We’re all accustomed to the increased traffic in Colorado around the holidays. Our state’s highways, train stations, bus terminals, and airports become more congested as travelers head or return home for family gatherings and other engagements.
With more vehicles on our roads, please do yourself and your family a favor and be more careful this holiday season.
We at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., want to remind you that the increase in online shopping has brought an uptick in accidents involving trucks as they deliver what was purchased online.
Holidays Happen Year-Round
While it can seem like winter is holiday season, December is not the only time this spike occurs. Throughout the fall, shipments of masks and candy for Halloween or specialty foods and autumnal decorations for Thanksgiving are constantly being ordered and delivered. Once the Christmas trees and Menorahs have been put away and the ball has dropped on the New Year, truckloads of Valentine’s Day candies are just starting to hit the road. With manufacturers and distributors spread out all over the world, many items will have to journey thousands of miles long before reaching your doorstep.
To meet the ever-increasing demand, companies saddle drivers with increasing demands. Often, these men and women have to take on extra shifts. Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of truck accidents on Colorado highways is driver fatigue. The increased hours driving have a direct correlation with increased accidents and, sadly, more injuries and fatalities.
Truck Accidents Require Special Handling
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a truck or any other commercial vehicle, you know how devastating the injuries can be. Dealing with the insurance carriers of a large shipping company only adds stress to an already difficult situation. The shipping company, and its insurance provider, have an obligation to their bottom line and not to you and your loved ones. Because of this, their representatives will regularly try to pressure injured, vulnerable victims to settle quickly for much less than they are entitled to.
In order to be properly compensated for any damages and injuries you have suffered, you first must determine who can be held liable. When a large truck is involved in a crash, the liable parties might include:
- The truck driver: A majority of truck accidents result from driver error; for example, driving while distracted or fatigued.
- The trucking company: Employers can sometimes be held responsible for the actions of the drivers in their employ. For example, a company that allows or forces its drivers to operate trucks for more hours than permissible by law would be potentially liable for damages which result from the overworked driver.
- The maintenance company: If a faulty vehicle was the root cause of the accident, the maintenance company would likely incur liability for returning the truck to the company in an unsafe condition.
- The manufacturer: Sometimes an accident results because of defective parts, such as faulty tires or brakes. In this situation, you may have an additional claim for a product liability suit against the manufacturer, in addition to any negligence claims against the trucker and/or trucking company.
Having our lives interrupted can be challenging. When you are dealing with potentially catastrophic injuries from a collision with a truck combined with the stress that accompanies the holiday season, it can feel all-encompassing and devastating. Our attorneys at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., have the experience handling truck accidents to make sure you or your loved one reach the best possible outcome. Call us today at (719) 475-2555 and put us to work for you.