Truck accidents are quite devastating and often lead to severe injuries, fatalities, and property damage. The survivors have to deal with the psychological effects of the accident as well.
Unlike car collisions in Boca Raton, accidents involving large trucks are more dangerous due to two factors: speed and size. When these two elements are combined, the outcome is very catastrophic.
This is why in any accident involving these large vehicles, victims should hire a Boca Raton truck accident lawyer. They can help navigate the legal complexities to get a fair settlement.
The Size of Trucks and Its Impact on Accidents
An average small passenger car weighs around 2,600 pounds, and a large car weighs about 4,400 pounds. A fully loaded commercial semi-truck in the US is roughly 80,000 pounds. The weight of a truck without a trailer ranges from 25,000 to 35,000 pounds.
This difference in weight means that when a truck collides with a small car, the force of the impact is very high, causing devastating damage.
Additionally, because of their size, trucks have longer stopping times and distances than regular cars. For instance, a truck traveling 65 miles per hour may take twice as long to stop than a small vehicle going at the same speed.
The maneuverability of trucks because of their size is another challenge. Lane changes, tight turns, and sudden stops are more difficult for truck drivers, which increases the likelihood of accidents. These factors make truck-related accidents very dangerous for other motorists on the road.
The Speed of Trucks and Its Dangers
Speed is very dangerous and affects all vehicles, but the consequences are significantly severe when it comes to trucks. Due to their weight, trucks moving at high speeds generate high kinetic energy. This increases with speed, meaning the faster a truck is moving, the more force it is carrying, and any collision will be extremely destructive.
As mentioned, trucks require longer distances to stop. The delay means drivers may not be able to stop in time for sudden traffic changes and emergencies. High-speed truck accidents are more devastating, leading to severe injuries and fatalities for both the truck driver and occupants of smaller vehicles.
Combined Effects of Speed and Size
Trucks, already difficult to control due to their weight and length, become far more dangerous when moving at higher speeds. Combined data from the NHTSA, DOT, and FMSCA compiled by Forbes shows that 7.3% of fatal truck accidents in 2020 involved speeding.
Since trucks have blind spots, drivers need to exercise caution, especially at high speeds. These blind spots exist on all four sides; therefore, when tailgating, they make it more difficult for truck drivers to see them.
If a truck driver suddenly stops or swerves, even rear-end collisions can turn fatal.
Conclusion
The combination of speed and size makes truck accidents more devastating. Trucks have longer stopping distances and reduced maneuverability, but their weight also amplifies collisions. When speed is added to the equation, the effects become ten times worse. Truck drivers should avoid overspeeding and exercise caution while on the road.