Any auto accident can result in a serious injury. However, some accidents are more likely to cause this type of injury than others – one of them being truck accidents. The chances of a crash involving a truck and a smaller vehicle causing severe injuries or death can be high.
Here is why truck accidents can be more dangerous:
Size and weight
Trucks are heavier than smaller cars. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas a small car typically weighs between 2,500 and 4,000 pounds. If a truck hits a small car, the force of impact from the truck will be greater than if two small vehicles collide. This means the small vehicle is more likely to incur serious damages and its occupants be severely injured.
Additionally, due to the size and weight of trucks, it can be difficult for a truck driver to stop or maneuver in a crash to minimize damage. This is why most truck accidents result in destructive accident scenes.
Hazardous cargo
If a small vehicle is involved in an accident with a truck carrying hazardous materials, its occupants may sustain catastrophic injuries caused by chemical spills or explosions. Truck drivers transporting chemicals, flammable substances or radioactive materials should be extra careful to protect other road users.
Possibility of underride crashes
Another reason truck accidents can be more dangerous is the possibility of an underride crash. Due to the difference in size, a small car may slide underneath a truck in an accident. This can happen when the small car is in any location – ahead, on the side or behind. Underride crashes can be life-threatening, especially if the roof of the small vehicle is sheared off.
Being involved in an accident can substantially affect your life. If you are involved in a truck accident, get more information about your case to seek just compensation.