Large truck accidents pose significant dangers due to their sheer size and weight, often resulting in devastating consequences for all parties involved. One of the primary dangers stems from the immense force generated upon impact. Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making them much heavier than typical passenger vehicles. When these vehicles collide with smaller cars, the force exerted can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
In 2021, 117,300 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in an injury, a 12 percent increase from 2020 and a 15 percent increase since 2016. That year, 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 18 percent increase from 2020 and a 49 percent increase in the last 10 years. If you or a loved one was injured in a large truck accident, contact an experienced, local truck accident attorney to discuss your legal rights. Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you into a truck accident settlement that doesn’t cover your damages!
Large Truck Accident Risk Factors
Some of the key risk factors for large truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Inadequate training and experience
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Adverse weather conditions
- Aggressive driving behavior
- Poor road infrastructure
Addressing these risk factors requires a comprehensive approach involving regulatory measures, driver education and training, enforcement of safety standards, investment in infrastructure improvements, and promotion of responsible driving behaviors.
Trucks Carrying Cargo Pose Additional Dangers
One of the additional dangers associated with large truck accidents is the potential for cargo spills or hazardous material leaks.
Many trucks transport goods or materials that can pose environmental or health risks if spilled or released. Chemicals, flammable materials, or even livestock can create additional hazards on the road, leading to secondary accidents, fires, or environmental contamination.
Other trucks, such as car haulers, are carrying heavy goods that can make the truck more prone to tipping onto the roadway.
Risks of Car Haulers
Car haulers carrying vehicles present a heightened risk of tipping onto the roadway due to factors such as uneven weight distribution, aerodynamic effects, trailer configuration, and driver handling. In order to reduce the risk of accidents caused by trucks carrying cargo, careful attention needs to be paid to cargo loading practices, driver training, and adherence to safety guidelines.
Car Hauler Rollover Accident Causes Traffic Mayhem in Ferndale
The afternoon of Tuesday, March 19 was frustrating for residents attempting to leave Ferndale going southbound I-5 after a car hauler slid across the Interstate and was struck by an oncoming van. Troopers determined that the cause of the accident was the car hauler traveling too fast while attempting to enter I 5 southbound from Portal Way, which resulted in the hauler tipping over. All southbound lanes were closed for about two and a half hours, creating a miles-long backup from the crash that also blocked the Portal Way on-ramp.
The driver of the van suffered minor injuries and the car hauler driver was not hurt.
Seek the help of a truck accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced truck accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
