Truck accidents differ in several ways from collisions involving passenger vehicles.
Cars and trucks are very different kinds of vehicles. Trucks are much larger and heavier, haul thousands of pounds in cargo, and frequently travel long distances over short periods. Truck accidents also differ in several ways from collisions involving passenger vehicles. It is essential to be aware of these differences if you have been injured or lost a loved one in a vehicle accident. Let’s go over the differences between car and truck accidents.
Multi-Vehicle Collisions
The majority of car accidents involve a collision between two vehicles. In a truck accident, the semi-truck’s size, weight, and speed make it more likely that multiple cars will be involved. It is difficult for a commercial truck to come to a complete stop upon colliding with a passenger vehicle. Without immediate action, one or more secondary crashes could occur as the truck loses control.
Severity of Injuries
All vehicles have the potential to cause severe injuries in an accident. However, sustaining a catastrophic injury in a truck accident is much more likely than it is for accidents involving passenger cars.
One of the main reasons injuries are so serious in truck accidents is the difference in size and weight between the vehicles. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 40 tons and sit up to 15 feet off the ground. Meanwhile, the average weight of a standard car is between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds, with a height of less than 6 feet. Many truck accidents result in serious injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injury
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Severe burns
Unfortunately, truck accidents also carry a significant risk of fatal injury.
Causes of the Accident
Many car accident causes can be linked directly to a driver that is intoxicated or using their smartphone behind the wheel. On the other hand, truck drivers are more likely to be exhausted from long hours of driving or they are dealing with some mechanical complications. Knowing these causes of truck accidents can help you gain a better perspective when attempting to prove liability in a personal injury claim.
Liability
Speaking of liability, It is worth noting that car accident claims are usually filed against the driver of the other vehicle. In a commercial truck accident, however, multiple parties could be partially liable for the collision. A claim might target the truck driver, trucking company executives for not enforcing safety standards, managers for scheduling long shifts, maintenance crews that fail to repair the vehicle, and even the crew that put freight into the truck’s trailer.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.