What are the Most Common Causes of a Rear-end Truck Wreck?
In a 2009 FMCSA study, Benefit-Cost Analyses of Onboard Safety Systems, between 8,597 and 18,013 rear-end collisions could have been prevented through the use of Forward Collision Alert Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control or Forward Collision Avoidance Mitigation/Automatic Emergency Braking.
The most common causes of rear-end collisions are (1) driver distraction, (2) following too closely, (3) traveling too fast for conditions, and (4) brake issues.
A fully loaded tractor trailer weighs as much as 20 passenger cars. It therefore takes a truck more time than a passenger car to stop. 1 second is required for every 10 feet of truck length at speeds under 40 miles per hours (4 seconds for a 40-foot truck traveling under 40 mph to stop).
If the truck is traveling more than 40 mph it must add an additional second.
Therefore, at 65 miles per hour, a 70-foot tractor-trailer must maintain at least an 8-second following distance (1 second for every 10 feet of length plus 1 second for going over 40 mph).
Note that a 70-foot tractor-trailer traveling 65 mph will travel approximately 762.6 feet in that 8 seconds (8 x 95.333 feet per second= 762.664 feet).
Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney in Colorado?
Simply put, hiring an experienced truck accident attorney after your accident gives you the best possible chance of ending up with a good outcome in a very bad situation. Numerous parties may be liable for your injuries, and an experienced attorney from Hagen Nares PLLC will be able to identify those parties and determine how best to pursue compensation. The introduction of these other parties, as well as the complicated web of statutes and regulations, means that pursuing a claim requires a special level of expertise.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Colorado Today
At Hagen Nares PLLC, we have successfully represented clients who were involved in a trucking accident. We understand the laws established by the State of Colorado as well as federal law and will make sure that each party who is liable is held accountable. You don't have to face this alone–call 720-772-8513 today to schedule Free Consultation.