One of the main reasons why truck accidents can be so devastating and destructive is the massive size and weight of the average commercial truck. A fully-loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds compared to the average weight of a passenger vehicle, which is approximately 4,000 pounds, depending on the type of vehicle. The sheer size of a commercial truck can increase the risk of a commercial truck accident as well as the severity of the crash.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a devastating truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim. An experienced truck accident lawyer will assist you with the claims process and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.
Why Are Accidents Involving Large Trucks So Destructive?
Commercial trucks play a vital role in the economy by delivering goods to customers throughout Virginia and across the country. However, because trucks are significantly taller, wider, and heavier than passenger vehicles, truck accidents tend to be extremely destructive, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. The following are some of the main safety risks associated with large trucks:
- Commercial trucks require significantly more road space to slow down and come to a complete stop. As a result, there is an increased risk of rear-end collisions.
- When a massive commercial truck is involved in an accident with a much smaller passenger vehicle, the truck can crush the smaller vehicle, resulting in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
- There is a significant height difference between large trucks and passenger vehicles, which can increase the risk of a devastating underride accident, where the passenger vehicle slides underneath the truck. This often results in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
What Are Some of the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in Virginia Beach?
The size and weight of a commercial truck make it more susceptible to certain types of truck accidents, including the following:
- Rear-End Collisions: This type of accident usually causes minor injuries and property damage when two passenger vehicles are involved. However, if a passenger vehicle is rear-ended by a massive commercial truck, this can cause the occupant of the passenger vehicle to suffer severe injuries, including whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), to name a few.
- Jackknife Accidents: This type of accident occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. If there are other vehicles in the vicinity, this can cause a multi-vehicle accident involving catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
- Rollover Accidents: Due to a truck’s high center of gravity, they are more likely to rollover when making a sharp turn, during sudden maneuvers, or if the cargo in the trailer comes loose. This can crush vehicles that are in the vicinity, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
- Underride Collisions: If a truck comes to a sudden stop, and a passenger vehicle cannot slow down in time to avoid hitting the truck, the passenger vehicle can slide underneath the truck. This often results in tragic fatalities.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Virginia Beach?
In order to have a successful claim, you will need to identify the liable party and prove negligence. Proving liability in a truck accident can be a complex process because there are multiple parties that may be liable, including the following:
- The Truck Driver: If the truck driver was speeding, driving while distracted, drowsy, or impaired, or engaging in any other unsafe behavior, they will likely be liable for the resulting accident.
- The Trucking Company: Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that truck drivers are properly trained, that they follow the hours of service (HOS) regulations, and that the trucks are maintained. If they fail to fulfill their responsibilities, they could be liable for a resulting truck accident.
- The Truck Manufacturers: Defective parts, including tires, brakes, and steering systems, can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. If there are other motorists in the vicinity, this can cause a devastating truck accident. If the truck manufacturer was responsible for the defective part, they would be held liable for the accident.
- The Loading Company: When the cargo is not properly loaded or secured in the trailer, it can come loose, making it difficult for the truck driver to maintain control of the truck. This can increase the risk of a serious truck accident, for which the loading company may be held liable.
Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal® Seek Compensation for Victims of Truck Accidents
If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an accident involving a massive commercial truck, do not hesitate to contact the Virginia Beach truck accident lawyers at Anchor Legal®. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Virginia Beach.