What Makes a Truck Accident More Dangerous Than a Car Accident?

Truck drivers need to undergo comprehensive training, obtain a special license, and follow strict regulations to safely operate their large, heavy-duty vehicles. Semi-trucks can be extremely dangerous when an inexperienced or negligent driver is behind the wheel.

Accidents between trucks and passenger vehicles can result in extensive damage and are often more severe than a standard motor vehicle collision. There are several reasons why truck accidents are more dangerous than car accidents, including the size of these vehicles and the behavior of truck drivers.

Trucks Are Heavier Than Motor Vehicles

The standard passenger vehicle usually weighs a few thousand pounds. However, large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, according to regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

This weight difference can make collisions between a car and a truck extremely catastrophic. A large truck can easily crush a smaller car, severely injuring the occupants of the vehicle. Heavier vehicles also generate more force during an accident, contributing to severe damage.

Trucks Are Larger Than Motor Vehicles

In addition to weight, semi-trucks are also much wider and taller than motor vehicles. These trucks can be over 70 feet long and more than 13 feet tall. This large size can make the truck more difficult to maneuver than a car, which can contribute to a collision.

A truck driver may not be able to swerve out of the way to avoid a hazard or stop his or her vehicle to respond to a sudden event. As a result, the driver has little ability to avoid a serious accident. 

Truck Drivers Are Often Tired

Truck drivers often need to drive for very long periods of time and adhere to tight schedules. The FMCSA sets regulations that limit the amount of time a driver can operate without a break, but some drivers and employers violate these rules. 

Driver fatigue is a major problem that can contribute to serious truck accidents. A trucker can fall asleep behind the wheel or find it difficult to concentrate. When these events happen, the driver can collide with other vehicles on the road.

What to Do If You Are Injured in a Truck Accident

If you were injured in a truck accident, you can feel scared and overwhelmed. These collisions can be very dangerous and have a major impact on your daily life. In these situations, you deserve safety and justice—so it is important to take the following steps after the accident:

• Call 911 to report the accident to the police. Ask the responding officer for his or her name and badge number.
• Seek medical attention immediately. You should always go to the hospital after a truck accident, even if you do not feel any injuries after the collision.
• If you can, collect evidence by taking photographs and videos, and asking any witnesses for their contact information.
• Exchange contact, license, and insurance information with the truck driver. Ask the driver for his or her employer’s information as well.

Once you have received medical care for your injuries, it is important to seek legal representation for your future accident claim. Contact a Utah truck accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and strategize your next steps.