Commercial vehicle accidents often lead to more serious injuries than typical car crashes. The size, weight, and purpose of these vehicles make them more likely to cause severe damage and injuries.
Several key factors make commercial vehicle crashes far more dangerous than those involving only passenger cars.
Size and weight
Commercial vehicles like trucks, buses and delivery vans are much larger and heavier than standard passenger cars. When a crash happens, the force of impact is greater. This can lead to serious damage to smaller vehicles and more severe injuries for the people inside them. A collision that might be minor between two cars can become deadly when a large truck is involved.
Limited maneuverability
Commercial vehicles are harder to steer and take longer to stop. That means it’s more difficult for drivers to react quickly in emergencies. If traffic suddenly slows or a car swerves into their lane, a commercial vehicle might be unable to avoid a crash in time. Narrow turns, tight city roads and poor weather can make this problem even worse.
Higher chance of multiple-vehicle accidents
Due to their size, when commercial vehicles crash, they can hit multiple vehicles or block several lanes. This increases the chance of pileups and secondary accidents. In busy areas, one commercial vehicle accident can involve many people.
Increased risk of hazardous cargo
Some commercial vehicles carry dangerous materials like fuel, chemicals or heavy equipment. If one of these trucks is in an accident, the risk of fire, explosion or chemical spills rises. This can harm motorists and others nearby as well as emergency responders.
If you have been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, holding the liable party(ies) responsible can be challenging. Seeking legal guidance will help.