Being in an accident with a big rig or an 18-wheeler is a substantially different experience than being involved in an accident with a regular car. A typical car is 12 to 15 feet in length and weighs an average of approximately 5,000 pounds. By contrast, an 18-wheeler’s weight depends typically on whether it is loaded with materials or not. The weight of an empty tractor trailer alone is 25,000 pounds – five times the weight of an average car. If the 18-wheeler is loaded with materials in its trailer, that weight may be 80,000 pounds – that is 16 times the weight of an average car according to a truck accident lawyer.
Because 18-wheelers are typically transit vehicles in interstate commerce, there is a higher probability that these accidents will occur on the interstate. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported that in 2018, about 34% of fatal crashes involving large trucks occurred on interstates and freeways.
Put simply, the weight of a tractor trailer and the likelihood that an accident would happen on an interstate is a recipe for the likelihood of extreme damage to your vehicle as well as to your person. According to our friends at Kiefer & Kiefer, the amount of damage an 18-wheeler can do in any type of automobile accident can vary significantly depending on various factors such as speed, size and weight of the truck, type of collision, road conditions, and the vehicles involved. However, due to their large size and weight, accidents involving 18-wheelers can often result in serious damage, including:
Vehicle Damage: The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler can cause extensive damage to other vehicles involved in the accident. This can include crushed vehicles, structural damage, and damage to various components.
Injuries to Occupants: Accidents involving 18-wheelers can result in severe injuries to occupants of other vehicles. We have seen injuries in cases we have handled with tractor trailer drivers that occur on the interstate to range from injuries causing neck or back surgeries, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, injuries necessitating the implantation of a permanent spinal cord stimulator, amputations, permanent nerve injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, or even death. These injuries can cause millions of dollars in medical bills.
Property Damage: In addition to damage to vehicles, accidents involving 18-wheelers can also result in damage to other property such as guardrails, road signs, and infrastructure. The cost of property damage in accidents involving 18-wheelers can vary greatly, but it often amounts to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars per accident, depending on the extent of the damage and the value of the property affected. In cases where hazardous materials are involved, property damage costs can escalate due to the need for environmental cleanup and remediation.
Environmental Damage: Accidents involving 18-wheelers can also lead to environmental damage, particularly if hazardous materials are being transported. Spills of fuel or other hazardous substances can contaminate soil and waterways, leading to long-term environmental consequences.
Overall, due to their size, weight, and potential for carrying hazardous materials, accidents involving 18-wheelers have the potential to cause significant damage and harm to both individuals and property. It’s essential for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to safety regulations when sharing the road with these large vehicles.
If you are involved in an accident, contact a lawyer near you for help.