Traffic accidents are unpredictable and can lead to serious damage. But an accident that involves a commercial truck like a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, poses a greater threat and can result in fatalities. When you get behind the wheel in Alpharetta, you must understand how to share the road safely with big rigs to protect yourself and other road users. If you have been involved in a truck accident, seek legal help as soon as possible to recover the compensation you need and deserve.
Why are Big Rigs on the Road?
Big rigs are also called 18-wheelers. They are the biggest trucks you can find on the road. Typically, these vehicles have a tractor unit and a cargo space. They are usually used to transport different goods, including automobiles, steel, livestock, and fresh produce because of their significant size and carrying capacity.
Reasons Big Rigs Can Cause Dangerous Accidents
Accidents that involve big rigs usually result in serious and fatal injuries. Below are the common reasons why:
- They carry heavy cargo. The average car can weigh about 5, 000 pounds, but a big rig can be up to 80, 000 in weight. If a vehicle of this weight collides with smaller ones, the latter can sustain greater damage. Also, some semi-trucks may be filled with more cargo than their allowed capacity, making them hard to control. This excess weight puts the trucks at risk of tipping over, particularly as they navigate sharp turns, leading to severe damage.
- Big trailers can’t run on certain roads. Because of the weight and size of semi-trucks, they are not allowed on certain highways. Truckers need to be skilled navigators and must adhere to size limitations and traffic regulations. Missing or ignoring such restrictions can result in tragic accidents.
- Commercial trucks are not easy to maneuver in hazardous conditions. No matter the weather conditions, big rigs should transport their cargo without interruptions. But navigating hazardous conditions like icy or wet roads is challenging. The bigger trailers are harder to handle, increasing the risk of jackknife or rollover accidents.
- Big tractor-trailers can have unexpected movements. To drive a semi-truck, a driver must have completed specialized training, usually secured through a commercial driver’s license. A driver who does not have enough experience driving this type of vehicle may have difficulty handling the rig in different situations, resulting in unexpected road movements. This can lead to multi-vehicle crashes, such as rollovers and pile-ups.
Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents
Big rig accidents are more dangerous than passenger car crashes, usually leading to serious injuries and deaths. The difference in size and weight contributes to such increased risk. In accidents that involve a commercial truck, those who occupy the smaller vehicle involved can suffer more serious injuries than the trucker. Below are the types of injuries common in this type of accident:
- Back, spine, and neck injuries. Accidents with high impact can result in muscle strains, tendon damage, and soft tissue injuries, causing problems to your back, spine, and neck. Such injuries can cause mobility restrictions and higher your everyday activities.
- Head injuries. Head trauma can lead to life-changing brain injuries. These injuries may not be apparent right away, but they can manifest as headaches, vision issues, speech difficulties, and nausea.
- Broken bones. Truck accidents can lead to serious fractures in your ribs, legs, and arms, depending on the seriousness of the collision.
- Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma can result in internal bleeding in the bladder, pancreas, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Such injuries must be diagnosed and treated immediately to prevent further complications.
No matter the kinds of injuries you suffer from because of a truck accident, you must seek legal assistance. This ensures you can follow the proper procedures when filing a claim. A truck accident attorney can help you collect evidence and negotiate a fair settlement with an insurer.