When Trucks Collide: What Really Happens After A Crash

Truck accidents are some of the most serious types of crashes on the road. These accidents don’t just damage vehicles; they can cause major injuries.

Furthermore, car accidents lead to blocked highways and even long-term problems for everyone involved. 

Understanding some of the things related to these accidents are very important. And guess what? This is especially true for busy cities where traffic and trucking routes often mix.

For instance, some of them include:

• Why do these crashes happen?
• What makes them so dangerous?
• What should people do afterward?

Even though trucks are a common sight on highways, many people don’t really think about how risky they can be. Or that these can be risky at all! Strange, right?

When a crash involves a large truck, everything changes in an instant. These aren’t small accidents—they can be life-changing.

In this article, I will talk about the various elements related to a truck accident and give you a detailed overview of what to do after a truck accident.

What To Do After A Truck Accident: Understanding The Nature Of The Accidents

The main reason truck accidents are far more dangerous in comparison to regular car crashes is simple: size and weight. 

The regular weight of a fully loaded commercial truck can rise to 80,000 pounds. That’s about 20 times more than a regular car.

Because of that, when a truck hits something—whether it’s another vehicle, a person, or a barrier—the damage is much more severe.

Trucks also need a lot more space to stop. If a truck is going fast and the driver suddenly has to hit the brakes, it might take them over 200 feet to stop. 

That’s longer than a football field. So even if a driver reacts quickly, the truck might not be able to slow down in time.

Another reason truck crashes are so dangerous is the height and structure of the truck. In some crashes, smaller cars can actually slide underneath the trailer in what’s called an underride accident. These are extremely dangerous and often deadly.

What To Do After A Truck Accident: Legal, Logistics, And Losses

There is another side to these accidents that doesn’t concern the human eye. A truck accident can seriously affect the logistics company it’s associated with.

When a truck accident happens, a logistics company can lose a lot of money and damage its reputation.

These losses can include the costs to repair or replace the truck, damage to the cargo, delays in delivery, and possible legal fees.

If the accident is fatal, it can also lead to serious financial and emotional strain for families involved.

When the victim’s family decides to press charges, it becomes a very ugly and elongated legal battle, which generally becomes ugly.

What To Do After A Truck Accident: Mapping Out The Reasons

There isn’t just one reason why truck crashes happen. In most cases, it’s a combination of factors that come together at the wrong moment. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Fatigued Driver

Truck drivers often drive for long hours. Even though there are rules that limit their work hours, not every driver follows them. 

As drivers ourselves, we all know that driving while tired is a major risk—it slows reaction time and affects judgment.

2. Distracted Driving

You must avoid using a phone, eating, or adjusting the GPS, as these can all distract a driver. 

Even for a few seconds, a person driving a huge vehicle can get distracted, leading to a serious crash.

3. Speeding

Also, you must maintain this important fact: you must never speed alongside a speeding truck. 

Some truck drivers speed to meet deadlines. But the faster a truck goes, the harder it is to stop. Speeding makes crashes more likely and more dangerous.

4. Poor Truck Maintenance

Of course, I am sure you had already guessed it. Trucks need regular checks and maintenance. 

If something, such as the brakes, tires, or lights, isn’t working properly, it can lead to a crash. 

Additionally, it’s also important to know that the trucking company is at fault for not keeping its vehicles in good shape.

5. Bad Weather

If you drive regularly, you would know that rain, fog, or ice can make it harder to control any vehicle. But the risks are even higher for trucks. 

As a result, a slippery road can cause a truck to slide or tip over, especially if it’s carrying a heavy load.

6. Improper Loading

Oh, I bet you did not know this one. But yes, it is completely true. If a truck’s cargo is not loaded correctly, it can shift while the truck is moving. 

So what happens as a result? Yes, you guessed it right. This can throw off the truck’s balance and lead to a rollover or jackknife accident.

What Happens After a Truck Crash?

Emergency responders usually arrive quickly in a truck accident because the damage is often serious. 

They ensure everyone’s safety, provide medical help, and clear the scene. But the effects of the crash don’t end there.

You already know how it pans out afterwards. People involved in the crash might have serious injuries that take weeks, months, or even years to recover from. 

Truck accidents can cause serious injuries. In severe cases, these injuries can be permanent. These include–

• Broken bones
• Back problems
• Head trauma

Besides physical injuries, truck crashes can lead to legal and financial troubles. Victims often deal with serious issues post the accident, such as —

• Medical bills
• Car repairs
• Lost wages 
• Emotional stress

Yes! The list might look small, but the effect is devastating. That’s why many people choose to talk to a legal expert.

Furthermore, if you witness a crash in an area with heavy truck traffic, it’s wise to find someone who knows local laws and can help with the situation.

In case you or someone you know is looking for help, you might consider speaking with an Austin truck accident lawyer to understand what steps to take after a crash.

How Is Fault Determined?

If you are wondering what to do after a truck accident, one of the most important steps is determining who was at fault. This isn’t always easy. 

This can drain you, as pointing out the faulty one will be the latest of your concerns. It might be the truck driver’s fault, the other driver’s fault, or even a mix of both.

And let us not forget that sometimes, the trucking company might be partly responsible. This is, in fact, a major reason for these accidents. 

For example, they could be held accountable if they forced a driver to work too many hours or didn’t fix something on the truck. 

Oh, and always double-check with the investigating officers. Investigators examine all the important details regarding the accident to determine what happened. These include–

• Traffic camera footage
• Damage reports
• Driver logs
• Witness statements

What Victims Can Do After a Crash?

Recovering from a truck crash takes time. As we all know, the aftermath is generally more horrific than the actual incident. 

The first step is to get medical help, even if you don’t think your injuries are serious right away. Some injuries can take days or weeks to show up.

After you get medical care, keep records of everything. Wondering what everything might include? Well, I will make it easy for you. Write down your 

• Doctor visits
• Medical expenses 
• Missed work

Oh, I was about to forget the most important one. Write about how this accident has affected your daily activities. These details are important for any legal case or insurance claim.

Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with. They sometimes try to offer less money than you need for your costs. That’s why many people seek legal advice, especially after major crashes.

Can These Accidents Be Prevented?

Although you won’t be able to stop all the accidents, you do have a chance at preventing most of them. Here’s how:

• Drivers need to avoid distractions and give trucks plenty of space on the road.
• Truck companies must follow safety rules, like limiting driving hours and doing regular maintenance.
• Better road design and traffic systems can also help. Clearer signs, smoother traffic flow, and safer intersections can reduce the chances of a crash.
• Using technology, like blind spot alerts and automatic braking, can also make a big difference.
• Always use your signals clearly so truck drivers can see your intentions and adjust their driving. Never change lanes or turn without signaling.

We have to remember that this is not a one-man job. If everyone—drivers, trucking companies, and city planners—does their part, roads can become safer for everyone

Final Thoughts

Truck accidents are serious, and their impact can last a long time. The size and power of these vehicles make them especially dangerous when something goes wrong. 

You all need to understand how crashes happen, how to stay safe around them, and what steps to take if one occurs.

You must have a complete and thorough idea of the risks. Knowing the risks can help people make smarter choices on the road. 

For those who are involved in a truck accident, getting the right help—medically and legally—can make a huge difference in how they recover.

We must understand that everyone deserves to feel safe while driving. And while we can’t prevent every crash, learning more about them is a good place to start.

Read Also:

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• Strategies To Combat Drunk Driving Accidents