Why Truck Accidents Turn Deadly: Common Causes and How Victims Can Recover
By: Matthew C. Clawson, Colorado Truck Accident Attorney
Commercial truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on Colorado roads. Because semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles can weigh up to thirty times more than a standard passenger car, the impact forces involved are catastrophic. These crashes often leave victims with severe injuries, overwhelming medical bills, long-term disabilities, and the inability to work. Tragically, most victims did nothing to cause the collision.
Whether the crash was caused by careless driving, a preventable mechanical failure, or unsafe trucking company practices, the consequences fall hardest on the people in smaller vehicles. Understanding why truck accidents turn deadly—and how victims in Colorado can protect their legal rights—is an essential step in the recovery process.
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous in Colorado
Truck accidents are uniquely destructive because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles. When an 80,000-pound semi-truck collides with a 3,000-pound passenger car, the physics alone ensure that occupants of the smaller vehicle absorb the brunt of the impact.
Throughout Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Falcon, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Denver, and Jefferson County, victims of truck accidents often suffer injuries requiring multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, permanent disability, or lifelong medical care. Many also face lost earnings, emotional trauma, and the costly replacement of a totaled vehicle. The physical and financial toll is often life-changing.
Common Causes of Deadly Truck Accidents in Colorado
Truck crashes rarely occur without warning. Most are the result of preventable safety violations, mechanical defects, or negligence by drivers or trucking companies.
Brake Failure
Semi-trucks rely on complex air-brake systems that must withstand enormous pressure, especially on Colorado’s steep grades. When brakes fail because of worn components, poor maintenance, overheating, or manufacturing defects, the consequences are catastrophic. A runaway truck descending Monument Hill, Kenosha Pass, or the steep approaches near Castle Rock and Lone Tree can cause devastating multi-vehicle crashes.
Tire Failure and Blowouts
Shredded truck tires scattered along I-25 and I-70 are a familiar sight to drivers in Pueblo, Falcon, and Jefferson County. Tire blowouts can cause a truck to swerve, jackknife, or roll over. Even loose tire debris can strike vehicles at high speeds and create deadly hazards for surrounding traffic. Poor maintenance, defective tires, and improper inflation are frequent causes.
Driver Error
Human error is one of the leading causes of fatal truck accidents. Despite strict federal rules, not all commercial drivers follow them. Distracted driving, cell phone use, fatigued driving, speeding, and impairment significantly increase the risk of high-impact crashes. Colorado’s snow, ice, fog, and steep grades demand elevated caution, yet many drivers fail to adjust their speed or following distance accordingly.
Statistics demonstrate the disproportionate harm: in 2019, 67% of people killed in truck accidents were occupants of smaller vehicles, while only 16% were truck occupants.
Mechanical Failures
Commercial trucks require constant inspection and maintenance. When companies neglect brakes, tires, steering systems, lights, or coupling devices, mechanical failures become inevitable. Improperly secured cargo can shift or spill, causing rollovers or multi-vehicle accidents throughout Colorado Springs, Denver, Castle Rock, and surrounding communities.
Who Is Responsible After a Colorado Truck Accident?
Liability in a truck accident is rarely straightforward. Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may fall on:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The trailer or equipment owner
- A maintenance or repair contractor
- The cargo-loading company
- A parts or vehicle manufacturer
- Freight brokers
- Corporate insurance carriers
Establishing fault requires a detailed investigation involving electronic logging devices (ELDs), black-box data, GPS logs, dash-camera footage, maintenance records, personnel files, and evidence from the crash scene. Trucking companies and insurers act quickly to protect themselves; victims must do the same by contacting experienced counsel immediately.
Recovering Compensation in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Denver, and Throughout the Front Range
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills, surgeries, and hospitalization
- Long-term rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Property damage or vehicle replacement
- Wrongful death losses for surviving families
Because commercial carriers and insurance companies aggressively defend these claims, having skilled legal representation can dramatically affect the outcome of your case.
Why Matthew C. Clawson Is the Right Attorney for Your Colorado Truck Accident Case
Matthew C. Clawson is one of Colorado’s most highly regarded personal-injury attorneys, trusted by clients throughout Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Falcon, Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Denver, and Jefferson County. He has decades of experience handling complex, high-value cases involving catastrophic injuries and powerful corporate defendants.
Matthew is known for his thorough investigation strategies, his ability to secure critical evidence before it disappears, and his dedication to obtaining the maximum compensation available under Colorado law. He personally guides clients through every stage of the process, offering clear communication, compassionate support, and aggressive legal advocacy.
His courtroom skill, negotiation experience, and deep knowledge of federal trucking regulations make him a strong and effective advocate for truck accident victims across Colorado.
Contact Matthew C. Clawson — Colorado Truck Accident Attorney
Colorado Springs Office: (719) 634-1848
Denver Metro & Front Range Office: (303) 805-9853
Email: Matthew@clawsonlaw.net
Website: www.clawsonattorney.com
Legal Disclaimer- This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content or contacting the attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal decisions and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Colorado laws may change, and you should consult a licensed attorney for advice tailored to your circumstances. No guarantee is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.