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HomeBlogAuto AccidentsWhy Are Trucking Accidents Often More Harmful Than Car Accidents?
25 September, 2021

Why Are Trucking Accidents Often More Harmful Than Car Accidents?

Unfortunately, trucking accidents are on the rise in America. Each year there are more and more truck accidents that result in injuries and death. According to the IIHS, there were approximately 4,119 people who died in a truck accident in 2019. Sixty-seven percent of the people who died were car occupants, while sixteen percent were truck occupants. 

Have you ever wondered why trucking accidents are often more harmful than car accidents? If so, you may want to read this article to learn why trucking accidents are usually worse than car accidents. However, suppose you have been involved in a trucking accident. In that case, you may want to consult with a Chicago truck accident attorney from The Horwitz Law Group as a qualified attorney can help you understand if you have a case against a negligent party. 

The Reasons Why Truck Accidents Are Often More Harmful Than Car Accidents

It’s no secret that an accident with a truck can be much more serious than an accident with a car, but why is this the case? Essentially, there are three different reasons why a trucking accident is often more harmful than a car accident. We have explained each of these reasons in detail below. 

Dangerous Cargo

It is estimated that in the United States, 4 percent of large trucks involved in fatal collisions carry hazardous cargo. Ultimately, many commercial trucks carry cargo that consists of harmful chemicals and other substances that cars do not haul. 

When an accident occurs, these chemicals and substances lead to serious injuries and fatalities. For example, a truck carrying flammable materials is more likely to cause injury and death when involved in an accident due to its size and how much cargo it is transporting. 

The Size Of Trucks

Compared to cars, trucks are usually much larger. On average, a truck is around 70 to 80 feet long, while a normal-sized car is usually between 10 to 14 feet long. When a truck of this size is in an accident, it causes a more widespread accident scene that tends to involve more cars, people, and property damage. 

Additionally, there is an incredibly vast difference between the height of a car and the height of a truck. Since trucks have more height, they are more dangerous when in an accident because they easily override passenger vehicles and cars slide underneath them easier, leading to more catastrophic injuries and a higher likelihood of death.  

A Trucks Weight

Perhaps the biggest reason why a trucking accident is more harmful than a car accident is because of a truck’s weight. On average, the weight of an 18 wheeler truck is 80,000 pounds, while a car’s average weight is only 5,000 pounds. When a truck is in an accident and turns over, it can crush many passenger cars at once and damage more property than if a car rolled. 

Additionally, because of how heavy a truck is, it takes longer to stop, which results in more serious crashes. Moreover, because most trucks are loaded with cargo, they are more likely to roll due to incorrect loading practices or improperly secured cargo. When cargo isn’t secured correctly, this could cause severe damage to other cars, and it could cause a truck to tip and collide with other vehicles on the road. 

Get In Touch With A Chicago Truck Accident Attorney To Discuss Your Truck Accident Case

Should you have been involved in a trucking accident and have sustained injuries, you could be able to file a personal injury claim. It’s likely you don’t know the legal proceedings surrounding how to go about doing this, which is why you might want to think about speaking with a Chicago truck accident attorney. 

When you are ready to determine if you have a valid case and would like to uncover if you are entitled to compensation, you can speak with one of the qualified truck accident attorneys at The Horwitz Law Group. Contact them to arrange a consultation at their Chicago offices.

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