The Real Reasons Commercial Truck Accidents are So Dangerous

If you’ve been in a car accident, you know how terrifying and devastating they can be. Often, victims are badly injured, and their vehicles are severely damaged or totaled beyond repair.

The repercussions can go on for weeks, months, or even years and injury victims may never be the same.

However, this often pales in comparison to what the victims of commercial truck accidents in Florida face. These types of crashes are often far more destructive than ones that involve cars. Here’s a brief overview of why.

Why commercial truck accidents have serious consequences

They weigh more than cars. The average four-door car weighs about 4,000 pounds – and that’s with a driver and other passengers in it. On the other hand, the average tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds, depending on the type of cargo it’s carrying. It doesn’t take an expert in physics to predict what will happen if a truck of that size strikes a smaller car – especially if they’re traveling in opposite directions.

They carry dangerous cargo. Unlike passenger cars, which are made to carry people and easily-portable objects, trucks are made for transporting huge amounts of cargo, some of which are dangerous. At any given time, a truck could be hauling hazardous, flammable, and even explosive material.

The Real Reasons Commercial Truck Accidents are So Dangerous   Finally, truck accidents are dangerous because they occur so often, and in ways that can often be prevented. Trucking companies may pressure drivers into shortening or skipping mandated rest periods, or driving over the speed limit to make good time on deliveries. Fleets may also fail to make timely repairs on their vehicles or avoid maintenance altogether. If you think such a driver or their company is at fault for your crash, contact a semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Talk to an experienced Clearwater truck accident lawyer

Would you like information about what to do after a commercial truck accident? Our firm may be able to help. Contact Abrahamson & Uiterwyk 24 hours a day / 7 days a week at 1-800-538-4878. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case.