Every day, thousands of large commercial trucks carry cargo across the nation’s vast network of highways and interstates. We rely on these trucks to deliver the goods we use every day in our homes, schools, and places of business. Unfortunately, these trucks are sometimes involved in extremely damaging automobile accidents that can have devastating effects for those injured.
Although it may seem that there’s not much difference between an accident involving two cars and an accident involving a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck, the differences are significant. Here are some things you should know about crashes with commercial trucks.
Greater Damage
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded and they may be 50 feet or more in length. As you might imagine, because commercial trucks are so large, they often cause a higher degree of damage to other vehicles when involved in an accident. There are many types of large truck accidents, including but not limited to:
Jackknife accidents- Rear-end collisions
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone collisions
- Turning accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Underride accidents
Not only can large trucks cause these accidents, but they can also cause a higher degree of damage to other passenger vehicles involved in these accidents. On average, large trucks have longer stopping times and much wider turning radii so that regular maneuvers on the road are much more difficult and significantly more dangerous.
Significant Injuries
In addition to the damage a large truck may cause to your vehicle, you are at risk for severe injury if you are involved in a large truck accident. There are many types of injuries traditionally associated with large truck accidents, including:
- Dismemberment
- Broken bones
- Decapitation
- Organ damage
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Contusion
- Concussion
- Laceration
- Paralysis
In addition to these injuries, you may experience noneconomic losses as a result of your accident, as well. Examples of these would include disfigurement, loss of mobility, or other permanent disabilities.
Liability
Determining liability in a large truck accident is not as simple as with an accident between two passenger vehicles, as there are several parties that may be considered liable. These parties include, but are not limited to:
- The driver of a large truck whose negligence causes an accident
- The company responsible for hiring the trucker and for maintaining the truck whose negligence causes an accident
- The company responsible for properly loading cargo onto the truck whose negligence causes an accident
- The trucking company responsible for creating an unsafe work environment (fewer hours of sleep, more hours behind the wheel, etc.) that causes a truck accident
More, Bigger Blind Spots
Drivers of passenger cars usually have blind spots on either side of the vehicle, and because of the rear-view mirror, there should be clear vision behind the vehicle. However, when a commercial truck is involved, the blind spots are significantly larger, and there are more of them.
A big rig’s blind spots are called “no-zones,” and there are four of them. According to the FMCSA, there is a blind spot directly in front of the cab of the truck, directly behind the trailer, and one on either side of the truck. The no-zone on the right side of the truck extends two lanes to the right. The one on the left side of the cab extends one lane to the left, and about halfway down the length of the trailer.
If you can’t see the driver’s face in their side-view mirror, they can’t see you, either.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Involved in a Large Truck Accident?
There are several important actions to take if you’ve been involved in a large truck accident. The most critical thing to do is to make sure no one is in need of immediate medical attention. After you’ve done this, take as many photos as you can of the scene, including any property damage and injuries you may have sustained. Avoid speaking with the truck driver more than is necessary so as to avoid any accidental admission of guilt. Call Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers to discuss the best way to secure compensation in your truck accident case.
Need Help? Call Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Today
Managing the aftermath of a large truck accident can be time-consuming and difficult. Between reaching out to insurance companies, communicating with the trucking company, and taking care of your own recovery, there are many factors to juggle. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we are ready to represent you and take the claims-related burdens off your shoulders.
Since 2000, our team of personal injury attorneys has worked hard to make each client feel seen and prioritized as they seek compensation in their large truck accidents. If you’re ready to take the next step towards securing compensation, call Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers today at (619) 233-5020. You’ll get a free initial consultation where we can help you determine the best course of action in your large truck accident case.
