Every driver on Mississippi’s roads has experienced the looming presence of a large truck. Whether it’s a semi-truck barreling down I-10 or a massive delivery vehicle turning a city street, these vehicles are intimidating.
When there is a crash involving a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic. What makes large trucks so dangerous? Here are a few factors that can turn these collisions into life-changing events.
Size and Weight
According to the latest data from Mississippi’s Department of Transportation, there were 1,913 incidents involving large commercial vehicles in the state. These accidents can leave behind substantial damage and devastating injuries. The biggest reason is the size and weight of the vehicles.
Many trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. Most of them exceed 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. And a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh more than 30 times the average passenger vehicle.
This enormous weight makes trucks difficult to maneuver and stop. Even with advanced braking systems, a truck traveling at highway speeds can take hundreds of feet to come to a complete stop.
Unfortunately, that means failing to notice a stopped car ahead can result in catastrophic accidents. Passenger vehicles are more vulnerable in these collisions. For this reason, truck accidents lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
Limited Visibility
Truck drivers sit high above the road. While that gives them a commanding view, it also creates massive blind spots. This is known as no-zones.
They exist on all four sides of a truck:
- Directly in front
- Behind
- Along both sides
Vehicles driving in these areas are invisible to the truck driver. That can lead to sideswipes, rear-end collisions, or other sudden accidents.
For example, a passenger car traveling alongside the cab of a truck may appear to be safely in the lane, but if it enters the driver’s blind spot, the trucker may not see it until it’s too late.
Long Stopping Distances
Even at moderate speeds, trucks require more distance to stop than passenger vehicles. On wet or slick roads, stopping distances increase dramatically. A truck traveling 55 mph can need more than a football field to come to a full stop under ideal conditions. If the truck is fully loaded or the driver is distracted, impaired, or fatigued, that stopping distance grows even longer.
This delay in stopping can lead to chain-reaction crashes in congested traffic or during sudden stops. The consequences are devastating for the occupants of smaller vehicles.
Cargo Hazards
Large trucks carry a wide variety of cargo, from everyday goods to hazardous materials. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit. This can cause the truck to tip over or lose control. Overloaded trucks are dangerous since the extra weight affects braking, steering, and stability.
Hazardous materials are extremely dangerous. In the event of a crash, chemicals, flammable liquids, or other hazardous substances can leak, leading to fires, explosions, or toxic exposure.
Driver Fatigue and Human Error
Truck drivers face long hours and tight deadlines. Despite federal regulations designed to limit driving hours, fatigue remains a serious problem in the trucking industry.
Drowsy drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and decreased awareness. These are all factors that can turn a routine trip into a fatal accident.
Distractions also play a role. Texting, adjusting GPS, or interacting with other technology while driving a large truck increases the chance of collisions.
What Are the Legal Implications?
When a truck accident occurs, liability can be complicated. Unlike standard car accidents, commercial trucking accidents may involve the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, or maintenance personnel.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations set guidelines for hours of service, cargo securement, and vehicle maintenance. Violations of these regulations can be vital in determining fault in a truck accident case. For example, if a truck was overloaded, improperly maintained, or driven beyond allowed hours, multiple parties could be held responsible.
For this reason, investigating truck accidents requires reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and cargo reports. You need legal help to seek the maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery.
Get the Help You Need for Your Truck Crash Claim
Large trucks are an important part of commerce, but their size and weight make them dangerous on the road. Knowing the risks can help you stay safe. However, even the most cautious drivers can still end up in a big rig collision, especially when negligence is at play.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Gulfport or anywhere along the Mississippi coast, you want to have an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side.
While the aftermath of a truck accident can be stressful, Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, is here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
