Differences Between Truck Accidents and Other Types of Accidents

What percentage of accidents are caused by semi-trucks? Statistics by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that 20% of two-vehicle accidents in 2021 involved large trucks. Commercial truck accidents, in particular, are dangerous due to their enormous weight compared to passenger vehicles.

Truck accident victims often experience unique challenges when seeking compensation from the liable party. Determining liability is complex because trucking accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the cargo company, the trucking company, and third-party drivers. Moreover, trucking companies can make it harder for victims to obtain evidence or access crucial information about the involved truck.

Insurance companies often try to dispute liability, hoping to lower the value of truck accident claims. It would be best to have a good truck accident attorney on your side to ensure your rights are protected.

There are many causes of these accidents, with some involving negligence and others beyond our control. Here are common causes of road accidents: 

Distracted Driving

These accidents happen when the driver is distracted by other things while driving. It could be answering a phone call, texting, or talking to someone in the vehicle. Looking at something outside the vehicle and daydreaming have also been cited as common causes of car accidents. 

Speeding

Driving beyond the speed limit is one of the main reasons for road accidents. A speeding motorist has little time to react when something unexpected happens. It becomes more dangerous when driving on wet or icy roads or road bends. 

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

It’s against the law to drive when intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. An intoxicated person has poor judgment and is likely to lose control of the vehicle. Some prescription medications are known to make people feel dizzy and could lead to an accident.

Reckless Driving

Not minding other motorists’ safety and breaking driving rules is known as reckless driving, and it often leads to accidents. It could involve overtaking where you are not supposed to or switching lanes without indicating. 

Poor Weather Conditions

Wet roads are slippery, making vehicle control more difficult than usual. Icy surfaces also make it hard to handle the vehicle, especially when overspeeding. Poor visibility is another contributor, especially when it’s raining or snowing heavily. 

Vehicle Defects

Vehicle defects impair a vehicle’s performance. Common defects include brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions, leading to loss of control.

Trucking accidents are different from other car accidents for many reasons, but the common ones include:

• Size and Weight: Trucks are heavier and larger than other vehicles and have more momentum, which makes it more challenging to stop quickly. They can also lead to more damage when they hit other vehicles or objects. 
• Visibility: Trailer drivers have poor visibility due to the large blind spots. Therefore, it’s hard for them to see pedestrians and other motorists compared to smaller vehicles. 
• Stopping Power: Trucks have a longer stopping distance than smaller vehicles, giving the driver little time to react to unexpected road incidents. 
• Injury Extent: Injuries from a truck accident are usually severe and life-threatening compared to other road accidents due to the weight and size of these commercial trucks. Accidents involving trucks that haul hazardous materials are particularly more dangerous and fatal.
• Injury Claims Process: Getting a truck accident claim is a complex and time-consuming process due to the possibility that multiple parties are involved.