Big trucks are everywhere on our highways and city streets, shipping items to stores and delivering goods between cities and states. Given just how many commercial trucks there are, it should come as no surprise that they can pose a number of dangers to motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
The lawyers of Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton have helped many people in the Provo area who have been victims of serious truck accidents, offering legal help and guidance through the litigation process. Let’s take a moment to consider why these kinds of auto collisions can be among the most serious.
The Dangers Posed by Commercial Trucks
While large trucks are an essential part of life, they are also the cause of many motor vehicle accidents. Looking at data from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were roughly 95,000 injuries and 3,964 fatalities from large truck accidents in 2013.
The majority of people injured or killed were the occupants of the other vehicle rather than the truck driver or any other occupants in the large truck.
Blind Spots and Maneuverability Issues
One of the biggest dangers posed by large trucks involves the size of the vehicle and, hence, the size of the vehicle’s blind spots. People who drive alongside a large truck or near a large truck may not be seen by the driver. This increases the chance of side-end injuries.
Trucks also have to deal with maneuverability issues and stopping issues given their size and mass. A large truck will take more time to stop, and may need more space to make left turns or right turns. This means a greater risk of injury and greater danger to all drivers near a large truck.
Issues with Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is also a major problem to consider with regard to large trucks. Truck drivers have to work long hours to make schedule, which means some of them may be sleep deprived or tired while they are on the road. If you’ve ever driven while drowsy, you know just how dangerous that can be even with a normal commuter vehicle. Some studies actually say that driving while tired or drowsy is the equivalent of drunk driving, which means impaired alertness, decision-making, and reaction times.
Problems with Vehicles
Large trucks are on the road a lot, traversing hundreds and often thousands of miles every week. This is bound to take its toll on the vehicles themselves, which have to be regularly serviced to ensure safety on the road. However, vehicles may not always be in the best conditions for driving. If a truck company does not take vehicle maintenance seriously, a truck with major brake or handling issues may be on the road, making accidents more likely.
Large Truck Accidents Can Prove Fatal
Simply given all of the dangers above, it should come as no surprise that large truck accidents can cause fatal accidents. The size of a truck and the force generated by a collision can be tremendous. If not deadly, these kinds of accidents can lead to lifelong disabilities with repercussions that will affect one’s personal life and professional life. That’s why having skilled attorneys on your side is crucial.
Speak with Our Attorneys About Your Case
To learn more about your legal rights and options following a serious collision with a large truck, be sure to contact our personal injury attorneys today. The legal team at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here to help you receive just compensation for serious injuries.