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A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds in California. Large commercial trucks are inherently dangerous. Unfortunately, far too many avoidable crashes happen each year. According to data from the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), more than 14,000 tractor-trailer crashes were reported statewide in 2022 alone. At Nunes Law, Inc., we fight for justice and the maximum compensation for truck accident victims. Here, our Fresno semi-truck accident lawyers highlight why these crashes are especially dangerous.
Semi-truck accidents are More Likely to Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Many motorists in California are nervous when driving near tractor-trailers. There is a good reason for this: Commercial trucks are disproportionately likely to end up in serious crashes. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that large commercial trucks are more than three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than smaller vehicles. Some of the leading reasons why commercial trucks are more likely to cause bad accidents in Fresno include:
- Tractor Trailers are Massive: A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds (40 tons) on most public roads in California. They are dramatically larger than the average passenger vehicle. If a crash happens, the massive size difference can put drivers and passengers at serious risk. The sheer force exerted by these trucks can result in catastrophic injuries, including severe TBIs, loss of limb, and spinal cord damage.
- Multi-Vehicle Pile Ups are More Likely: Semi-trucks are likelier to end up in multi-vehicle pile-ups. When a large truck collides with another vehicle, the momentum and space it occupies can affect nearby cars, resulting in chain-reaction crashes. These pile-ups are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries. The scene of a pile-up semi-truck accident in Fresno can be chaotic.
- Underride/Override Crash Risk: Semi-truck accidents carry a heightened risk of underride and override crashes, where a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath or is run over by the truck. Most commercial trucks in California should have proper underride guards and override guards in place to reduce the risk of these types of dangerous accidents.
- Some Trucks Have Hazardous Cargo: Many semi-trucks transport hazardous materials, including flammable, toxic, or otherwise dangerous cargo. In an accident, these materials can spill, leading to fires, explosions, or the release of toxic chemicals. If you are involved in a crash with a commercial truck that was transporting hazardous cargo, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced Fresno, CA, attorney.
- Longer Stopping Distances: Rear-end collisions are the most common type of multi-vehicle collision in Fresno. Being rear-ended by a tractor-trailer is especially dangerous. Semi-trucks require significantly more distance to come to a complete stop due to their size and weight. When a sudden stop is necessary, these longer stopping distances increase the risk of serious rear-end collisions.
- Trucks have Large Blind Spots: Commercial trucks have large blind spots. Not only do these blind spots make crashes more likely, but they can also make collisions more likely to result in catastrophic injuries. A trucker who does not notice a person within its blind spot—such as a motorist, motorcycle, cyclist, or pedestrian—could fail to take any corrective measure and could strike them at a relatively high rate of speed.
Truck Accident Victims Need the Maximum Financial Compensation
Hurt in an eighteen-wheeler crash? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including non-economic losses. As noted, these crashes are disproportionately likely to cause serious, catastrophic, or life-threatening injuries. Sadly, even after a bad crash, you cannot rely on a truck company or its insurer to look out for your best interests. Our Fresno, CA semi-truck accident lawyers are prepared to help you fight for the maximum compensation, including for:
- Property damage (vehicle repairs);
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and loss of future earnings;
- Pain and suffering and mental distress;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Contact Our Fresno, CA Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Nunes Law, Inc., our Fresno semi-truck accident lawyers fight aggressively for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a tractor-trailer collision, we are more than ready to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. From our office in Fresno, we handle semi-truck accident claims in Fresno County and throughout Central California.
