Big Rig Operator Loses Control, Semi Jackknifes on Highway
A semi-truck driver lost control of his rig just after midnight on U.S. Highway 76. The semi-truck jackknifed on the highway, on the Colorado plains east of Denver. The driver was heading east at the time of the accident.
A Chrysler Pacific was traveling behind the big rig. Evidence collected as of this time indicates that the car was at a safe distance behind the big rig. There were four people in the vehicle.
When the jackknife of the semi occurred, the passenger car collided with the commercial truck. The passenger car went underneath the semi-truck. The impact resulted in the roof of the motorcar being ripped off.
The passenger car continued to move forward after the roof was ripped off and proceeded from under the semi-truck into the median. All four passengers in the vehicle were killed and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the commercial truck apparently suffered only minor injuries.
Investigation of Colorado Semi-Truck Accident
The investigation of the Colorado semi-truck accident is ongoing. At this juncture, no information has been released about the specific reason or reasons why the big rig operator lost control of the semi. There has been no information released by law enforcement and investigators indicating that the semi-driver was intoxicated or distracted.
Common Causes of Colorado Semi-truck Accidents Include:
- distracted driver
- impaired or intoxicated driver
- fatigued driver
Another common cause of a Colorado semi-truck accident is mechanical failure.
Colorado Semi-truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim
If a determination is made that negligence was involved in the jackknife accident, the family or families of the four people killed in the collision may have the ability to pursue what is known as a wrongful death claim or a wrongful death lawsuit. Colorado law defines a wrongful death claim or lawsuit as a legal action in which a family member of a deceased person must demonstrate that the death was the result of negligence, recklessness, or intentional behavior of another person or entity.
In the case of the Colorado semi-truck accident discussed here, a family member would need to show one or another, or all, of these parties were responsible for the accident because of negligence, recklessness, or even intentional conduct:
- semi-truck driver
- trucking company
- semi-truck maintenance provider
- truck manufacturer
- truck parts manufacturer
- truck inspector
In the state of Colorado, family members with the legal ability to pursue a Colorado semi-truck accident wrongful death claim include:
- spouse
- children
- parents
During the first year following a Colorado semi-truck accident, only the spouse may be pursue a wrongful death claim. During the second year following the accident, a surviving spouse and children may pursue a wrongful death claim. If there is no surviving spouse or children, the parents of the deceased individual may pursue a wrongful death claim. In addition to these individuals, the representative of the deceased person's estate may pursue a separate wrongful death claim, which is called survival action.
The Doan Law Firm Colorado Semi-Truck Accident Hotline
The Doan Law Firm maintains a Colorado semi-truck accident hotline at (720) 744-0000 which is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call the hotline right now, or any other time that is convenient for you. Through the hotline, you can schedule an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm Colorado semi-truck accident lawyer to obtain more information about wrongful death and personal injury claims. Se habla Espanol.
The Doan Law Firm has an office conveniently located just off the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. In addition, we can schedule a meeting at your home or even at the hospital, depending on your circumstances. We can even arrange for a virtual consultation with you online. There is no charge for an initial consultation.
The Doan Law Firm Attorney Fee Promise
The Doan Law Firm charges no attorney fees unless we win for you.