Being involved in any car accident can be dangerous. However, truck accidents are significantly more dangerous. A collision between a standard passenger car and a truck is more likely to result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, particularly to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
So, what makes truck accidents so dangerous?
Weight difference
A standard car weighs 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, whereas a commercial truck can weigh from 10,000 pounds to 80,000 pounds. When a small car collides with a vehicle that weighs almost 20 times its weight, it will absorb most of the impact force.
Besides, the lighter weight of the car cannot make the truck slow down quickly, especially when fully loaded. Thus, the truck will push the car backward, forcing it to absorb almost all the rapid change in speed.
The transfer of immense energy to the smaller vehicle risks its occupants, as the force will be transferred to them. This can lead to severe injuries.
Height difference
A standard passenger car is about 4 to 5 feet tall, while a commercial truck is about 13.5 feet tall. This creates a risk of an underride collision during impact. The passenger car can slide underneath the trailer from the back or the side.
An underride collision is a very dangerous accident, as it bypasses safety features. When safety zones, such as crumple zones and airbags, are not engaged, a car’s occupants are not protected. There is also the risk of the car’s roof being crushed or sheared off, increasing the chances of severe head and neck trauma.
Hazardous cargo
An accident involving a truck carrying hazardous cargo, such as flammable liquids, compressed gases, and corrosive materials, increases the risk of toxic exposure and explosions.
Many factors that cause truck accidents are preventable. If you were injured due to negligence, consider legal guidance to hold the liable party responsible.