The reason tractor trailer accidents are so devastating is mostly due to the fact that they are just so large. When a car is hit by a large truck, it’s like getting hit by 20 or thirty cars. The force is immense, and often so are the injuries.
For many years, regulations have required rear guards on the trailers of big trucks to prevent cars coming from the rear from “going under” the truck. Injuries from these types of collisions are particularly severe for obvious reasons. There have not been any regulations for side guards, however, and that may be changing.
A recent test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was performed and results were promising. Because changing lanes is often the spark that causes serious crashes, drivers should always make sure there is nothing in the lane they’re changing to. If another car is in the way, that can be a dangerous situation. But if it is a tractor trailer, it’s quite another. At this time there is debate about the cost and safety outcomes for mandatory side guards, so future testing will be needed. Eventually, we hope the side guards are proven to be a significant improvement and they are installed on all trucks.
Florida Truck Accident Attorneys
Of the 1,542 deaths of passenger vehicle occupants in crashes with tractor-trailers in 2015, 301 involved the side of a tractor-trailer, compared with 292 that involved the rear.
Truck crashes involve complex forensic investigations and special expertise. The Law Firm of Lazarus and Lazarus has been working with the victims of serious truck crashes for over 25 years and we have the ability and the intensity to pursue justice and adequate compensation for victims of serious truck accidents. Please reach out to us at 954-356-0006 and we will arrange a confidential consultation.
Recent Comments