Fatal injuries often occur when a passenger vehicle is involved in a collision when a commercial truck.

A collision between a passenger vehicle and a tractor trailer may be devastating. It can cause serious injuries to the occupants. Even if a truck, weighing 80,000 pounds, goes at a very slow speed and hits a car, it can be very destructive.

Passenger vehicles like cars, sports vehicles and sedans are comparatively smaller in size. SUVs and Mini Vans are alternatively regarded as passenger vehicles and light trucks. Heavy trucks are big and can be dangerous.

Types of Car and Truck Accidents

Car and truck accidents can occur in different ways. Sometimes there may be a rear-end collision and the car may rollover. Jackknife accidents, head-on crashes, and side-impact collisions are also common. Truck underride and runaway trailer accidents are other forms of car and truck accidents.

Blind spot accidents are quite common. Usually, large trucks have a ‘no-zone’ or areas around the vehicle where the driver cannot see a car riding nearby and can easily collide with it.

Factors Which Can Worsen Car and Truck Accidents

Some factors which can add to the severity of the car and truck mishaps and increase the chances of fatal injuries to the occupants are:

• The occupants of the passenger vehicle are usually at the truck’s grill or bumper level. So if a collision occurs, the safety features of the vehicle like the airbags and seat belts become useless.
• If there is a head-on collision the accident will likely be catastrophic.
• If the truck is loaded to its full capacity or is overloaded it will cause more damage.
• If the accident occurs when the truck driver is driving at a very high speed.
• The situation may be worse if the car is hit by a truck when it is standing still.
• Another thing which can worsen the situation is when the accident occurs on an elevated road or bridge. The vehicle may fall off from the side of the bridge or road.

Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents

The collision of a car and a truck can lead to serious injuries. The victims of such an accident may suffer from head trauma, their bones may be fractured, or they may lose a limb. The people who are injured in this type of accident may suffer due to internal organ damage, lacerations, sprains and strains, contusions, or may even become paralyzed.

Recovering damages

A person who suffers injuries in a collision between a car and truck can usually obtain compensation for his injuries, mental anguish, property damage, medical bills, and lost wages from any of the following parties or individuals who were responsible for the accident:

• the driver of the truck who was responsible for the accident
• another motorist who was driving recklessly on the road and caused the accident
• the trucking company which did not maintain the truck properly
• the manufacturer of the vehicle who placed faulty equipment in the truck or car.

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4 Tips to Avoid an Accident When Driving Next to a Tractor Trailer

Being in a car accident with a tractor trailer can result in some serious and life-altering injuries.

Because a car accident is just that, an accident and therefore unpredictable, there is no way to know when you are going to get in a fender bender. You also can’t predict the behaviors of the driver next to you. That does not mean, however, that you can’t take necessary precautions when you are out on the road. Being in a car accident with a trailer truck can result in some serious and life-altering injuries, which is why you should take special precautions when a semi is near.

Statistics show that many trailer truck accidents are the result of cars making risky moves when driving near trucks because some drivers don’t understand the low visibility the larger vehicles provide or realize the inability of a truck to stop quickly. Not being aware of these little things can lead to disastrous consequences for drivers of smaller vehicles. When driving next to a trailer truck, take these four extra precautions to avoid an accident.

1. Be Aware of Who Is Next to You

If you are driving around a tractor trailer, it is important to understand that they can’t always see your car. A general rule of thumb is that if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you. If you want to avoid an accident, take special care when truckers are around and don’t drive faster than the speed limit or take risks by pulling out in front of them and not giving them enough room.

2. Pay Close Attention to the Road

It is very important not to drive while distracted. This is even truer when it comes to driving on the highway or next to a truck. Even glancing at your phone for a second can lead to a deadly collision if you aren’t paying full attention to the road or the truck next to you.

3. Keep a Safe Distance Away from the Truck Ahead of You

When you are driving near trucks, back off. Driving too close to a truck can be a serious mistake. If you tend to drive too close, pay special attention when you have a truck in front of or behind you. Since they might have to slam on their brakes, you will want to leave a safe distance between you and the truck to avoid a collision.

4. Don’t Drive in Between Trucks

If possible, don’t drive between two trucks on the highway. Instead, allow them to pass by or, if there is enough space and the truck knows you are going to switch lanes, pass the truck ahead of you. If one truck stops suddenly and you are sandwiched between the two, there is little chance that you will make it out alive. Many states have laws restricting trailer trucks to certain highway lanes, so they may not be able to move and give you more space.

Being in an accident is scary enough. To ensure that you aren’t in a semi-truck accident, which can be very serious, give truck drivers a break and take special care when you are driving around them. If you are in a car accident with a truck, make sure that you speak with a St. Louis car accident attorney to ensure your legal rights are protected.

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