What Everyone Should Know About A Head On Truck Crash
Without a doubt, a head on truck crash is often devastating. You might think that head on truck crashes rarely happen. If you think that, you’d be wrong! Unfortunately, head on truck crashes involving heavy trucks HAPPEN ALL THE TIME! Just check out these statistics.
Truck drivers and car drivers alike are human. And, ALL drivers make mistakes. The problem with a head on truck crash is that the weight and speed of the truck make the damages to smaller vehicles much more disastrous than in car on car collisions.
Recently, Virginia and West Virginia have seen several head-on heavy truck related accidents with devastating results.
February 21, 2020 – Residents of Middletown, Virginia, were traveling on Interstate 75 in Moraine, Ohio, when their vehicle was struck head-on by a semi truck. Reports indicate that the tractor trailer crossed the median and struck the vehicle head-on. Three Middletown residents were killed in this collision. In another tragic incident, a senior-living transportation bus was involved in a head-on collision, resulting in multiple fatalities.
January 15, 2020 – At the scene of the January 15, 2020 accident, residents of Virginia and North Carolina were killed when a tractor trailer crossed the median on Interstate 81 and struck several vehicles head-on. Here again, the tractor trailer driver crossed the median and hit vehicles traveling in the opposite direction head-on. This accident happened in Rockingham County, Virginia.
November 5, 2019 – A heavy pick-up truck collided head-on with a sedan in Hanover County. This collision left two people dead.
February 19, 2019 – A dump truck collided head-on with a sedan in Barbour County, West Virginia. Reports indicate that this accident killed two people.
One of the scariest things about head-on collisions with trucks is that they are unpredictable. How can you avoid being involved in an accident with a box truck or other large truck? Sometimes it’s unavoidable. But, because education often equals prevention when it comes to avoiding accidents, here are some important safety factors to consider:
1. Be aware of high risk areas and situations. Two of the four accidents described above happened on roads with only a center line separating traffic. While that doesn’t necessarily mean that these roads are always unsafe, it does mean that when you are traveling a long, straight stretch of roadway, you might be more likely to encounter a truck crossing into your lane. So, when you’re traveling on those types of roads, USE EXTRA CAUTION! For instance, never pass on a double, solid yellow line and, then, only pass when you’re sure there is no traffic coming. Also, be especially aware of traveling on these roads late at night or early in the morning as you have a greater chance of encountering a fatigued or impaired driver. See our article on crossing a double, solid line here.
2. Be aware of blind spots. Collisions between a car and truck traveling in the same direction can sometimes lead to a head-on collision with another vehicle. Whenever you are traveling close to a large truck on the highway, BE CAREFUL OF ITS BLIND SPOTS! A semi-truck has blind spots on all four of its sides, with the largest blind spot on its passenger side. The passenger side blind spot is two lanes wide and extends the whole length of the truck. It’s important to NEVER pass a truck on its right side and move out of blind spots as soon as you can.
3. Don’t drive distracted, tired or impaired. While you might think this tip is common sense, you’d be surprised at how many driver’s do not heed this advice. We all know it’s important NEVER to text and drive or drink and drive. It’s equally important that you don’t get behind the wheel if you haven’t had proper rest or if you’ve been taking medications that make you drowsy. See our article on drowsy driving here.
4. Be prepared. At times, certain road conditions can lead to head-on collisions. Having sunglasses at the ready to protect against road glare, keeping your windshield clean, and making certain your headlights are functioning properly may help you avoid a dangerous situation.
A Head On Truck Crash Shouldn’t Happen. . . But They Do
While a head on truck crash should NEVER happen . . . they DO happen. And, they actually occur more frequently than we might think.
Distracted driving, such as talking on a cellphone, can significantly increase the risk of a head-on collision.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a large truck or tractor trailer, you might be contacted by the trucking company’s insurance representative very quickly. Sometimes, insurance companies will try to call you as soon as the day after the accident. Before you talk to any insurance company, you should get the advice of an experienced truck accident lawyer. Most lawyers will give you a free consultation to talk about what you might be entitled to receive. At the Ritchie Law Firm, you can talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer for free . . . NO STRINGS ATTACHED!!
Whether the insurance company contacts you quickly or not, the faster you seek legal advice from a lawyer who knows truck accidents, the better. With a tractor trailer crash, prompt investigation is critical to successfully recovering money damages in your case. Because accidents involving tractor trailers are devastating, making sure that things like skid mark measurements and impact marks are preserved are often essential to a good recovery.
