Every motor vehicle collision is unique. The types of vehicles involved, their speed and even the trajectory of approach before the crash can influence the outcome. Certain types of crashes tend to be more serious than others.
A crash between a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck is particularly dangerous. The difference in size between the two vehicles puts the smaller vehicle at a disadvantage. It could suffer serious damage, and its occupants are likely at risk of serious injury. Common factors play a role in many collisions involving 18-wheelers, including the following.
1. Driver fatigue
There is often a looming deadline hanging over the head of the driver operating the semi-truck. Regardless of weather conditions and traffic issues, their employer expects them to get the load to the appropriate destination by a certain time.
Semi-truck drivers may spend more time on the road than they should. Despite Hours of Service rules limiting how long people spend at the wheel, truck drivers may still battle fatigue on the road. They might doze off or make poor choices that lead to a crash.
2. Driver distraction
Technically, those operating commercial vehicles are subject to a federal rule that does not apply to those in smaller vehicles. Specifically, the federal no-text rule prohibits the manual entry of information into a mobile device when in control of a commercial vehicle.
Despite this rule, drivers may handle their personal mobile devices while driving. A sense of loneliness or boredom might lead to them breaking the rules. Employers often send drivers out with dispatch devices, so drivers may need to check for updated instructions when they receive a notification. Even trying to eat on the road could be a form of dangerous distraction.
3. Aggressive driving
Commercial motorists sometimes feel the need to drive at fast speeds or get too close to other vehicles in traffic because of their upcoming deadlines. A commercial driver being aggressive at the wheel might result in them failing to check their blind spots or properly gauge how much space they need when turning at an intersection.
The aggressive driving of other people might also contribute to crash risk. Motorists can cut off a semi-truck by merging or turning in front of it and maintaining a low speed. A crash might immediately follow such maneuvers.
Dealing with the aftermath of a semi-truck collision is often difficult. Both insurance claims and lawsuits are sometimes necessary to cover collision costs. Seeking personalized legal guidance is always an option.