Tractor-trailer trucks play an integral role in our economy, transporting raw materials and finished goods across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Large trucks also are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road. Because of the difference in size between passenger vehicles and large trucks, any collision involving a commercial truck can cause severe injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
If you’ve been hurt in a collision with a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, call the attorneys at Marks & Harrison for assistance. Our Virginia tractor-trailer accident lawyers have helped people just like you recover millions of dollars for their injuries. We’re a third-generation Virginia law firm and have received widespread recognition for the quality of our legal services, including being named to U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Law Firms” list for 2021. Get a free consultation by calling one of our 11 offices throughout Virginia, or you can visit our contact page.
Tractor-Trailer Accident Stats
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ most recent Traffic Crash Facts report, there were 2,484 crashes involving large trucks in Virginia in a recent year. Of the total crashes, there were 48 crashes in which at least one person died and 851 crashes in which at least one person was seriously injured.
Many truck accidents are preventable. They were caused by some type of driver error or disregard for safety on the part of the driver or trucking company.
Below are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
Size and Weight
One of the main reasons tractor-trailers are dangerous is the sheer size of large trucks. While a typical sedan weighs around 2,000-3,000 pounds and an SUV weighs around 5,000-6,000 pounds, a tractor-trailer weighs around 30,000-35,000 pounds if the trailer is empty. If the trailer is fully loaded with cargo, it might weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
This additional weight means that it takes trucks much more distance to stop. When a tractor-trailer collides with another vehicle, there is more force upon impact than in a typical car collision. More force on impact means a much higher chance of serious or life-threatening injuries. Tractor-trailers also sit higher off the road than most other vehicles. They are more likely to hit someone in a vulnerable area in the event of a crash.
Large Blind Spots
Because of how long they are, tractor-trailers have blind spots on all sides including significant areas in their right-rear and left-rear quadrants. The trailer also prevents truck drivers from being able to see directly behind the truck, unless the trailer is equipped with a rear-view camera.
Road safety advocates refer to these blind spots as a tractor-trailer’s “no zone.” You should be careful not to linger in a truck’s blind spots when passing the truck. It’s easy for a truck driver to lose track of vehicles in blind and attempt to change lanes and collide with a vehicle they couldn’t see.
Poor Braking
Tractor-trailers are heavy vehicles that require a lot of space to stop safely. If traffic ahead on the highways comes to a sudden stop, a tractor-trailer driver may not necessarily have the time or space to stop their vehicle safely. That’s especially true is if the driver is not alert and focused on the road for changes in traffic conditions
This makes any vehicle in front of the tractor-trailer vulnerable to being rear-ended, which can lead to serious injuries.
Frequent Maintenance Needs
Most drivers know how important regular maintenance is to keep their vehicles in good working order and ready for any situation. This is doubly true for tractor-trailers, as their size, weight, and heavy use mean there’s more regular maintenance required and the consequences for improper maintenance are even more serious.
Without proper maintenance, tractor-trailers are susceptible to tire blowouts, brake failure, and other mechanical issues that can cause an accident. A trucking company may be liable if a lack of proper maintenance such as brakes out of adjustment leads to a truck accident.
High Center of Gravity
Tractor-trailers sit much higher off the road than other types of vehicles, giving them a higher center of gravity.
This makes tractor-trailers more susceptible to turning over if drivers aren’t careful when navigating turns or sharp curves. Always give tractor-trailers plenty of room when they’re making a turn.
Improperly Secured Cargo
If cargo in the trailer isn’t loaded properly and securely tied down, it can shift in transit and create an imbalanced load. It can alter the tractor-trailer’s center of gravity, making the vehicle unstable when turning. In extreme circumstances, the cargo might fall off the trailer and create a traffic hazard for anyone following behind the tractor-trailer.
Hazardous Cargo
Some tractor-trailers and cargo tankers transport hazardous chemicals, explosive materials, and more.
Drivers of cargo tankers that carry hazardous materials are required to have additional training to handle the vehicles and have a special hazmat endorsement on their commercial drivers’ licenses. If a tanker truck overturns, its cargo may spill onto the highway and catch fire or explode.
Truck Driver Negligence
Driving errors and carelessness on the part of truck drivers lead to many tractor-trailer accidents. Tractor-trailer drivers sometimes engage in dangerous driving behavior. The negligent actions include things such as:
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for road or weather conditions
- Driving while distracted
- Texting
- Tailgating
- Disregarding hours of service limits and driving while fatigued
- Driving after abusing alcohol or narcotics (including some prescription medications)
What Should You Do if You’ve Been in a Tractor-Trailer Crash?
The most important thing to do if you’re in a tractor-trailer accident is to see a doctor as soon as possible. Calling 911 will bring emergency responders to the scene so you and anyone else who is injured can receive prompt medical treatment.
Next, save as much evidence from the crash scene as you can. If you aren’t too badly injured, use your phone to take pictures of the tractor-trailer that hit you, the damage to any vehicles involved in the accident, your injuries, and anything in the surrounding environment that may have contributed to the accident. Be sure to get the name and contact information for the tractor-trailer driver as well as anyone nearby who may have seen the accident.
Once you’ve left the crash scene, call an experienced injury lawyer as soon as possible. Seeking compensation can be challenging, particularly because multiple parties could potentially share liability for a large truck crash. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can feel some relief knowing that someone is advocating for your interests and fighting for fair compensation for you.
The Virginia tractor-trailer accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison are ready to fight for you. Get a free case review by calling one of our 11 conveniently located Virginia offices or filling out our contact form.
