What Makes Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Crashes?
Accidents involving larger commercial trucks often result in significant injuries and extensive property damage for victims. These incidents are typically much more dangerous than accidents involving only passenger vehicles.
Here, our truck accident lawyers in Sacramento want to examine why accidents involving larger trucks are more dangerous than typical accidents, as well as the importance of reaching out to an attorney if you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company.
The Weight and Size of Commercial Trucks
Data available from the Federal Highway Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation, shows that commercial trucks can weigh 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded with cargo. If we compare this weight to smaller passenger vehicles, which typically weigh an average of 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, we can begin to understand why accidents involving these large vehicles are so devastating.
When we consider the dimensions of larger tractor-trailers, often reaching 65 or even 75 feet in length, it becomes clear that any collision involving commercial trucks and other vehicles on the roadway can be incredibly dangerous.
In addition to dangers associated with the size and weight of commercial trucks, we must also consider the cargo. Sometimes, larger commercial vehicles carry hazardous materials that can cause additional devastation when an accident occurs. This devastation can come in the form of hazardous materials spilling onto the highway or off the roadway.
Additionally, larger commercial trucks could catch on fire and damage roads or other infrastructure. This occurred in June of 2023 when a commercial truck caught fire under a bridge portion of I-95 in Philadelphia. The bridge collapsed, and traffic had to be rerouted for weeks before repairs could be made.
Legal Guidance After a Truck Crash
We encourage you to reach out to an attorney if you or a loved one have been harmed due to the negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company. These claims can be incredibly challenging, and determining liability is crucial. Your lawyer will conduct a full investigation into the incident in order to uncover the reason for the crash.
Truck drivers and truck companies can make mistakes. Drivers can make mistakes by failing to uphold their duty to others on the roadway around them. Some common driver errors that lead to devastating accidents include operating while impaired or distracted, speeding, failing to stop at stop lights or stop signs, following others too closely, and more. Drivers who fail to follow the hours of service required by the federal government may operate while fatigued, causing an accident.
Trucking companies can also make mistakes, including failing to regularly inspect or maintain each vehicle in the fleet. Trucking companies could also fail to properly train drivers or properly check the background of drivers they hire.
An attorney will work diligently to handle every aspect of your claim, including negotiation with insurance carriers. The goal is to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, property damage expenses, and any pain and suffering damages arising due to the incident.