Although there is no single correct way to react to trauma, being prepared for a car accident can make a tough situation better. Even for safe drivers, it is a smart idea to learn how to respond if you are ever involved in a vehicle collision. Drivers can make their own decisions on the road, but unfortunately, they cannot control the driving habits of others. Knowing the proper steps to take after an auto accident can not only prevent further incidents but can benefit drivers and passengers if they decide to file a personal injury suit. In certain situations, the accident may have been caused by another motorist’s negligent actions. 

Steps to Take After a Crash

Preliminary results from the Colorado Department of Transportation show that fatal accidents have decreased between 2017 and 2019. This was after a steady climb in accidents starting in 2011, reaching a high of 600 fatal crashes in 2017, which was the highest since 2002. Luckily, not all car accidents are fatal, but people can still be seriously injured in car accidents that are caused by drinking and driving (DUI), distracted driving, and reckless driving. 

We have all seen images of catastrophic truck accidents. Stories of truck collisions often make it to local news, especially if their aftermath resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. Many motorists become anxious when driving near trucks, and with good reason. The maximum gross weight of a truck can be 80,000 pounds, which by itself can cause damage even without negligent driving behavior. All drivers can take safety precautions like staying out of a truck’s blind spot, but it can be impossible to control the actions of other motorists on the road, including truckers. 

Factors That Can Increase the Likelihood of a Truck Crash

Like any auto accident, there are common reasons why truck accidents occur. Anyone can make a mistake while driving, but crashes caused by the negligence of truck drivers are often preventable. When drivers or trucking companies act negligently, they should be held accountable for injuries or wrongful deaths that occur as a result. Negligent truck drivers can pose a significant danger because of the mass and power of their vehicles. Trucks can also carry hazardous materials, so drivers need to pay close attention and follow the rules of the road while operating these massive vehicles. 

Last week, a Chicago truck driver died in an accident near Fort Collins. Although the official cause of death has not been released, the 52-year-old man was declared dead at the accident site. Initial reports, however, have declared that intoxication or speed were not contributing factors. There were also no other people were injured during this accident on Interstate 25. The semi-truck went off to the right side, hit a sign, and rolled over. Any death on the road is a tragedy, but we know when a truck accident happens, the casualties can often be very serious. 

A Truck Driver's Negligence Can Cause a Crash  

What is unusual about this crash is the death of the truck driver. Statistically, passengers of other vehicles are much more likely to die as the result of a truck accident. In 2017, 683 truck occupants died in accidents, while 2,797 car passengers died in the same year. People in cars are much more vulnerable to truck accidents. Cars have more protection than a motorcycle, but either can be helpless against an 80,000-pound truck at full speed. 

Although preliminary reporting on this Fort Collins truck accident suggests that speeding or substance abuse was not involved, many truck accidents involve negligence. When drivers do not take proper precautions, like following the rules of the road, they can be at fault for causing an accident. Trucking companies can also be held liable for poor maintenance and not following industry standards. When a person in another vehicle is injured and suffers because of these failures, the victim has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation for their damages. 

When a car rolls over, the driver and passengers can suffer serious injuries or fatalities. The roof of a passenger car is not built to withstand the weight of the lower half of the vehicle, and therefore, it is likely to collapse. Even a minor car accident can lead to painful injuries, but when extreme trauma is involved, a victim may be temporarily or permanently disabled. In some cases, another driver’s negligence may have caused the rollover crash, and a victim can file a personal injury lawsuit. 

Proving Negligence

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and commercial trucks, are more likely to roll over than a compact car. This is because the center of gravity is higher on large automobiles. A quick turn or maneuver can easily cause a larger vehicle to flip over. A driver may try to act quickly in response to another driver’s actions, and that reaction may cause their car to turn over. A car may also roll over if forced off the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common cause of rollovers is the latter, where a vehicle’s wheels are affected by uneven terrain after colliding with another automobile. 

With the weather getting warmer, motorcyclists are now able to enjoy the open road once again. Whether used as primary transportation or as a hobby, motorcycles have many benefits as an alternative to a passenger car or bicycle. While motorcyclists are sometimes characterized as reckless thrill seekers, the vast majority are committed to safe riding. 

A motorcyclist is always more exposed to danger on the road than other vehicles. Except for protective gear such as helmets, gloves, and thick jackets, motorcyclists have direct contact with the environment they are driving in. There are no airbags or large physical barriers for protection. Although motorcycles are one of the smallest groups of motorists, motorcycle accidents make up 20 percent of all road fatalities in Colorado. 

A recent two-car crash in Lakewood resulted in severe injuries to a 19-year-old driver, as well as the death of the other driver involved. While the ultimate cause of the accident is still under investigation, according to Colorado state police, “speed was a factor.” 

Every year, thousands of Americans are killed due to drivers traveling at excessive speeds. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 Americans throughout 2016 alone. In all, speeding accounted for 27% of traffic fatalities nationwide. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is likely that driver negligence was involved. 

Why Speeding Increases Risk 

We all understand the reasons behind speeding, since hectic work schedules and constant familial obligations leave most of us in a never-ending rush. Still, it is important to understand how speeding can impact one’s vehicle’s ability to operate at peak capacity. Speeding can reduce the effectiveness of safety restraint systems and limit the control one has over their vehicle’s steering and braking systems, while also increasing the ferocity of collisions. 

Every year, thousands of motorcyclists throughout the United States suffer fatal injuries in accidents. Here in northern Colorado, we witness far too many fatal motorcycle accidents on an annual basis. Recently, a 37-year-old woman was fatally injured in a motorcycle accident in Fort Collins. The motorcycle was a two-person Harley Davidson, and when it collided with another vehicle, both motorcycle passengers were severely hurt, and the female passenger ultimately died. The accident reminded every Colorado native of the dangers that motorcyclists face when sharing the road with other vehicles. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should take steps to understand your options for pursuing financial compensation. 

Motorcycle Accidents Nationwide 

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), approximately 5,000 American motorcyclists died in 2017. While this statistic marks a slight decrease in motorcycle fatalities on a national scale, motorcyclists are still much more likely to suffer fatal injuries than drivers or passengers of automobiles. In fact, motorcyclists are 28% more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle collision than those traveling in a standard motor vehicle. Despite the fact that motorcyclists make up a small number of all highway users, they accounted for approximately 14% of all traffic fatalities in 2017. Next time you ride a motorcycle, ride with caution. 

Remaining Safe on Your Motorcycle

While there is no guarantee of safety while riding a motorcycle, there are a few steps you can take to help decrease your chances of serious injury. The first step you can take is riding responsibly. Do not recklessly pass drivers on corners or double lines. Recognize that you are not as visible as a standard automobile, and avoid drivers’ blind spots.