Passenger vehicles aren’t designed for big truck crashes

Passenger vehicles aren’t designed for big truck crashes

In the unfortunate accident involving a passenger vehicle and a large truck, it becomes evident that these two types of vehicles are not designed to withstand collisions on equal footing.

The stark differences in size, weight, and construction between passenger vehicles and commercial trucks create unique challenges and risks when accidents occur.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for individuals who have experienced the devastating consequences of such incidents.

From the distinct nature of truck accidents to the potential impact on victims, this blog explores the realities of passenger vehicles colliding with large trucks.

When it comes to the aftermath of a truck accident in San Antonio, having the guidance and support of an experienced San Antonio truck accident lawyer is crucial.

With the help of the dedicated team at Wyatt Law Firm, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and pursue the compensation you need and deserve.

Vehicle manufacturers often advertise their latest models, bragging about their car's safety features. You may feel more inclined to purchase a specific kind of vehicle if you know that that vehicle performs better in front, side, or rear crash situations than similarly priced and sized vehicles.

While modern vehicles feature designs that better mitigate the risk of the modern road, their safety features almost universally focus on passenger vehicle collisions, as opposed to truck accidents. 

Understanding the Differences: Passenger Vehicles and Big Truck Crashes

When it comes to road accidents, the dynamics and consequences of crashes involving passenger vehicles and big trucks are vastly different. The sheer size, weight, and design disparities between these two types of vehicles make truck accidents particularly perilous.

In this blog, we will explore the distinctions between truck accidents and car accidents, shed light on underride truck accidents, and discuss the importance of consulting a San Antonio truck accident lawyer if you find yourself involved in a motor vehicle accident with a truck.

How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?

Truck accidents differ significantly from car accidents due to the unique characteristics and operational factors associated with large commercial trucks. Unlike passenger vehicles, trucks have substantial size and weight, making them more challenging to maneuver and stop. This disparity affects various aspects of truck accidents:

Impact and Damage 

Due to their immense size, collisions involving trucks often result in catastrophic consequences. The force of impact and resulting damage to passenger vehicles can be severe, leading to life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Braking and Stopping Distance

Trucks require significantly longer distances to brake and come to a complete stop compared to passenger cars. This disparity can contribute to rear-end collisions, especially when a passenger vehicle abruptly slows down or stops in front of a truck.

Blind Spots 

Trucks have large blind spots, also known as "no-zones," where the truck driver's visibility is limited. Failure to account for these blind spots can lead to dangerous lane changes, side-swipe accidents, or even underride accidents (discussed further below).

What Is an Underride Truck Accident?

Truck Accident Lawyers in San Antonio

Underride accidents are a particularly hazardous type of truck collision. They occur when a passenger vehicle gets trapped underneath the rear or side of a tractor-trailer, resulting in catastrophic consequences.

The elevated chassis of semi-trucks and the lower height of passenger vehicles make them susceptible to underride accidents.

In a crash, your seatbelt will keep you from being ejected. Your airbag will prevent you and other passengers from striking the inside of the car in a manner that could cause you severe injury.

These safety features work together to reduce fatalities and the severity of injuries in car crashes.

Unfortunately, neither safety restraints nor airbags are effective in underride commercial truck crashes. Underride accidents can lead to serious injuries or fatalities, often resulting from the roof of the passenger vehicle being crushed or sheared off. 

Currently, there are no safety features in standard passenger vehicles that serve to eliminate or offset the risk involved in an underride crash. These accidents highlight the critical design disparity between trucks and passenger cars, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and regulations.

You only need some momentary glance at an image of an underride crash to understand how such a collision could easily claim the lives of the people in the passenger vehicle.

When people survive such crashes, they are often left with severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or amputated limbs.

Do I Need a San Antonio Truck Accident Attorney?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial truck accident, it is crucial to consult a truck accident attorney in San Antonio who focuses on handling at-fault trucker cases.

Truck accidents often involve complex legal matters due to multiple parties potentially being held accountable, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or other third parties.

Since truck accidents are different, a skilled truck injury lawyer will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering crucial evidence to establish liability and negligence.

Attorney Paula A Wyatt profile
San Antonio Personal Injury Attorney, Paula A. Wyatt

In addition, auto accident attorneys will analyze the specific regulations and standards that apply to the trucking industry to determine if any violations contributed to the accident.

Lastly, a lawyer will pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages through negotiation or litigation in a truck accident claim.

Truck accidents pose unique risks and consequences due to the significant difference in size, weight, and design between trucks and passenger vehicles.

Understanding these distinctions, including the threat of underride accidents, is crucial for promoting road safety.

Seeking the help of a qualified Texas truck accident attorney can ensure your rights are protected and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Those who have lost a loved one or suffered a life-altering injury in a trucking crash have rights. Working with proven, dedicated attorneys, like the personal injury attorneys at the Wyatt Law Firm, could increase your chances of a good outcome.

You can call us at 210-340-5550 or fill out a confidential form on our website for a free consultation and case review.

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