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Large Truck and Car Accidents

Posted by: at 10:32 AM on January 20th, 2017

When a tractor trailer or other large truck collides with a passenger vehicle, it almost always results in bad news for the driver and passengers of the smaller vehicle.  In fact, 97% of fatalities in these types of accidents are those in the smaller vehicle.

The main problem is the vulnerability of those in passenger vehicles.  Large trucks usually weigh 20 - 30 times as much as a car and sit much higher off the ground.   The high clearance leads to the possibility of the car underridding the truck in a crash.  This is extremely dangerous. 

Large trucks take about 20% to 40% more distance to stop than passenger vehicles.  This discrepancy increases in slippery conditions, making accidents more likely.   Another factor in large truck collisions is driver fatigue.  Large truck drivers are allowed to drive up to 11 hours at a stretch and up to 77 hours over a seven day period under federal hours of service regulations.   Some drive even more.  Fatigue leads to slower response times and longer distance required to stop the bigger vehicles adds even more time between the driver seeing something that requires a stop and the truck coming to a stop.  The consequences can be deadly.  

Those who have been in an accident involved an large truck not only have to deal with an insurance company to collect damages, but also with the company that owns the truck.  In these cases, having an experienced attorney on the case can be highly beneficial.   

For over 40 years, we have helped our clients get the justice that they deserve.  If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call our offices for a free consultation.