According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the state is home to over 314,000 miles of public roadways (the most of any state in the nation), which collectively facilitate more than 748 million vehicle miles traveled each day.
It’s not unusual, therefore, for a big rig truck, or several, to be a part of any drive you make throughout the state. But even as heavy traffic naturally increases the risks for car accidents, these massive carriers present additional dangers to those riding in smaller vehicles.
In the event that an accident occurs, a reputable and experienced trucking accident attorney can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries. Part of the negotiation process, however (or litigation, if necessary), comes down to understanding the hazards that are common to big rigs in particular and why they cause so much harm.
To that end, the following are some of the most pertinent risks when sharing the road with a big rig truck:
A Big Rig’s Size Lives Up to the Name
When cars collide with trucks as large as big rigs, no one wins, but the smaller car’s driver certainly stands to lose a lot more.
Consider that a fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs up to 80,000 pounds and has dimensions of over eight feet high and 65 feet long, whereas the average passenger vehicle typically weighs between three and four thousand pounds and has dimensions of under six feet tall and only 12 to 18 feet long. Even a minor fender bender could, therefore, provide enough force to be catastrophic for the car and everyone inside.
Coming to a Full Stop Is Much More Difficult
Highway speed limits in Texas generally hover around 70 mph. However, the Texas Transportation Commission has some latitude to raise these limits based on the ability of certain roadways to accommodate higher speeds; in some cases, they can be as high as 85 mph.
Basic physics teaches that objects with greater mass take longer to stop when in motion. As such, something as large as a big rig truck is going to require a far greater stopping distance than a standard car, even when traveling at the same speed.
On average, a passenger vehicle traveling 65 mph takes about 316 feet to come to a full stop with hard braking. A truck, on the other hand, requires 525 feet (the length of a football field and a half). The additional space needed increases the risk of rear-end collisions if traffic slows or stops unexpectedly.
Truck Drivers Have Blind Spots
Every vehicle has its blind spots, even with side and rearview mirrors. And the longer the vehicle is, the larger the blind spots. A big rig’s blind spots are commonly referred to as “no-zones,” seeing as truck drivers cannot see cars in these areas.
The front no-zone extends roughly 20 feet from the truck’s front bumper, while its rear no-zone can be as large as 200 feet, depending on the length of the truck. It’s a fairly simple principle: If you can’t see the driver’s face in their side mirror, they can’t see you.
A Higher Center of Gravity Can Mess With Balance
Because big rigs carry such heavy loads, they make use of tall tires and high mounting platforms to maintain roadway clearance. As a result, these vehicles have high centers of gravity. These are critical in circumstances where trucks must swerve, make sharp turns, or perform evasive maneuvers, but they also increase their chances of tipping, rolling, or jackknifing.
Load Imbalances Can Change Weight Distribution
Similarly, load balancing entails arranging cargo for even weight distribution during shipping. The consistent motion of a big rig truck, however, could cause its cargo to shift during transport, potentially creating an imbalance that leads to disaster in the event of an accident.
Poor Braking Can Have Devastating Consequences
Some of the most destructive big rig truck accidents occur when their drivers lose control while braking. If traffic slows or stops suddenly, for instance, it’s possible that the trailer could swing out at the hinge where it connects to the cab, sweeping into traffic. Unable to slow its momentum, the truck could mow down cars or even roll over, leading to extensive damage and potentially catastrophic harm.
Driver Fatigue Is a Real Concern
With long routes and tight deadlines, truck driver fatigue is a serious concern. Impaired judgement, slow reaction times, and even nodding off could be the catalyst for a collision. Unfortunately, such incidents can muddy the waters of truck accident liability, but a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can help you formulate strategies to seek compensation in such cases.
FAQ
Who Might Be Liable in a Texas Truck Accident?
Potentially liable parties in a truck accident include the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck’s manufacturer, its maintenance supplier, and its cargo loader. Other drivers, as well as government entities responsible for maintaining traffic signals and roadway conditions, could also play a role.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the incident.
What Compensation Can I Pursue After a Truck Accident?
Compensation varies from case to case and can be affected by fault, the type and severity of injuries, current and anticipated damages, and evidence presented.
Pursuing Justice After a Big Rig Truck Accident
Commercial truck accidents on Texas highways can leave you coping with significant injuries or even the loss of a loved one. You may feel too overwhelmed to fight insurance companies for the compensation you deserve, but the qualified and compassionate team of trucking accident attorneys at Ramsey Law Group can provide the guidance and support you need. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.