Being involved in a head-on collision is an emotionally draining experience. While you may be able to “see” the accident coming, they are often extremely difficult to avoid. If you are facing a large semi-truck coming at you head-on, it can be completely terrifying.
While these accidents are rare when they do happen, severe injuries and fatalities aren’t uncommon.
Even though head-on collisions with commercial trucks only make up 14% of fatal accidents, the numbers are still extremely high.
If you or a loved one is involved in a head-on collision with a commercial truck that is not your fault, you have the right to recover compensation. At Fetterman & Associates, we want to help you get the compensation you deserve. If you are involved in this type of accident, reach out to us right away. Our team will get to work to prove who is at fault and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The Danger Related to Large Trucks
Understanding the weight and size of commercial trucks is the only way to fully understand the damage they can create. For a vehicle to be classified as being a “large truck,” it must weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. This is equivalent to two and a half times the weight of the average passenger vehicle. When a truck is loaded to maximum capacity, it will weigh over 80,000 pounds. Also, most semi-trucks are 70 to 80 feet long. This size alone makes it quite scary to see driving down the road, not to mention see coming at you head-on.
However, when you take a closer look, it will give you even more insight into the potential dangers that large trucks pose. Due to the size of the truck and the brakes used, large trucks take twice as long to stop as the average passenger vehicle. This also means they are unable to stop as quickly as traditional passenger vehicles. Larger trucks will also take longer to turn and take up more room when turning. Due to the size and the amount of time required to maneuver the truck, it’s often difficult for a truck driver to miss hazards like passenger vehicles may be able to.
On top of all this, the average driver will drive at least two to three thousand miles each week. This isn’t good news for drivers. The large size of the trucks, difficulties in maneuvering them, and long hours on the road make avoiding accidents quite challenging.
The Most Common Areas Where Head-On Collisions Occur
It’s worth noting that head-on collisions can occur anywhere on the road; however, there are some places that make drivers more vulnerable than others. Some of these areas include:
Non-Divided Highways
On a non-divided highway, there’s no barrier separating two different one-way lanes. The roads are extremely common in rural areas. Since there’s no barrier, there’s nothing that’s going to stop a driver from going into the other lane. This occurs when one driver is distracted or if they can’t see the painted lines present on the road.
Narrow Roadways
Large trucks should not drive on narrow roadways; however, they often do. If a large truck drives down a narrow roadway, there’s usually not enough room for passenger vehicles to pass them. Passenger vehicles may approach a large truck without realizing a truck is taking up the whole road, which can cause them to collide with the truck.
Curves
Curves are extremely dangerous for more than a few reasons. The top factor that results in curves being dangerous is the low visibility they create. If you are trying to drive around a curve, it’s often impossible to see what’s coming. Also, as mentioned above, larger trucks require more room to turn, which may result in them moving to the other lane of traffic to turn. However, it’s a good idea to remember that just like passenger vehicles, larger trucks have limited visibility around a curve, too. What this means is that they may not be able to see traffic approaching them as they move around the curve.
One Way Streets
A head-on collision can occur if a driver is going the wrong way down a one-way street. This includes when a vehicle enters the freeway going the wrong way.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help
If you are in a head-on collision with a commercial truck, our legal team at Fetterman Law is here to help. We can review your case, gather evidence, and help you win your legal case. Our team is here to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages you suffered. We are here to help; contact us to schedule a free consultation today. We will help you in this trying time and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
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