Why are Truck Accidents So Serious?

 Posted on August 25, 2023 in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Commercial trucks, often called big rigs, tractor-trailers, or semi-trucks, have a significant presence on our roadways. However, they also bring unique risks, making them inherently more dangerous than regular passenger vehicles. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact an experienced Libertyville truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your legal rights. 

Size and Weight

One of the most glaring distinctions between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles is their size and weight. These trucks can reach astonishing weights of 80,000 pounds or even more, while the average passenger vehicle tips the scales at only around 4,000 pounds. This substantial disparity in size and weight makes maneuvering, stopping, and controlling commercial trucks far more complex and challenging than smaller vehicles. Consequently, commercial truck accidents often result in more extensive damage and severe injuries due to their sheer force.

Longer Stopping Distances

The physical attributes of commercial trucks directly impact their stopping distances. Unlike passenger vehicles, loaded trucks need substantially more space to come to a complete stop. This extended stopping distance introduces a heightened risk of rear-end collisions and accidents caused by abrupt halts or rapid deceleration. The inability to halt quickly can also lead to chain-reaction accidents in congested traffic conditions.

Blind Spots

The large dimensions of commercial trucks lead to much larger blind spots, often referred to as "no-zones," encompassing various areas around the truck. These blind spots are found in the vehicle's front, rear, left, and right sides. They make it challenging for truck drivers to detect smaller vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians situated in adjacent lanes. Suppose truck drivers fail to diligently monitor these blind spots or neglect to use their mirrors effectively. In that case, they create a hazardous situation, particularly with lane changes or merging.

Maintenance and Mechanical Issues

Maintaining the operational integrity of commercial trucks should be a high priority due to the extensive mileage they accrue in a short period. Yet, inadequate maintenance practices, delayed repairs, or malfunctioning equipment can significantly heighten the risk of accidents. Mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering issues can lead to loss of control, endangering the lives of the driver, passengers, and others on the road.

Hazardous Cargo

Another problem that increases the dangers posed by commercial trucks is the transportation of hazardous materials. These materials can be a wide array of substances, including flammable, explosive, or toxic materials. In the event of an accident, this hazardous cargo has the potential to amplify the severity of damage in truck accidents, elevating the risk of serious injuries and triggering environmental hazards. Responding to accidents involving hazardous cargo requires specialized protocols and poses unique challenges for emergency responders.

Involved in a Truck Accident? Contact a Skilled Waukegan, IL Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The heightened dangers posed by commercial trucks extend beyond their size and weight. Longer stopping distances, substantial blind spots, maintenance challenges, and the transportation of hazardous cargo collectively contribute to the elevated risks associated with these vehicles. Truck drivers and others who work in the industry are often at fault when an accident occurs. If you were involved in an accident with a truck, you could be entitled to compensation for your damages. 

Contact Salvi & Maher, LLP online or by phone at 847-662-3303 to schedule a complimentary truck accident case consultation with one of our skilled Libertyville truck accident lawyers.