Attorney David J. King

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Why are semi-truck accidents so dangerous?

Every year, thousands of traffic accidents involve semi-trucks. These incidents often have severe consequences, especially for the drivers and passengers in smaller passenger vehicles. What elements increase that danger?

1. Size and weight

The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks make them more hazardous than typical passenger vehicles. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds, semi-trucks require longer distances to stop and have more momentum. The disparity in size and weight between a semi-truck and a standard car means that the smaller vehicle typically bears the brunt of the impact, often leading to more severe injuries or fatalities.

Semi-trucks are also much taller than other vehicles. This opens drivers nearby to other risks like underride accidents, where the smaller vehicle becomes wedged under the semi-truck.

2. Complex maneuverability

Operating a semi-truck is not like driving a regular car. These vehicles have complex handling dynamics. Truck accidents can involve situations like jackknifing, where the trailer swings out and forms an acute angle with the tractor. This can trap other vehicles in at angle or cause following vehicles to strike the truck. Additionally, high centers of gravity increase the risk of rollovers, especially in sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.

Because of these challenges, driving a large commercial vehicle requires specialized skills and training. Inadequately trained drivers may not be prepared to handle the rigors of managing such large vehicles, particularly in emergency situations. Insufficient training on how to properly react to tire blowouts, brake failures or adverse weather conditions can lead to severe accidents.

3. Driver fatigue

Truck drivers often face long hours on the road with strict delivery deadlines. Despite regulations that limit driving hours and mandate rest periods, driver fatigue remains a significant issue. Tired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced attention, all of which increase the risk of accidents. In fact, fatigue is a factor in around 13 percent of accidents involving large commercial vehicles.

4. Cargo-related Issues

A semi-truck can carry thousands of pounds of cargo. Improperly loaded or secured cargo can create dangers not only for the truck in question but for all road users. Shifts in cargo can cause drivers to lose control, leading to overturns or loss of the cargo onto the roadway. Additionally, vehicles carrying hazardous materials may pose a risk of spills or explosions in the event of a crash.

Truck crashes pose significant risks. Thankfully, a personal injury lawsuit allows injured people to pursue compensation after a collision, and this financial support can help them recover from the serious injuries that result.

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