Why Are Accidents Involving Trucks so Dangerous? - AllCarIndex
Truck accidents are now on the rise due to the rising number of trucks and road traffic. People on the road fear these trucks because their accidents are always fatal or horrific. If involved in a truck accident, the chances of dying through injuries are higher than the truck driver. That's why you should always avoid racing with them on highways or any other road. In most cases, truck accidents top the list of road accidents in most countries with large numbers of trucks on roads. But why are truck accidents horrific as compared to other vehicles? Read to find out more.
Why Are Trucks Dangerous?
You should not drive parallel to a truck for multiple valid reasons, even if the road conditions are right. Even though there are competent truck drivers, the vehicles aren't as easy to handle like smaller vehicles. There is an upscale of truck accidents caused by failing to control them on bad terrains and slippery road surfaces. Another reason is that trucks are taller, which, when overloaded, they easily overturn or lose control. Their elevated nature makes them vulnerable to rolling caused by high-intensity winds, swerving, and sharp bends. They also get stuck on bridges and overpasses, especially when the driver underestimates the height limit of the structure they are driving in.
Another element that makes trucks so dangerous is that they are longer with many blind spots. The truck drivers may not see who's behind them. This situation makes them vulnerable to accidents significantly when changing lanes.
Which Are The Common Truck Accidents?
There are several truck accidents you must be aware of at all times while on the road. Some of these accidents are caused by truck drivers, while others occur due to road conditions. When involved in such accidents, most especially in a big state like Kentucky, it's essential to have lawyers at hand who will guide you in seeking compensation for injuries or damages. It's important too to seek justice if you lose your loved one in such accidents. According to attorneys dealing with Kentucky trucking accidents, the lawyers will enable you to gather evidence, get you witnesses, and walk with you in court corridors while seeking justice. Here is the list of some typical truck accidents:
Under Rides
This happens when the truck suddenly stops, and the vehicle behind can't stop on time, making it go under the truck. The smaller vehicle can get wholly or partially, which then gets crushed beneath the truck, injuring or killing its occupants. Trucks need to have under-ride guards to prevent such accidents.
Rollovers
Due to their height and the heavy load they carry, trucks do topple over or overturn on sharp bends or when the cargo moves on its side. Rollovers are common truck accidents that lead to fatalities, especially when they roll to other vehicles, buildings, or other road users.
Jackknife
This accident happens when the truck driver brakes suddenly, making the truck body move perpendicularly with the head, creating an opened jackknife shape. It occurs when the body can't cope with the truck head's emergency stop. It can also be caused by slippery road surfaces, sharp bends, among others.
Wider Right Turn
Trucks are longer and may take two or more lanes when making a turn. Swinging far too right without warnings to other drivers leads to wider turn accidents, which go hand in hand with blind spot accidents.
Other accidents include blow-out tires, lost loads due to theft, pilferages or a damaged trailer, and trucks hitting overpasses and bridges. Truck drivers need to be careful on the road to avoid these accidents happening.
Common Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents
Truck accidents have registered more injuries as compared to standard vehicle accidents. Most people have lost their lives instantly in these accidents, and sometimes, a victim gets crushed between their vehicles, road surfaces, and other objects. Some of the common injuries sustained include multiple fractures, broken bones, Crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, skull fractures, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputation, and much more.
Damages Victims Sue For Truck Accidents
With a reputable lawyer, you can sue for several damages caused by a truck accident. Some of these damages include the cost of medical care, personal care costs, Physical therapy, mental health treatment, loss of income, physical and psychological suffering, disability, and loss of life.
Always have a lawyer on speed dial for such accidents. You might be the direct victim or someone who has lost a loved one in such accidents. It is essential to get full compensation for injuries, loss of income, time, and even for your loved one's wrongful death. Lawyers will help you tackle all this and ensure everything is filed and you get compensated accordingly.