Truck accidents are unique when it comes to traffic accidents. A commercial truck’s sheer size and weight can cause catastrophic injuries and damages when involved in an accident with a smaller passenger vehicle. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident with a truck, you may have realized that truck accidents are in a category of their own.
Numerous aspects make truck accidents different from passenger vehicle accidents, and understanding these differences can help accident victims pursue the rightful compensation for their injuries and damages.
The Sheer Size and Weight of Trucks is Enormous
Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than cars, making them more dangerous during accidents. While an average car weighs about 4,000 pounds, a loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. In the event of an accident, the collision force is way higher than in an accident involving two cars, resulting in more severe injuries and damage to the occupants of the passenger vehicle. Due to the size and weight of trucks, 97% of fatalities in truck crashes are occupants of smaller vehicles.
Stopping Distance
Trucks require a longer stopping distance to come to a stop. The immense size and weight of the truck cannot allow truckers to come to an immediate stop even when they can see the probability of an accident happening. This can result in rear-end collisions or accidents where the trucker cannot stop in time to avoid hitting another vehicle.
Blind Spots
Trucks have larger blind spots than cars, making it hard for truckers to see other vehicles, especially when turning or changing lanes. Although truck drivers ride high off the road and have uninterrupted views of what is ahead, the truck’s front is one of the blind spots. When a truck approaches a car too closely, the driver may lose visibility of the vehicle in front leading to an accident. Similarly, the sides of a truck are another blind spot, and driving in these areas may make cars invisible to the trucker, which can cause accidents.
Extensive Regulations and Safety Requirements
Truckers and trucking companies must follow specific regulations that do not apply to passenger car drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires drivers to adhere to particular working hours to keep alert while on the road.
Additionally, to enhance road safety, it is mandatory for truckers to keep their blood alcohol content below 0.04 while driving, and trucking companies must conduct drug tests on drivers following an accident.
Multiple Liable Parties
In an accident involving a truck, multiple parties may be liable for the accident. These parties may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The maintenance company
- The cargo loader
Determining who is at fault for a truck accident can be a complex process that requires thorough investigation and evidence. You will need an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you establish liability to receive compensation for your injuries and damages.
Insurance Companies are More Aggressive
Trucking companies are required to pay huge amounts of insurance for their vehicles. In the event of a truck accident, insurance companies are more aggressive in defending claims compared to car accident claims. This is because damages in a truck accident are much more severe, and insurance companies may want to protect their profits. They may try to settle claims for as little as possible, even if it means denying your claims.
Damages Suffered are More Severe
Damages suffered in truck accidents are more severe compared to car accidents. The sheer collision force can result in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. These injuries may include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Spinal cord damage
- Internal injuries
- Loss of limbs
In addition to physical injuries, victims of truck accidents may suffer losses such as:
- Excessive medical bills (current and future)
- Huge emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Massive property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial expenses
Contact the Skilled Truck Accident Attorney in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, contact the skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer at Hit by a Truck Call Chuck in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to schedule a free consultation today. We can protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.