Semitruck accidents can be severe when they involve smaller vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. The weight discrepancy between the colliding objects is enough to show why these crashes are so dangerous.
The maximum weight for a semitruck and trailer in the United States is 80,000 pounds. The average weight of a car is around 4,000 pounds. As you can see, the likelihood of the smaller vehicle escaping unscathed is low.
What kinds of injuries are unique to semitruck crashes?
One injury that is rarely seen outside semitruck crashes occurs when the smaller vehicle passes under the belly of the trailer. This often sheers off the top of the vehicle. It can lead to heavy impacts, the possibility of decapitation and crushing injuries.
Crushing injuries, in particular, are more common in semitruck collisions as a result of the heavy weight of the semi and trailer. If the trailer or truck rolls onto the smaller vehicle, there is a likelihood that there will be a significant amount of damage. The victims inside may suffer serious injuries or be killed as a result.
How can people avoid crashes with semitrucks?
The most important thing to remember is that semis need more time to maneuver and stop. If you’re traveling next to a semi or too close to the front or back, you could be traveling in the “danger zone.” It’s better to put some distance between yourself and the semi and to avoid riding along the semi’s sides. This gives the driver a better view of your vehicle and time to stop if they need to.
