A crash in Castle Rock, Colorado involving seven vehicles and an 18-wheeler sent eight people to the hospital last Sunday, according to The Denver Channel.
Details of the Crash
The crash took place around 2 p.m. Sunday, February 2. According to the CSP, a semi-tractor towing a fully loaded semi-trailer was heading southbound on Interstate 25 when it failed to stop at the end of an off-ramp and collided with four vehicles stopped at a red light.
The 18-wheeler continued to plow down the intersection, pushing two other vehicles—an Infinity and Jaguar—off the road and down an embankment. The tractor-trailer, Infiniti, and Jaguar each fell off a 25-foot retaining wall at the bottom of the embarkment, landing in a commercial parking lot.
Eight occupants among the seven vehicles were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, according to Colorado State Patrol.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash. The intersection was closed for about five hours following the crash for occupant extrication, crash investigation, and towing operations.
Safety Tips for Driving Near a Tractor-Trailer
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 5,000 people died in truck accidents in 2017. About 23 percent of those accidents involved speeding. When you are driving near a tractor-trailer, be cautious, especially if you notice the truck behaving oddly, such as coasting outside of its lane or speeding. Many times, you can save yourself from a dangerous crash by following the tips below when driving near a tractor-trailer.
- Give the truck extra space – Keep your distance when driving in front of or behind a large truck. Use a different lane if the semi-truck is driving too closely behind you.
- Stay out of a truck’s blind spot – Tractor-trailers have larger blind spots than other vehicles. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see your vehicle.
- Pass a tractor-trailer cautiously – Always pass on the left. Never cut the truck off by re-entering the lane closely in front of it.
- Stay in your lane – Large trucks are wide and need the full width of their lane to drive.
- Use common sense – Follow the rules of the road and safe driving habits. Even when you are doing what is right, be cautious because others might not be. Check your mirrors regularly and be alert. Avoid cell phones and other distractions.
Trucking Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2017:
- More than 11 million large trucks were registered in the United States
- An estimated 433,000 police-reported traffic crashes occurred involving large trucks
- More than 5,000 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks
- Large trucks accounted for nine percent of all vehicles involved in fatal accidents
- Of the fatalities that occurred in large truck crashes in 2017, 82 percent were occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants, such as pedestrians or bicyclists
- About one out of every four fatal crashes involving a large truck occurs on an interstate highway
- States with the most fatalities in traffic crashes involving large trucks:
- Texas — 649
- California — 361
- Florida — 292
- Georgia — 214
- Pennsylvania — 167
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Thomas J. Henry
If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury after being involved in an 18-wheeler accident, contact Thomas J. Henry immediately. Our experienced commercial trucking injury attorneys are available to respond to semi-truck accidents at any hour, day or night. Our lawyers understand that the immediate acquisition of evidence is paramount to understanding how the accident occurred. We will take immediate action on your case.
Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Austin, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Remember, your choice does matter. Contact us today for a free legal consultation. Attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
