Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, but when an 18-wheeler or large commercial truck is involved, the consequences can be devastating. Due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, even a low-speed impact can cause serious injuries or fatalities. Understanding the unique dangers of rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers and knowing your legal rights if you’ve been involved in such an accident is crucial for protecting yourself and seeking compensation.
Why Rear-End Collisions with 18-Wheelers Are So Dangerous
An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, making it exponentially heavier than a passenger vehicle. This massive weight creates a tremendous amount of force during a collision. When an 18-wheeler crashes into the back of a smaller vehicle, the occupants of the passenger car are at a high risk of suffering severe injuries, such as whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or even death.
One of the primary reasons rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers are so dangerous is stopping distance. Due to their size and weight, it takes much longer for a commercial truck to come to a complete stop compared to a passenger vehicle. When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of them, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a crash.
Additionally, 18-wheelers are more prone to jackknifing in rear-end collisions, which can cause the truck to spin out of control and potentially involve multiple vehicles in the accident. This type of chain reaction can result in even more severe injuries and property damage.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions with 18-Wheelers
There are several factors that contribute to rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers, many of which are linked to the truck driver’s actions or negligence. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may become fatigued, reducing their reaction time and increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision. Fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment, making it difficult to judge stopping distances or notice when traffic is slowing down.
- Distracted Driving: Like any driver, truck drivers can be distracted by cell phones, GPS systems, or even eating while driving. When a truck driver is not paying full attention to the road, they are less likely to notice when the vehicles in front of them have slowed or stopped, leading to a rear-end crash.
- Speeding: Speeding is a common cause of rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers. The faster a truck is traveling, the longer it will take to stop. If a truck driver is speeding and traffic suddenly comes to a halt, the risk of a serious rear-end collision increases significantly.
- Mechanical Failure: Defective brakes or poorly maintained truck systems can also lead to rear-end collisions. If a truck’s brakes fail or are not in proper working order, the driver may be unable to stop in time to avoid crashing into the vehicle in front of them.
- Inadequate Driver Training: Commercial truck drivers are required to undergo specialized training, but not all trucking companies provide adequate or ongoing training for their drivers. Inexperienced or improperly trained drivers may not know how to handle certain driving conditions, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
Injuries and Damages in Rear-End Collisions with 18-Wheelers
The injuries sustained in a rear-end collision with an 18-wheeler are often severe due to the significant difference in size and weight between the truck and the passenger vehicle. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The force of an 18-wheeler rear-ending a car can cause the occupants of the smaller vehicle to experience a sudden, violent jerking motion, leading to whiplash and other neck injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The impact of a collision with a large truck can cause serious damage to the spine, resulting in partial or total paralysis in severe cases.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head trauma is a common result of rear-end collisions, especially when a truck is involved. A traumatic brain injury can have long-term or permanent effects on a victim’s cognitive abilities, memory, and motor functions.
- Broken Bones: The force of a rear-end collision can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and face.
- Fatalities: Sadly, due to the sheer force involved, rear-end collisions with 18-wheelers can result in fatalities, especially for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
In addition to the physical injuries, victims of rear-end collisions may also suffer from emotional trauma, financial strain due to medical bills and lost wages, and the loss of a loved one in fatal accidents.
Pursuing Compensation After a Rear-End Collision with an 18-Wheeler
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision involving an 18-wheeler, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, pursuing compensation in these cases can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially other third parties, such as equipment manufacturers or maintenance providers.
To pursue a successful claim, you will need to prove that the truck driver or trucking company was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries. An experienced attorney can help investigate the circumstances of the accident, gather evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and black box data from the truck, and build a strong case on your behalf.
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we understand the complexities of rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers and are dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in a crash with a commercial truck, contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and work tirelessly to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.