Why are Big Rigs so Dangerous?

May 23,2018

Accidents involving big rigs are some of the most dangerous and deadly crashes on the U.S. roadways. More than 500,000 accidents involving semi trucks occur in every year, and these crashes result in roughly 5,000 fatalities a year. Of these fatalities, 98% of victims are occupants to the passenger vehicle, not the big rig.

Factors that Contribute to Big Rig Crashes

What makes these vehicles so dangerous? The sheer size of semi trucks, when compared with other vehicles on the road, is a major contributor. A commercial big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compare that to passenger vehicles, which generally weigh less than 3,000 pounds, and you can see it’s not an evenly matched fight.

Because they are so heavy, they are much more difficult to maneuver in tight situations on the road. It also takes them much longer to come to a stop, and it is almost impossible to bring them to a sudden stop. Semi trucks are often carrying cargo, which can spill out onto the road in an accident, creating additional hazards for other drivers.

Because of all these factors, big rigs themselves are inherent dangers on the road. What can make them even more dangerous is their drivers. If drivers are fatigued, distracted, insufficiently trained or in any other way negligent, they increase the risk of crashing the big rig.

Some examples of negligence on the part of big rig drivers include:

Distracted driving
Driving while fatigued
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Speeding or otherwise disobeying traffic laws
Violating Federal Motor Carrier Regulations (driving more hours than allowed, falsifying log books, failing to perform safety inspections, etc.)

Accidents involving big rigs often result in severe injuries to the occupants of the passenger vehicle. If you have been seriously injured in a big rig crash, it is likely in your best interest to consult with a personal injury attorney about your case.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a truck accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today at (760) 777-7777 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.