Commercial vehicles, such as large trucks, buses, and delivery vans, are much heavier and larger than regular passenger cars, which makes them inherently more dangerous in collisions. The size and weight of these vehicles not only increase the risk of serious injury but also amplify the potential for catastrophic damage in an accident. This guide examines how vehicle size and weight contribute to accident severity and how these factors impact liability and compensation.
How Size and Weight Affect Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Greater Momentum and Force
Due to their size and weight, commercial vehicles carry significantly more momentum than smaller vehicles. In a collision, this increased force can cause more severe damage to passenger vehicles, leading to devastating injuries for occupants.
Longer Stopping Distances
Heavier vehicles require more time and distance to come to a complete stop, especially at high speeds. In sudden braking situations, large trucks and buses are more prone to rear-end collisions, particularly if they are unable to stop in time to avoid obstacles or other vehicles.
Higher Risk of Rollovers
Commercial vehicles, particularly trucks with high centers of gravity, are more susceptible to rollovers. This is especially true when making sharp turns or swerving to avoid hazards. Rollover accidents can cause multi-vehicle pileups, putting numerous drivers and passengers at risk.
Potential for Underride Accidents
Smaller vehicles can slide underneath large commercial trucks in certain types of collisions, particularly rear-end collisions. These underride accidents often result in severe, life-threatening injuries, as the passenger vehicle's top may be crushed or sheared off.
Increased Risk of Multi-Vehicle Collisions
The size of commercial vehicles means that in the event of an accident, they can easily involve multiple vehicles, especially on busy highways. The force of impact and loss of control can affect several lanes of traffic, causing chain-reaction crashes.
How Size and Weight Impact Liability and Compensation
The increased risk associated with commercial vehicles means that drivers and companies are typically held to higher safety standards. Violations of these standards, such as overloading a truck or failing to maintain braking systems, can increase liability for the driver and company. In cases where size and weight contribute to the severity of an accident, victims may be entitled to higher compensation to cover extensive medical expenses, long-term care, and pain and suffering.
- Increased Compensation for Severe Injuries: Due to the heightened risk of serious injury in commercial vehicle accidents, victims often require extensive medical treatment, which can lead to larger settlement amounts.
- Higher Liability Standards: Because of the dangers associated with large commercial vehicles, companies may face greater scrutiny for maintenance issues, driver training, and compliance with federal safety regulations.
Understanding the implications of commercial vehicle size and weight can help victims pursue the compensation they need to recover fully.
