While any car accident is unfortunate and potentially dangerous, commercial truck accidents often have significantly more severe consequences than car accidents. From the sheer size and weight of trucks to the complexity of insurance claims, this article will explore why truck accidents can be worse than car accidents and what you can do if you find yourself involved in one.
Accidents involving commercial trucks often result in far more devastating consequences than those that occur between passenger cars. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident in Kansas or Missouri, understanding the dynamics at play can be essential in building a compelling legal case. At Foster Wallace, LLC, our expertise in personal injury law enables us to assist victims in navigating the complex and often overwhelming aftermath of a truck accident. In this article, we aim to shed light on why the damage is usually more significant in truck accidents compared to other vehicular incidents.
Size and Weight: The Fundamental Factors
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, while the average passenger car typically weighs around 4,000 pounds. This drastic disparity in weight means that in any collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle, the latter is almost invariably at a disadvantage. The sheer force of the impact from a truck can result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and, unfortunately, a higher likelihood of fatalities.
Physics of Impact
The laws of physics are unyielding: The greater the mass and speed of an object, the more devastating the energy released upon impact. This is why commercial trucks, often moving at highway speeds, can cause horrific damage even in what would be, under other circumstances, a minor accident. The force exerted by a commercial truck can easily crush a passenger vehicle, leading to catastrophic injuries or even loss of life..jpeg)
The Complexity of Trucks
Unlike passenger vehicles, commercial trucks are complex machines that often carry hazardous or heavy materials. In the event of an accident, these materials can spill, catch fire, or even explode, complicating the rescue operations and exacerbating the damage inflicted. Moreover, trucks often have large blind spots and longer stopping distances, which increase the risk of an accident occurring in the first place.
The Multiple Parties Involved
In truck accidents, the legal landscape becomes more complicated due to the potential involvement of multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, truck manufacturers, and cargo loaders. This complexity often necessitates an exhaustive investigation and the gathering of extensive evidence, which can include black box data, driver logs, and witness testimonies, among other things.
Preventative Measures
While the legal avenues for recourse are available, prevention is always better than cure. Always maintain a safe distance when driving near commercial trucks, and be cautious when attempting to overtake. Remember, the blind spots for a commercial truck are significantly larger than those of a passenger vehicle. Always assume that if you can’t see the truck driver in the truck’s mirror, they can't see you either.
Securing Legal Assistance After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents are disproportionately destructive due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, the complex nature of their operation, and the potential involvement of hazardous materials. If you find yourself involved in a truck accident in Kansas or Missouri, securing skilled legal assistance can be crucial in navigating the complicated legal landscape. At Foster Wallace, LLC, our Kansas City-based personal injury attorneys are committed to helping our clients gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and seek the compensation they deserve.
