There are significantly more cars on the road at any given time than large commercial trucks, which means that car accidents are far more common than truck accidents. However, while truck accidents do not occur as often as car accidents, they tend to be far more devastating and destructive due to their massive size and weight. Victims of truck accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries if they are fortunate enough to survive the crash.
There are several reasons why truck accidents are significantly more dangerous than car accidents, including the following:
- Size and weight: A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger vehicle, which weighs approximately 4,000 pounds. When a truck crashes into a car, the impact force is extreme, particularly if the truck travels at a high speed.
- Longer stopping distance: Large trucks require more road space to slow down and come to a complete stop. If an unexpected hazard requires the truck driver to stop suddenly, they may be unable to do so in time to avoid a collision. Hitting the brakes suddenly can also increase the risk of a rollover accident since trucks have a higher center of gravity.
- Large blind spots: Trucks have large blind spots, including directly in front, behind, and to the right and left of the truck. When other vehicles are driving in those blind spots, and the truck driver cannot see the vehicle, there is an increased risk of a truck accident.
- Drowsy driving: This is a common problem in the trucking industry due to the tight delivery deadlines imposed on truck drivers. Drowsiness can cause truck drivers to have slower reaction times and difficulty staying focused and alert.
- Distracted driving: When a truck driver is distracted by a phone call, a text message, or anything else that takes their attention away from the road, it can endanger other nearby vehicles. These potentially fatal accidents are entirely preventable if truck drivers always keep their attention on the road.
- Cargo shifts: If the cargo is not properly secured, it can come loose during transport. This weight shift can cause the truck driver to lose control of the truck. In some cases, this can result in a devastating rollover accident that can result in tragic fatalities if other vehicles are nearby.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident That Results in a Fatality?
Several parties may be liable for a fatal truck accident, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo crew, and the company responsible for maintaining the truck. Most truck accidents result from driver negligence, but liability will depend on the circumstances of the accident. A truck accident lawyer can investigate whether the driver was negligent or if other parties share liability.
How Can I Avoid a Truck Accident?
While you have no control over a truck driver’s behavior, you can take proactive steps to make safety a priority and avoid a truck accident, including the following:
- Practice defensive driving: When driving near a large truck, make sure that you leave plenty of room between you and the truck, avoid the truck’s blind spots, and change lanes if you notice the truck driver tailgating, swerving in and out of lanes, or speeding.
- Avoid distractions: When you are driving on a busy highway, it is imperative that you keep your attention focused on the road and the other vehicles around you, including large trucks that go speeding by you. One moment of distraction – whether reading a text, talking on the phone, or reaching for something in the back seat – can have severe consequences if a large truck suddenly hits the brakes or changes lanes without signaling.
- Use extra caution during inclement weather: Being careful when driving in poor weather is always a good idea. This is particularly true when sharing the road with large trucks that require significantly more road space to slow down or stop. In addition, if a truck driver hits a patch of ice or starts hydroplaning, they could lose control of the truck and cause a severe accident.
- Avoid road rage: If a truck driver cuts you off or engages in any other driving behavior that causes you to become agitated, do not try to fight with them.
Cincinnati Truck Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Victims of Serious Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a truck accident, contact our Cincinnati truck accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.