Causes and Consequences of A Head On Truck Crash
A head on truck crash is among the most devastating types of collisions on the road. These accidents occur when a truck driver loses control of their vehicle, leading to a direct impact with another vehicle or object. Several factors can contribute to these crashes, including driver error, vehicle malfunction, and challenging environmental conditions.
Driver error is a significant cause of head-on truck crashes. When a truck driver engages in reckless behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, the risk of a head on truck crash increases dramatically. Additionally, vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can cause a truck to veer into oncoming traffic. Environmental conditions, like poor visibility due to fog or heavy rain, can also play a role in these tragic accidents.
The consequences of head-on truck crashes are often severe. The sheer size and weight of trucks mean that the impact force in these collisions is substantial, leading to catastrophic damage and life-threatening injuries. Understanding the causes and consequences of these crashes is crucial for developing strategies to prevent them and protect all road users.
Driver Error and Its Impact
Driver error is a leading cause of head-on truck crashes, and its impact can be devastating. Truck drivers who engage in reckless or negligent behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence, significantly increase the risk of a head-on collision. Additionally, driver fatigue is a critical factor; a tired driver may lose control of their vehicle or even fall asleep at the wheel, leading to disastrous outcomes.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that head-on collisions caused by driver error accounted for 13.9% of all fatalities and resulted in 3,000 injuries in 2014. The severity of these injuries and fatalities is often due to the immense force involved in head-on collisions. When a truck driver loses control, the consequences can be catastrophic, underscoring the importance of safe driving practices and vigilance on the road.
Severity of Injuries and Fatalities
The severity of injuries and fatalities in head-on truck crashes cannot be overstated. The impact of a head-on collision can cause significant damage to both vehicles involved, often resulting in serious injuries or death for the occupants. The size and weight of trucks exacerbate the severity of these injuries, making head-on truck crashes particularly deadly.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), head-on crashes accounted for 10% of all traffic fatalities in the United States in 2019. This statistic highlights the disproportionate danger posed by head-on collisions compared to other types of accidents. The high likelihood of severe injuries and fatalities in these crashes emphasizes the need for truck drivers to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safe driving practices at all times.
Types of Vehicles Involved in a Head On Truck Crash
Head-on crashes can involve a variety of vehicles, each contributing to the severity of the accident in different ways. Commonly involved vehicles include box trucks, dump trucks, and SUVs. The type of vehicle involved in a head-on crash can significantly impact the extent of the damage and the severity of injuries and fatalities.
Box Truck Accidents
Box truck accidents are a particularly dangerous type of head-on crash. Box trucks, often used for delivery and transportation, are large, rectangular vehicles that can cause significant damage due to their size and weight. When a box truck is involved in a head-on collision, the consequences can be devastating for all parties involved.
According to the FMCSA, box trucks were involved in 12% of all head-on crashes in the United States in 2019. The severity of injuries and fatalities in these accidents underscores the importance of safe driving practices. Truck drivers must exercise caution, especially when operating large vehicles like box trucks, to prevent these tragic accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Experienced Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers
The five lawyers at the Ritchie Law Firm have more 145 years of combined experienced handling truck accident cases. See our tractor trailer accident Case Results here. Throughout the nearly half century history of the Ritchie Law Firm, our lawyers have handled thousands of devastating crash cases involving serious and complex injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, multiple bone fractures, and even death.
You should not have to bear the financial burden of a wreck that was caused by a negligent truck driver. Accidents involving tractor trailers are devastating. At the Ritchie Law Firm, we can help you hold the other driver accountable and help you get the compensation you need to pay your bills and recover.
Talk with a Virginia and West Virginia Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered significant injuries in a truck or tractor trailer accident in Virginia, Ritchie Law Firm is here to help. The experienced, certified attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm has helped thousands of injured victims and their families recover the compensation they deserve after an accident. Contact us by phone at 800-277-6124 or by using our online contact form.
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Ritchie Law Firm is a personal injury law firm devoted to helping individuals who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries or lost a loved one as a result of someone else’s negligence. Ritchie Law Firm serves all of Virginia, while helping clients in cities and surrounding areas of Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Winchester also serves clients in West Virginia, including Martinsburg, WV.
