Maryland auto accidents can often vary in severity and type—and there are certainly some accidents that are more dangerous than others. Accidents involving trucks, for example, can often be more dangerous than accidents involving two passenger vehicles, depending on how the accident took place. Understanding the additional risks trucks pose for drivers can be important for both protecting yourself proactively on the road, but also others.
According to a recent news report, three children were transported to a local hospital for treatment after a major crash involving a dump truck and an SUV. Police and investigators reported that the dump truck driver was headed south when it dropped off the right side of the highway. When the driver made it back onto the highway, it crossed the center line and crashed into an SUV heading in the opposite direction. The dump truck then overturned onto the driver’s side, with the vehicle blocking the roadway. The driver of the dump truck and three children who were in the SUV were taken to the hospital, and the accident remains under investigation.
Truck accidents like the one described above can often be more devastating and dangerous than crashes involving passenger vehicles only.
Why Are Truck Accidents so Dangerous?
First, and perhaps most obviously, truck accidents are more dangerous because of the size differences between a truck and a passenger vehicle. Tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers are physically much larger than passenger vehicles. For example, the average 18-wheeler can range between 70 and 80 feet in length, compared to a passenger vehicle, which averages about 18 to 20 feet in length. In addition, trucks are often much taller than typical passenger vehicles. Height differences can increase the chances of a truck driving over a passenger car and also increase the possibility of a car sliding beneath a larger truck.
Second, the significant differences in weight between a passenger vehicle and truck can also amplify the severity of a collision. 18-wheelers are typically around 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle is about 5,000 pounds. This difference in weight can be disastrous for accidents where trucks, because of their heavier weight, will take longer to come to a full stop. The weight difference between the two categories of vehicles also means that the passenger vehicle will inevitably take on most of the impact during an accident with a truck.
Lastly, truck drivers often operate with tight delivery schedules. Although regulations exist to limit how much truckers can drive and work at any given time, more often than not, truck drivers are on the road for long periods. Unsurprisingly, long hours mean that one of the most frequent causes of accidents involving trucks is the drowsiness of truck drivers.
Do You Need a Maryland Truck Accident Attorney?
If you or someone you know was recently injured or killed in a Maryland truck accident, contact the lawyers at Lebowitz & Mzhen today. Our attorneys have years of experience representing clients in all types of vehicular accident claims and have collected more than $65 million on their behalf. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact us at 800-654-1949.