An auto accident you want to avoid more than others is a truck accident. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 4,000 people died in large truck crashes in 2018, and while 16% of victims were truck occupants, 67% were occupants of other passenger cars and 15% were pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. In addition, the number of people who died in large truck crashes was 31% higher in 2018 than it was in 2009.
There are three main reasons why truck accidents are more deadly than car accidents, and why more car passengers comprise the fatalities, including:
- Truck weight and size: While passenger cars typically weigh between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds and measure between 12 and 18 feet long, a large truck can weigh anywhere between 10,000 and 80,000 pounds and be between 45 and 65 feet long. The sheer weight and size can involve more cars in accidents and create a higher risk for serious injuries and death.
- Greater stopping distance: The larger a car is, the longer it can take for it to come to a complete stop. Large trucks are notorious for having slower brake systems, and at 65 mph, it can take a truck more than 520 feet to stop.
- Difficult maneuverability: Because of their size, it can be challenging for trucks to complete maneuvers like turns, and nearly impossible to quickly swerve to avoid another car or obstacle.
As a result, trucks can also create unique situations that cause injuries, including head and brain trauma, spinal cord and neck injuries, crushed or broken bones, burns, and more.
Common truck accident types include:
- Jackknifing, which occurs when the trailer skids and moves at an angle to the cab, creating a “V” shape and endangering all cars in the truck’s path
- Underrides, which happen when cars slide beneath the trailer and become trapped
- Rollovers, which happen after a driver loses control of the truck, causing it to roll over onto its side
The more serious the injuries, the more expensive damages can be. Truck accidents can often result in victims needing reconstructive surgery, lengthy hospital stays, and needing to miss weeks of work. If the truck driver involved in your accident was negligent in some way, you have a right to pursue compensation for your pain and suffering. Our truck accident attorneys are available to help.
