Why Truck Accidents Are So Devastating

Why Truck Accidents Are So Devastating

Maybe you have seen one by the side of the road. Maybe a friend or family member has been involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer. Either way, you have firsthand knowledge of how truck accidents are devastating and life-changing. The question now is why do truck accidents seem to be so much worse than car crashes. Let’s look at some important factors that cause serious injuries and fatalities when trucks and cars collide.

Weight

Larger, heavier vehicles tend to cause more damage than lightweight ones. This is especially true when a weightier truck collides with a lighter, smaller automobile or motorcycle.

In fact, the legal weight for a tractor-trailer is 80,000 pounds. The average car typically weighs around 5,000 pounds. That’s quite a difference. The sheer size – including length, weight, and height – make it easy to see why truck accidents are devastating to the people involved in them.

The truck’s weight also plays a part in the next element.

Stopping Distance

Truck drivers and automobile drivers both need to be aware that it is difficult to stop a truck. For example, a fully-loaded tractor-trailer going 65 miles per hour needs almost the length of two football fields to stop. That’s about 600 feet. If you have ever played football or participated in marching band, you know how far that is. The reason trucks can’t stop more quickly involves basic physics. The speed and weight of the semi, as well as the road conditions, can lead to truck accidents that cause devastating injuries.

Errors and Irresponsible Behavior

Sometimes a truck driver causes the accident. Drivers often work longer hours than are allowed by law. Also, ignoring traffic laws, fatigue, and distracted driving often lead to devastating accidents. Knowing the driver was at fault is little comfort when faced with the severe injuries so common with truck accidents.

Sometimes the employer is at fault. Companies might require drivers to work longer hours than they should. Also, poorly maintained or broken equipment can lead to dangerous situations and collisions.

Knowing what caused the accident does not reduce your damages. Filing a personal injury claim is one way to hold responsible parties accountable for their behavior.

You Might Be Entitled to Compensation Because Truck Accidents Are Devasting

You may never know how much financial relief you could have gotten. That is unless you speak with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys.

At the Dailey Law Firm, P.C., our team of skilled lawyers and professionals provide the high-quality legal services you need. Call us at 844-342-5353 to set up a free consultation or use the Contact Form on our website. It won’t cost you a penny to chat with us.

We represent clients throughout the entire United States. You can reach us online or visit one of our offices in Detroit, MI; Chicago, IL; or Valparaiso, IN.

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