The Bigger They Are…
A vehicle crash of any kind can be devastating, but when a large truck is involved in an accident, the threat to one’s safety drastically increases. For obvious reasons such as the size and weight of the truck as well as additional factors, accidents involving trucks are significantly more dangerous than a crash involving passenger vehicles. Here are the reasons why big truck accidents are more dangerous than other vehicle crashes.
The Size and Weight of the Truck
The most obvious factor that makes truck accidents much more dangerous than passenger vehicle accidents is the size difference between trucks and smaller cars. Passenger vehicles may average between 10 and 14 feet in length with some passenger trucks coming close to 18 feet long, whereas trucks can be significantly larger, sometimes exceeding 80 feet in length.
In addition, trucks weigh significantly more than passenger vehicles, especially trucks that are carrying large cargo. A truck has a legal weight limit of 80,000 pounds, whereas a passenger vehicle typically weighs around 5,000 pounds. Trucks weigh up to 16 times more than the weight of a passenger vehicle.
When the size of the truck is coupled with the weight of the truck and its contents, it creates a recipe for a dangerous accident. The passenger vehicle may take the brunt of the impact in the event of an accident and may cause more serious injuries for any people inside the car.
The Impact of a Truck Driver’s Schedule
Truck drivers have training requirements and other restrictions on their driving because of the liability that comes with being a truck driver. They may be limited in how many hours they can drive in a day or may face a higher level of drug and alcohol testing than the driver of a passenger vehicle. However, truck drivers often have strict deadlines that they have to meet, and because of this they may have to drive through hazardous conditions or for long periods of time without stopping.
As a result of their schedule, many truck drivers risk their lives by driving drowsy in order to meet their deadlines. However, studies by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that driving while drowsy can be almost as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
When driving while tired, you typically take a longer time to react to situations on the road, such as braking traffic or a sudden turn. Drowsy drivers also have a higher probability of falling asleep while on the road. Truck drivers risk accidents and harm to themselves and innocent drivers by putting their work schedule ahead of their sleep schedule.
Contact an Attorney In the Event of an Accident
Dealing with an accident of any kind can be scary, frustrating, and filled with uncertainty. Not only can you be left with trying to deal with insurance claims, but if you are injured in the wreck, you may be facing medical bills and other associated costs. You can be left feeling scared, alone, and unsure of what to do.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to deal with the effects on your own. Having an attorney by your side can help you as you seek the compensation that you deserve as a result of the damages you’ve faced. At Hope Law Firm, we are here to help. We will work with you to earn you the compensation for your injuries that you deserve. You have rights; we can help defend them.
To schedule a consultation with a member of our team, call our office at (515) 298-5056 or visit us online and fill out our contact form.