While it’s true that many truck drivers are terrific at what they do for a living, it’s also true that serious truck crashes happen every day in the United States as a result of driver error and a host of other challenges. Truck accidents can be very dangerous for drivers who are sharing the road with these massive machines. But, since the trucking industry is so predominant in the United States as a way to move goods and materials, there is no real way to avoid this risk.
One thing that can help is to understand how and why these accidents happen and what makes them so dangerous. This information can inspire motorists to be especially alert and proactive when traveling near large commercial vehicles.
Weight differences
The first thing to consider is that the weight difference between a semi-truck and a passenger car can be incredibly significant. With a full load, a semi-truck could weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. A passenger car may weigh around 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. Even the heaviest passenger vehicles are much lighter than large trucks and will, therefore, likely sustain far greater damage in the event of an accident.
Underride accidents
Another issue is that trucks are taller and ride higher than the cars around them, which can lead to an underride accident. This type of accident occurs when a passenger vehicle itself gets wedged under a truck trailer. This is an incredibly dangerous type of accident because those within the passenger car can become trapped or pinned. Additionally, rather than striking a bumper or a crumple zone, the edge of the trailer may strike the windshield or passenger compartment.
Stopping distances
Finally, large trucks have long stopping distances that can be around twice as far as what is needed for a passenger car. Truck drivers just do not have as much time to react to conditions around them. This can amplify any mistakes that their operators make and can make driving on slick or icy pavement even more dangerous than it is inherently.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, or if a family member has suffered serious injuries in a crash, you understand the drastic impact that this turn of events can have on your life and your finances. Be sure you know how to seek compensation and that you seek legal guidance whenever necessary to better ensure that your future is not defined by this trauma any more than is unavoidable.