Truck accidents are much more catastrophic than any other vehicular accident because of their sheer size. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities from other vehicular motor accidents decreased in 2019. But those involving commercial and non-commercial trucks stayed the same. Aside from death and serious property damage, truck accidents can cause severe physical and emotional trauma.
Numerous factors impact the severity of a truck collision
Truck accidents can happen due to common driver errors such as distracted driving, speeding, fatigue and other forms of negligent driving. They can also happen because of improper maintenance and inadequate cargo loading. These causes are preventable. However, their weight and size separate them from other vehicle accidents. Truck accidents are more dangerous because of the following reasons:
- A truck’s height makes it difficult to see other vehicles on the road.
- Trucks have more blind spots than a typical vehicle.
- A truck’s length requires a driver to take extra caution when turning and switching lanes.
- A truck’s weight makes the force of impact much greater.
- Truck drivers need to account for a longer time and distance when stopping.
- Commercial trucks with a higher load capacity can inadvertently flatten another vehicle when they rollover or overturn.
Smaller vehicles do not stand a chance. Injuries from a truck accident can require long and expensive treatment. At times, they can even be permanent.
Recovering compensation after a truck accident
In North Carolina, negligence is a determining factor when you make a claim against a truck driver or their company. The driver should exercise additional due prudence when operating such a large vehicle. Their company has a duty to hire competent drivers and to ensure the truck is reasonably operable. If you were one of the lucky survivors of a horrific truck accident, you should recover compensation for all the damages you have suffered.