They are unfamiliar with the roads and do not know how the weather can make travel dangerous during certain times of the year. In fact, the stretch of Interstate 25 that runs through the state ranks as number 74 of the deadliest roads in the United States, according to the National Highway Safety Administration. Between 2004 and 2008, for every mile of I-25 in Colorado, .55 crash-related fatalities occurred. Colorado also ranks high when it comes to its icy roads.
Weather and other road conditions are only half the story, however. Truck drivers are often pushed into meeting unrealistic deadlines and driving over the speed limit or too fast for the road conditions. They could be sleep deprived and fatigued for the same reason. Truckers are also not immune to becoming distracted by their cell phones, other electronic devices or other circumstances. Some truck drivers also use drugs or drink alcohol while driving as well.
These and other factors could easily lead to fatal motor vehicle accidents. If you lose a loved one due to the negligence of a truck driver, you would more than likely benefit from exploring your legal options. Perhaps discussing the situation with an attorney would reveal that filing a wrongful death claim would be in your best interests.