Commercial truck drivers are responsible for safely operating their vehicles and exercising a reasonable level of care while on the roadway. Failure to do so significantly increases the likelihood of serious accidents, and negligent semi truck drivers may be held legally liable for injuries that result. In Denver, Colorado, a semi truck accident injury lawyer at Bachus & Schanker, LLC can help victims of trucking accidents understand their legal rights. If your collision was related to truck driver negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and other damages.

Common sources of semi truck driver negligence that can lead to accident or injury include:

• Speeding. Due to their large size, semi trucks can be very difficult to control. If a driver fails to maintain a safe speed for traffic and weather conditions, it is much more difficult to avoid accidents.
• Blind Spots. Truck drivers often don't take notice of their blind spots, which may exist in the front, back and sides of large trucks. If a truck cannot see a car because the car is in its blind spot, the truck may make a wide turn into the car.
• Wide Turns. Semi-trucks are large vehicles that often have to make wider turns than regular passenger cars. If a passenger car is caught between the truck and a curb and the driver fails to notice the car's presence, the car may be squeezed or cut off and a serious or even deadly collision may occur.
• Rapid lane changes. Semi-trucks sometimes swing into adjacent lanes of traffic without warning if they are driving too fast while trying to make a turn. Because large trucks require about 40% more stopping distance that passenger vehicles, rapid lane changes can increase the likelihood of a collision.

In Denver, Colorado and the entire country, semi truck accident injury victims may be eligible for compensation. A lawyer can help recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. A semi truck accident lawyer can also negotiate with the trucking insurance company on the victim's behalf.

Avoiding Semi Truck Accident Injury

The following tips may help you avoid collisions when sharing the road with large commercial trucks: 

• Keep visible.  Stay out of the truck's blind spots.  Always stay far enough behind a truck to see both of the truck's side mirrors.
• Maintain a safe distance to ensure that there is enough space and time to brake.
• Drive defensively.
• Use signals to turn or pass.
• Avoid sudden moves such as swerving to pass.

The occupants of passenger vehicles are at an increased risk of serious injury when involved in semi truck accidents, and truck driver negligence can make it even more difficult to stay safe on the road. Staying alert and aware of semi trucks at all times can help you avoid these dangerous collisions.