Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Denver and How to Protect Your Rights

Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic collisions on Colorado roads. In Denver, where major highways like I-25, I-70, and I-76 connect commercial corridors across the state, thousands of large trucks travel the city every day. Unfortunately, the high volume of truck traffic—combined with weather, congestion, and human error—means that serious trucking accidents are all too common.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Denver is the first step in protecting your rights and seeking justice.

Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous

A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 to 30 times the weight of a typical passenger car. When something goes wrong, the damage can be life-altering. Truck accidents often result in:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and internal bleeding
• Wrongful death

Because trucking companies and their insurers have significant resources and legal teams working to minimize liability, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled Denver truck accident lawyer as early as possible.

1. Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers work long hours, often across multiple states, and may skip required breaks to stay on schedule. Despite federal regulations on hours-of-service, many truckers exceed these limits—either voluntarily or under pressure from employers.

Fatigued driving impairs attention, slows reaction time, and increases the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. On steep downhill grades like those west of Denver on I-70, the consequences of a drowsy driver can be deadly.

2. Speeding on Colorado Roads

Speeding is a leading contributor to truck crashes. Whether drivers are rushing to meet deadlines or misjudging their stopping distance on hilly terrain, exceeding speed limits is especially dangerous when a truck is involved.

In Denver, crashes frequently occur where highway speed zones meet urban congestion—such as the I-70/I-25 interchange. Trucks traveling too fast for road or weather conditions are often unable to brake in time to avoid serious collisions.

3. Distracted Driving

Long hours on the road can lead truckers to engage in distractions like:

• Texting or using a smartphone
• Adjusting GPS or fleet dispatch systems
• Eating or drinking behind the wheel
• Reading delivery paperwork

Even a few seconds of distraction is enough for a semi-truck to cause a devastating crash. According to the FMCSA, distracted driving is a leading cause of fatal truck crashes nationwide.

4. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Federal law requires trucking companies to inspect and maintain their vehicles regularly. When they fail to do so, trucks with worn-out brakes, bald tires, or steering defects become serious road hazards.

Common maintenance-related issues that cause crashes include:

• Brake failure on downgrades
• Tire blowouts at highway speeds
• Faulty trailer couplings
• Burned-out lights or indicators

A personal injury attorney can help uncover inspection logs and service records to determine whether poor maintenance played a role in your crash.

5. Improper Cargo Loading

Improperly secured or unbalanced cargo can shift in transit, causing a truck to tip over, jackknife, or spill freight into traffic. These incidents often involve third-party freight handlers or warehouse staff who failed to secure the load correctly.

Cargo-related truck accidents are especially dangerous on mountain roads and curves, where stability is critical.

6. Inexperienced or Undertrained Drivers

With trucking companies facing a shortage of qualified drivers, some rush to hire and put new drivers on the road without adequate training. Unfortunately, undertrained drivers may not know how to:

• Brake properly on declines
• Navigate city traffic or roundabouts
• React to emergencies or bad weather
• Maintain appropriate stopping distances

When a crash is caused by driver inexperience, the trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring or supervision.

7. Driving Under the Influence

Despite strict federal rules for commercial drivers, some truckers operate under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications that impair alertness.

In DUI-related trucking accidents, victims may be entitled to punitive damages—additional compensation awarded to punish reckless or grossly negligent behavior.

Who May Be Liable in a Denver Truck Accident?

Truck crashes often involve multiple responsible parties. Depending on the cause of the accident, you may have claims against:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company or carrier
• A third-party maintenance company
• A freight loading or shipping provider
• The vehicle manufacturer (in cases of defective parts)

An experienced injury attorney can investigate all parties and determine the full scope of liability.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Denver

If you’re involved in a truck crash in the Denver area, take these steps to protect your health and your legal claim:

1. Call 911 and request emergency services
2. Seek medical treatment immediately, even for minor symptoms
3. Document the scene—take photos of damage, road conditions, and cargo spills
4. Collect contact information from the truck driver and witnesses
5. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal counsel
6. Contact a personal injury lawyer to begin your claim and preserve evidence

To understand more about commercial vehicle safety in Colorado, see our blog on Denver 18-wheeler safety tips.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, you may be eligible for:

Economic Damages:

• Emergency room bills and ongoing medical care
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Lost wages or future earning capacity
• Property damage (e.g., vehicle repair or replacement)

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement or permanent disability

In particularly egregious cases, courts may also award punitive damages to deter reckless behavior and punish wrongdoers.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Colorado?

Colorado law gives you three years to file a personal injury claim after a vehicle accident, including truck crashes. However, acting quickly is critical. Evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records may be destroyed or overwritten in days or weeks.

The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Why Choose Zinda Law Group?

Zinda Law Group has represented thousands of personal injury victims across the country—including many injured in commercial trucking crashes. When you choose our team, you get:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we win your case
• Experienced trial lawyers
• Resources to investigate complex truck crashes
• Personal, responsive legal support from start to finish

Our firm is led by Jack Zinda, a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with extensive experience in trucking litigation.

Talk to a Denver Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in a trucking collision in Denver, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. Our team is ready to investigate your case, fight for your rights, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Call 800-863-5312 or visit https://www.zdfirm.com/contact-us/ to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a Denver truck accident lawyer today.