Every year, dozens of serious semi-truck accidents occur on roads and highways across Minnesota. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities, due to the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles. When a semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results can be devastating. In this post, we’ll explore why semi-truck accidents are often more serious than accidents with passenger vehicles and what to do if you or a family member has been injured in this type of accident.
Why Semi Accidents Are Often Serious
Accidents involving semi-trucks often cause more severe damage than accidents involving passenger vehicles for several reasons. First, semi-trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The greater mass and momentum of a semi-truck means that it can cause more damage upon impact. Keep in mind that this heavy cargo is sometimes improperly loaded, or they may be toxic or flammable, which can cause more severe injuries during the accident.
Because of their greater mass, semis require a longer distance to come to a complete stop than passenger vehicles. This is because they have a larger mass and therefore more momentum. If a semi-truck needs to stop suddenly, it may not be able to do so in time to avoid a collision.
Semi-trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. These blind spots are often referred to as “no zones” and include areas directly behind the truck, as well as the areas to the sides of the trailer. If a passenger vehicle is in one of these blind spots, the truck driver may not see them and could inadvertently cause an accident.
Tips for Avoiding An Accident with A Commercial Truck
There are a few things we can all do while driving to decrease the chances of being in an accident with a semi-truck. Since trucks take a longer time to stop, it’s important to maintain a safe following distance. In addition, be aware of a truck’s blind spot. When in doubt, play things safe and do not drive on the sides of the truck.
Commercial drivers may fall asleep at the wheel or have trouble concentrating on the road due to their long hours. If you notice that a semi-truck driver seems to be driving erratically, pull off the freeway and contact law enforcement to come check things out.
How to Address Serious Injuries from Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents can cause serious injuries, and addressing them properly is crucial to ensure that you get the necessary medical care and compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. The first and most important step is to seek medical attention right away. Generally in a semi-truck accident that causes serious injury, the injured party will be taken to the hospital by ambulance. If for some reason you did not receive medical attention at the scene of your accident, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
After you or your injured loved one is stable, contact a Minnesota personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the legal process and speak with insurance adjusters on your behalf. They can also help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Semi-truck accidents that cause serious injuries can be complex and challenging to navigate. It’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney in MN who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Sieben Edmunds Miller’s personal injury team shares decades of experience and will fight for fair compensation while always protecting your rights. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
