In comparison to collisions with passenger cars, tractor-trailer accidents may be considerably more deadly. The size and weight of a truck are two critical variables in determining the severity of a collision. Serious accidents may be caused by various other variables, such as a truck driver’s ability and a vehicle’s upkeep.
To put it another way, why are truck accidents dangerous than other types of collisions? According to our research, truck accidents are more deadly than those involving any other vehicle due to the many distinctions between them and passenger car collisions.
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Larger Vehicles Have A Higher Curb Weight
In the event of a collision with a passenger car, the size of the semi-truck or 18-wheeler is critical. Trucks are considerably more extensive than automobiles; an 18-wheeler has a length of 70 to 80 feet on average. Small cars have 10 to 14 feet, whereas trucks have 18 to 19 feet on average.
This disparity in size leads to more severe injuries, and damage to property in truck collisions than in collisions involving just passenger cars since the length of a passenger car is much less than the length of a semi-truck. Another element affecting the severity of these incidents is the disparity in height between the two kinds of vehicles. As a consequence of a truck’s increased size, it’s more likely to run over passenger vehicles in an accident, increasing the likelihood of severe and even fatal injuries.
2. Strict Delivery Scheduling
Some truck drivers are compelled to travel for extended periods because of stringent work rules, even in bad weather, traffic, and other road conditions. Due to tight schedules, some truck drivers may be driving while fatigued, putting their lives in jeopardy.
According to research, driving when fatigued has been proven to be as hazardous as driving while intoxicated—driving when tired increases the risk of an accident because of a sluggish response time to road hazards or driver fatigue. According to the San Antonio truck accident lawyers, drowsy and inattentive driving is another frequent cause of truck accidents.
3. Weight Of Trucks
Weight has a role in accident severity as well. Because of their size and weight, trucks are more likely to be involved in severe accidents than automobiles because they take longer to come to a complete stop. Passenger cars weigh approximately 5,000 pounds on average, whereas 18-wheelers can carry up to 40 tonnes of cargo.
A vehicle will bear the brunt of the impact force if it collides with a truck because of the disparity in weight. With increased force absorption, passengers may sustain more severe injuries. The greater weight and cargo load of a car means that it is more prone to turn over than is a passenger car.
4. Freight Contained In Danger
Commercial trucks transport various goods, some of which may include hazardous materials, increasing the risk of a collision. Accidents involving a semi truck’s dangerous cargo, such as combustible substances, oversized items, or an excessive load, may result in more severe injuries, particularly for those in smaller cars.
Unsafely loaded or unsecured cargo may potentially lead to an accident. To prevent the shipment from moving and perhaps causing the vehicle to roll over, the weight of the freight should be evenly distributed and secured inside the semi-trailer. Unsecured cargo may cause an accident if the tractor unit of the truck loses contact with it.
TRUCKING ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Automobile accident attorneys can help if you or someone you care about has been hurt in a collision with commercial trucks. Truck accidents inflict destruction, and experienced lawyers know how to get you the compensation you need. To set up an appointment, give them a call or use their website form.
FINAL VERDICT
Damage to property and permanent injuries are likely outcomes of an automobile or truck collision. Because of the truck’s size, weight, and workload, an accident with one of these vehicles is typically more severe than one with a passenger car. As a driver, you must ensure your safety and the safety of other road users as you approach a big vehicle.
