HOW TO HANDLE BIG RIG ACCIDENTS
An accident with a semi-truck or big rig can cause catastrophic damage. According to the HDS: Truck Driving Institute, nearly 2 million semi-trucks operate in the United States daily. Like all drivers, big rig drivers hold the responsibility to share the road with others safely. However, in addition the regular rules of the roads, big rig drivers must follow their own particular rules in order to maintain highway safety.
What Makes Big Rigs SO Dangerous?
With over 2 million big rigs operating on US highways every day, the dangers of big rigs have become evident. The specific physical properties of big rig trucks are what make them so much more dangerous than regular vehicles.
- Weight: A big rig with a full load can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Compare that to the average weight of an SUV weighing between 2,000 and 6,000 pounds.
- Length: A big rig with a trailer has an average length that ranges in between 70 and 80 feet. Compare that to the average length of a truck measuring 20 feet.
- Height: The average big rig in the US measures at around 14 feet. Compare that to the average height of a car measuring slightly less than 5 feet.
Watch Your Weight: Big Rigs vs. Cars
Rollover Risks
The high center of gravity in big rigs make them prone to rollovers, particularly during sharp turns taken at high speeds or during windy weather conditions. A rollover accident involving a fully loaded truck can lead to widespread damage and block multiple lanes of traffic.
Jackknife Accidents
In situations where the trailer of a big rig swings out of alignment with the cab, a jackknife accident can occur. This happens when thetruck forms a 90-degree angle or more, leading to loss of control and potential collisions with other vehicles.
The Catastrophic Impact
Accidents involving big rig trucks can be catastrophic due to the massive disparity in size and weight between the truck and other vehicles.
1. Severe Injuries and Fatalities
The force of impact from a collision with a big rig can cause devastating injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles. The lack of protective barriers in cars and passenger vehicles, their smaller weight and size comparison, amplifies the risk of injury.
2. Multiple-Vehicle Collisions
When a big rig is involved in an accident, the consequences can extend beyond the initial collision. Secondary collisions involving other vehicles trying to avoid the accident scene can compound the chaos and severity of injuries.
3. Environmental Hazards
In some cases, accidents involving big rigs can result in hazardous material spills, posing risks to both human health and the environment.
What To Do After a Big Rig Accident?
Getting in an accident with a big rig comes with more problems than getting in an accident with other regular vehicles.
1. Follow the same steps you would after a normal car accident
a. Call 911 to address any bodily injuries
b. If you believe that you’ve been injured seek immediate medical attention
c. Obtain photos/videos of the scene if safe to do so
d. Take a photo of the driver’s license, insurance information, license plate, and name of the
company/driver who owns or operates the truck
e. It’s generally advised that you not speak to insurance company representatives and instead have
your attorney contact them and discuss your claim
f. Call Hariri Law Group to ensure your interests and rights are protected!
2. Dealing with the truck driver and company
a. You are not only dealing with the driver of the truck, but you are also dealing with the company the driver drives for. If there are manufacturing issues with the actual truck, you may also have to deal with the company that manufactured the big rig.
3. Get in touch with an experienced attorney
a. In addition to dealing with multiple potential companies, there are many federal and state
regulations pertaining to big rigs and their use. Contacting Hariri Law Group can help ensure your
case is handled appropriately and all avenues of insurance money are uncovered.
The Hariri LawGroup has represented clients involved in big rig accidents. Our extensive knowledge and expertise with these types of cases will allow us to recover the maximum amount possible in your case. If you would like to discuss the information above with our experienced San Diego personal injury lawyers call us or email us at any time. Remember, the insurance company is NOT your friend and do NOT have your interests at heart.
If you’ve been injured, call the Hariri Law Group and we’ll fight on your behalf to get you the compensation and justice you deserve!
Remember, justice starts here.
The materials on this web site have been prepared by Hariri Law Group for informational purposes only and are not legal advice or a substitute for legal counsel. This information does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor shall it be considered an offer to represent you. Internet users, subscribers and readers should not act upon the information on this website, or decide not to act based upon the information on this website, without first seeking appropriate professional counsel from an attorney licensed in the user’s jurisdiction. This website may contain links to third-party websites or other content for informational purposes only. Hariri Law Group cannot control these third-party links or the content found therein. Hariri Law Group is not responsible for the content of any third-party website, and the inclusion of any links to such third-party websites does not constitute or imply any recommendation, approval or endorsement of such third-party websites.
