Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
The NSC estimates that more than 4,800 large trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in death, and more than 105,000 large trucks were involved in crashes that resulted in injuries in 2020. A certain sense of fear comes when you think about any accident. But it is scarier to think about an accident involving a truck than an accident involving a passenger vehicle. A truck accident is essentially more dangerous than an accident involving a passenger vehicle.
Truck accidents are inherently more dangerous mainly because of a truck’s size and weight. According to research, the average semi-track weighs approximately 20,000 pounds when unloaded. When a semi-truck is loaded, it can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. On the other hand, the average weight of a passenger vehicle is 4,100 pounds. That means a semi-truck weighs approximately five times more than a passenger vehicle. Because of their considerable weight, trucks can cause significant impact, which results in more force than a regular accident involving a passenger vehicle. If a truck accident does not result in death, chances are it will result in severe injuries. Nevertheless, this isn’t to say that accidents involving passenger vehicles cannot result in severe injuries and death.
Another reason truck accidents are so dangerous is the content that trucks carry. Trucks transport hazardous materials. In the event of an accident, materials like gasoline, diesel, motor oil, kerosene, and ethanol can spill and lead to fires. Additionally, some chemicals that trucks transport can lead to poisoning of the people around. A person who gets poisoned after a truck accident may, on top of suffering severe injuries, develop illnesses such as cancer.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can happen because of many reasons. Indeed, quite a number of truck accidents are unpreventable. However, most truck accidents happen because of negligence, meaning they are preventable. The following are some of the most common causes of truck accidents;
- Distracted driving
- Improperly loaded trailers
- Inexperienced drivers
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Overloading cargo
- Texting and driving
- Eating and driving
- Aggressive driving
Recovering Compensation After a Truck Accident
If you or your loved one is in a truck accident, you may be qualified to file a claim and recover compensation. In a truck accident case, the driver of the truck may be liable for damages. The trucking company may also be responsible. Other parties that might be held liable in a truck accident case include;
- The owner of the truck
- The manufacturer of the truck
- The manufacturer of the truck’s parts
- Vendors providing services to the trucking company
- A local government responsible for highway design or maintenance
Truck accidents can be quite difficult to handle, so ensure you reach out to an attorney after a truck accident injures you or your loved one or kills your loved one. First, these cases involve complex laws. Second, a truck accident case can involve multiple liable parties. Also, some truck companies are willing to do anything to reduce liability or get out of compensating plaintiffs altogether. An attorney can ensure you recover the amount of money you deserve.
The following are some of the damages an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you recover in a truck accident case;
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Legal Help Is Available
Our Delray Beach truck accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder can help you after a truck accident injures you or your loved one or kills your loved one.
Source:
ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/overview/index.htm
