What Are The Most Common Types of Large Truck Accidents?
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on May 23, 2022
Sure, we all know them when we see them, but what exactly classifies a truck as “large?” In the United States, truck sizes are determined by gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which measures the maximum loaded-weight of the truck. Using GVWR, there are 8 classes of truck, ranging from Class 1: Light Duty (0-6,000 pounds), to Class 8: Heavy Duty (33,001 pounds and above). “Large” trucks generally fall within Classes 6-8.
Accidents involving large trucks are not only common, but some of the most devastating. According to the FMCSA, over 70% of all passenger vehicle fatality cases involve a large truck. 4,965 people died in large-truck crashes in 2020. People fail to realize the sheer monstrosity of semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor trailers, and other large vehicles, which can weigh over 80,000 pounds when fully-loaded. This is 30 to 40 times heavier than a car. Even relatively “minor” collisions can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord damage.
The trucking industry has only continued to grow in recent years, especially with current supply-chain demands, and in turn, so have truck-related deaths. In fact, truck-related deaths increased by over 52% from 2009 to 2017. Even if sharing the road with large trucks may seem like a part of daily life, there are still a number of safety considerations to take into account when driving near them. Many trucks have blind spots, slow stopping times, and can be difficult to maneuver in poor weather, on hills, or amidst unforeseen circumstances. What’s more, truck drivers themselves are likely to be exhausted or distracted from spending long hours on the road. When passing or driving close to a truck, it’s important to heed extreme caution.
Many unique scenarios lead to truck accidents, which means that each accident looks different. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck collision of any sort, it’s important to know the situational logistics of what happened, in case you want to seek legal aid from a personal injury attorney. Keep reading to learn about 5 common types of large truck accidents that we often see on the roads these days.
5 Common Types of Large Truck Accidents
1. Truck Rollovers
Rollovers occur when large trucks are navigating a sharp turn or sudden change of direction and flip over. Due to the heavy, disproportionate weight of the cargo on the back of large trucks, they are far more likely to rollover than smaller vehicles. Rollovers are extremely dangerous, resulting in collisions, pileups, and significant traffic. Around 4% of all truck fatalities are attributed to rollovers. Rollovers are particularly dangerous for truck drivers themselves; in 2019, 47% of large truck occupant deaths were attributed to rollovers.
2. Tire Defects
Tire blowouts and other tire defects can cause truck drivers to suddenly lose control of their vehicle, resulting in erratic driving and crashes. According to the NHTSA, tire defects may account for a third of all truck-related fatalities. Even though trucks undergo rigorous safety inspections and upkeep, tire defects can go unnoticed or be completely unpredictable.
3. Head On/Rear End/Side By Side Collisions
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) statistics, in 2019, 29% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in two-vehicle crashes with a large truck were struck head-on by the truck, 24% were in vehicles that were side-struck by the truck, and 24% involved the front of the passenger vehicle striking the rear of the large truck. These sorts of direct collisions are all frighteningly common and highly dangerous.
4. Collisions with Culvert/Curbs/Ditches
Truck collisions with culverts, curbs, and ditches resulted in 2,221 deaths in 2019 and over 160,000 injuries. When trucks lose control on the roadway, they may go off-road, causing damage, especially in residential or suburban areas. If a truck driver damages your property, you may be entitled to legal aid.
5. Collisions with Pedestrians
Truck collisions with pedestrians accounted for 5,865 deaths in 2019, over 17% of all fatalities. Unfortunately, truck-pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries or death, especially among large trucks. Pedestrians may be caught in a truck’s blind spot, or even be unseen in a “frontover” collision. If you’ve been hit by a truck, you are likely eligible for a liability claim.
For more specific data about types of crashes, visit the NHTSA factsheet here.
If you or a loved one has been injured by some type of vehicle accident including truck collision in the state of Kentucky, get the best legal representation to help you with your case. The experienced team at Cooper and Friedman PLLC is here to offer you personalized help. Our attorneys are trained to fight for the rights of injury victims and this includes recovering millions of dollars for seriously injured people. For more information, call 502-459-7555 now to speak with an experienced vehicle accident attorney for a free case consultation.