The Six Most Common Causes of Fatal Car and Truck Accidents

 Posted on August 17, 2025 in Car Accidents

Every year in Colorado, hundreds of lives are lost in car and truck accidents. Behind every statistic is a family grieving, a community changed, and often, a crash that could have been prevented. Understanding the most common causes of fatal accidents is essential, not only for prevention but also for holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.

At The Gold Law Firm, our Denver, CO wrongful death attorneys have decades of combined experience representing accident victims and their families. We have recovered more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements, and we offer free consultations to help families understand their rights after a devastating crash.

Top Six Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Car and Truck Crashes

Driver Impairment

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the leading causes of fatal collisions across Colorado. Impairment slows reaction times, reduces coordination, and impairs judgment.

Even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of a deadly crash, and drug impairment can be just as dangerous. In cases involving impaired truck drivers, the stakes are even higher due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.

Distracted Driving

From texting behind the wheel to adjusting navigation systems, distractions take a driver’s focus off the road. The Colorado Department of Transportation has identified distracted driving as a major contributor to serious and fatal crashes.

When a truck driver is distracted, the results can be catastrophic. A fully loaded semi traveling at highway speed can require more than 500 feet to come to a complete stop. Even a moment’s inattention can be deadly.

Speeding

Speeding increases both the likelihood of a crash and the severity of the impact. In Colorado’s mountainous regions and urban areas alike, driving too fast reduces the driver’s ability to respond to sudden changes in traffic or weather conditions.

Truck drivers are required to follow strict speed regulations, especially when descending steep grades. Ignoring these limits can lead to brake failure, jackknifing, and runaway truck accidents.

Fatigue

Driving while tired is a serious risk for all drivers, but particularly for those operating commercial trucks. Long hours on the road without proper rest can be as impairing as alcohol. Federal Hours of Service regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a trucker can drive, but violations still occur.

A fatigued driver may be unable to notice hazards and might drift into other lanes, or react too slowly to avoid a crash. These mistakes can be fatal when large trucks are involved.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Some fatal accidents are caused by preventable mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems. For commercial vehicles, trucking companies are responsible for regular inspections and repairs. Failure to maintain a truck properly can lead to deadly consequences, and liability may extend beyond the driver to the company or maintenance contractors.

Dangerous Road Conditions

Colorado’s weather can change rapidly, creating hazards like black ice, heavy snow, or sudden downpours. Poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, and construction zones also contribute to fatal accidents. While drivers cannot control the weather, they are expected to adjust their speed and driving behavior to match road conditions.

Contact a Denver, CO Personal Injury Attorney

When a loved one’s life is lost in a fatal car or truck accident, the cause is rarely a mystery, but proving what happened in court requires careful investigation. Our legal team works with accident reconstruction experts, reviews driver logs and maintenance records, and examines police and witness reports to determine exactly what went wrong and who should be held responsible.

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car or truck accident, you do not have to face the legal process alone. Contact a Denver, CO car and truck crash lawyer at The Gold Law Firm by calling 303-694-4653 to schedule your free consultation. We are committed to helping families recover compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional devastation of losing a loved one.