Causes of "Big-Rig" Crashes
Commercial trucks are known as "commercial motor vehicles", which weigh more than 10,001 pounds. With this kind of weight behind it, even a small driving error can have huge consequences. Even though any vehicle crash can have disastrous outcomes, truck collisions are among the worst kind of motor vehicle crashes. Injuries from these types of collisions are often very serious because of the size and weight of the truck. These crashes often result in catastrophic injury, permanent disability and even death. Factors such as weather, road conditions, distracted or aggressive/reckless driving and vehicle performance contribute to these types of accidents. Factors unique to trucks, such as the failure to properly load the truck or secure the load also may play a role in an accident.
Even though drivers are required to inspect their vehicle daily and submit a written report, poor truck maintenance is an issue in truck collisions (10% in 2007 - Statistic from the office of Federal Motor Carrier Safety). The most common recorded causes of truck accidents are driver related (80% - Statistic from the office of Federal Motor Carrier Safety), such as using a cell phone, drug use, traveling too fast for conditions, unfamiliarity with the roadway, bad driving decisions, fatigue/falling asleep, and speeding because of feeling under pressure from the parent company. Some crashes may also be due to inadequate truck driver training. According to the 2009 National Traffic Safety facts report, of all the fatal crashes in the U.S., large trucks accounted for 7%. However, "...of the 3,215 large trucks involved in fatal crashes, 73% were combination trucks."
Although California state law has strict guidelines relating to the safety of truck drivers and trucking companies, sometimes these boundaries are pushed or ignored in the name of making a profit. These regulations deal with truck drivers having a clean driving record, zero drugs and alcohol, a time limit of driving and rest time before driving again and safety inspections of their vehicle every day. To increase truck safety on roads and highways, the NHTSA has just recently proposed (May, 1012) that truck manufacturers must install electronic stability control in new trucks, which prevents rollovers. This technology, which has already been required for years in passenger cars, light trucks and SUVs, automatically applies brakes to individual wheels, which helps correct over-steering and under-steering. It has the potential of preventing over 2,000 crashes a year, which could result in preventing over 600 injuries and saving over 49 lives.
Truck accidents are more likely to cause injury than accidents involving passenger cars due to several key factors:
Size and Weight Disparity: Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than passenger cars. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more, while an average passenger car weighs around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. The immense size and weight of trucks create a substantial force of impact in collisions, leading to more severe damage to vehicles and a higher risk of injury to occupants.
Higher Impact Forces: The laws of physics dictate that force is directly proportional to mass and acceleration. When a truck collides with a smaller passenger car, the force of impact is disproportionately higher on the occupants of the smaller vehicle. The sheer weight and momentum of a truck can result in greater forces exerted on the occupants of the passenger car, leading to more severe injuries.
Reduced Stopping Ability: Due to their size and weight, trucks require a longer distance to come to a complete stop compared to passenger cars. In emergency situations, this increased stopping distance can make it more difficult for truck drivers to avoid collisions. As a result, the impact of a truck accident can be more significant, increasing the likelihood of injury.
Longer Braking Time: Trucks typically have a longer braking time and may take more time to slow down or stop compared to passenger cars. This can be due to factors such as the weight distribution, mechanical limitations, or reaction time of the truck driver. The longer braking time can result in rear-end collisions or accidents where the truck fails to stop in time, leading to more severe injuries.
Higher Risk of Rollovers: Trucks have a higher center of gravity than passenger cars, making them more susceptible to rollover accidents. Factors such as excessive speed, abrupt maneuvers, uneven road surfaces, or improperly loaded cargo can contribute to a truck rollover. Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous and can cause severe injuries to the occupants of the truck as well as nearby vehicles.
Cargo Spills and Hazards: Commercial trucks often transport cargo, which can pose additional risks in the event of an accident. If the cargo is improperly secured or hazardous, it can shift or spill during a collision, leading to secondary impacts or hazardous material exposure. Cargo-related accidents can cause a higher likelihood of injuries to not only the occupants of the truck but also other vehicles involved in the accident.
Limited Maneuverability: Due to their size and weight, trucks have limited maneuverability compared to passenger cars. They require more space to turn, change lanes, or navigate tight areas. This reduced maneuverability can contribute to accidents, especially in congested traffic or areas with limited road space. The limited maneuverability can result in more severe collisions and a higher risk of injury.
A personal injury attorney is an important factor which may determine the outcome of your claim. Every claim is different, and must be evaluated on an individual basis, so the information provided here is for general informative purposes only, as it simplifies complex legal issues. It is not intended to be legal advice. For information about your specific claim, please contact an truck accident attorney to evaluate your situation.
Truck accidents can involve highly nuanced areas of law. They can also involve accident patterns that are more complex than a typical accident between passenger automobiles. In such cases, you need an attorney that can properly represent you to pursue the best possible outcome for your case. We invite you to call us with any questions you may have.