Semi truck accidents are a sobering reminder of the risks that come with sharing the road with massive vehicles. These incidents often lead to catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage, forever impacting the lives of those involved. Understanding semi truck accidents is crucial for protecting yourself and others on the road.
Table Of Contents:
- The Dangers of Semi Truck Accidents
- Challenges of Semi Truck Accidents
- Navigating the Aftermath
- Conclusion
- FAQs about semi truck accidents
The Dangers of Semi Truck Accidents
Sharing the road with semi-trucks, also known as tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers, comes with inherent risks due to their sheer size and weight difference compared to passenger vehicles. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds.
This disparity in weight means the forces involved in a semi truck accident are exponentially greater. The impact can be devastating for those in smaller vehicles, often resulting in severe or fatal injuries.
Statistics Paint a Clear Picture
To truly grasp the gravity of semi truck accidents, it’s helpful to examine the numbers. In 2021 alone, 4,714 people died in accidents involving large trucks in the United States. That equates to nearly 400 fatalities every month.
While heavy commercial trucks comprise less than 5% of registered vehicles nationwide, they account for a disproportionate number of fatal accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 13% of all fatal crashes in the U.S. involve large trucks.
Even more alarming is that a staggering 7 out of 10 fatalities in large truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles, highlighting the increased vulnerability of those sharing the road with these massive vehicles. These accidents often result in lawsuits.
Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents
Numerous factors can contribute to semi truck accidents. Understanding these factors can potentially prevent a crash. As with any vehicle, driver error is a leading cause of semi truck accidents. However, the consequences are significantly more severe when a semi-truck driver makes a mistake.
Some common driver errors include:
- Distracted driving: Engaging in activities like texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
- Drowsy driving: Fatigue, particularly on long hauls, can lead to drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
- Driving under the influence: Operating a semi-truck under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment and reaction time.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a truck driver’s ability to react to unexpected hazards or changes in traffic flow.
- Improper lane changes: Failing to check blind spots and signal properly before changing lanes.
Truck Driver Fatigue
The trucking industry often operates under tight deadlines, leading to drivers spending extended hours behind the wheel. Fatigue can set in, impairing their judgment and increasing the likelihood of accidents. Fatigued drivers might drift into other lanes, misjudge distances, or have delayed reactions.
Improper Loading
Cargo that is not properly secured or distributed within a truck’s trailer can lead to instability. Shifting loads, especially during turns or sudden maneuvers, may cause a truck to jackknife or even overturn, creating extremely dangerous situations for nearby vehicles.
Equipment Failure
Semi trucks are complex machines with many moving parts. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering problems, can have disastrous consequences.
Poor Road Conditions
While not directly related to truck driver actions, road conditions play a crucial role in accidents. Rain, snow, ice, or poorly maintained roads can make it challenging to control a semi-truck, especially at higher speeds.
Challenges of Semi Truck Accidents
While the causes of semi truck accidents may seem similar to those involving passenger vehicles, they pose unique challenges due to the size and weight discrepancies involved. The injuries sustained can result in a personal injury claim.
Severity of Injuries
The sheer mass of semi trucks translates to a greater force of impact during a collision. Passengers in smaller vehicles involved in a semi truck accident are at a significantly higher risk of suffering catastrophic injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Burns
Complexity of Determining Liability
Semi truck accidents often involve multiple parties who could potentially share liability.
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the cargo
- The truck manufacturer
Establishing liability requires a thorough investigation that factors in driver logs, maintenance records, cargo loading procedures, and potentially even the truck’s design and manufacturing.
Navigating the Aftermath
A semi truck accident is a life-altering event that requires a strategic approach, especially when dealing with insurance companies and potential legal proceedings. You need to determine what your legal options are.
Contact the Authorities and Gather Evidence
Ensure you report the accident to the appropriate authorities. Collect evidence if you can safely do so. This evidence could include:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions.
- Contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Copies of police reports
- Medical records and bills
Consult With an Experienced Attorney
Semi-truck accident cases are often complex, making it essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. A lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and advocate for your best interests when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Conclusion
Semi truck accidents present a stark reminder of the responsibility we bear when sharing the road with these colossal vehicles. Understanding the contributing factors, potential consequences, and importance of taking appropriate steps after a crash are critical for protecting ourselves and promoting road safety.
FAQs about semi truck accidents
How common are trucking accidents?
Although semi trucks make up a small percentage of registered vehicles in the US, they’re involved in a significant number of fatal crashes. Statistics show over 13% of deadly crashes in the US involve large trucks.
What is it called when a truck falls over?
When a semi-truck tips over, it is often referred to as a “rollover.” Rollovers can happen for various reasons, including speeding, overloaded cargo, improperly inflated tires, or taking turns too quickly.
Are semi trucks safe in a crash?
Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks offer more protection to their occupants in a crash. However, this usually means occupants of smaller vehicles endure more severe impacts.
Conclusion
You might be dealing with medical bills, a wrecked car, and lost pay from work. But remember this: you don’t have to go through it alone. Getting hurt in a semi truck accident is scary.
At Pinder Plotkin, we understand what you are going through. We know how to fight for your rights and help you get back on your feet. We’ve been helping people in your situation for years, and we’re ready to put our experience to work for you.
