More Than 136 Years of Combined Experience

Are commercial truck accidents worse than most car crashes?

On Behalf of | Oct 14, 2024 | Truck Accidents

Collisions between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles often result in more severe consequences for those in the passenger vehicles. This difference is due to several factors, including the size and weight differences between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, as well as the complexities involved in operating and stopping larger vehicles.

Why are crashes involving commercial trucks more severe?

Commercial trucks, such as semi-trailers and dump trucks, significantly outweigh passenger vehicles. This weight disparity plays a crucial role in the physics of a crash:

  • Size and weight: Commercial trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds when fully loaded, while an average passenger car weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. In a collision, the heavier mass of the commercial truck will typically cause greater destruction and more severe injuries to the occupants of the lighter vehicle.
  • Stopping distance: Larger vehicles require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver fails to anticipate a stop in time, the impact with a passenger vehicle can be catastrophic.

It is no surprise that when victims of these accidents add these two disparities together, the outcome can be catastrophic.

Who is liable in commercial truck crashes?

When a crash involves a commercial truck, determining liability can be more complex than in accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Multiple parties could be responsible:

  • Truck driver: Errors such as distracted driving, fatigue, or violating traffic laws can directly lead to accidents.
  • Trucking company: If the company failed to follow regulations or pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, it could be held liable.
  • Maintenance providers: Improper maintenance of the truck can cause mechanical failures leading to accidents.
  • Manufacturers: If the crash was caused by a defective truck part, the manufacturer might be responsible.

This complexity in liability necessitates thorough investigations and often involves various legal challenges.

Collisions involving commercial trucks and passenger vehicles typically result in more severe outcomes for the occupants of passenger vehicles due to the significant differences in vehicle size and weight. Furthermore, the determination of liability in such crashes can involve multiple parties, making accountability for the cost of the crash more complicated.

Archives