What happens in an accident between cars and semi-trucks?
Every day, hundreds of thousands of accidents happen in the United States. Many of these accidents are minor collisions between two cars. However, semi-trucks and cars can have more serious accidents. The size difference between a large truck and a regular car means that the steps to handle an accident between two semi-trucks and cars are different. What you should know in the event of an accident involving a semi.
What Vehicles are the best in an accident with a semi?
The type of accident that occurs, such as a rear-end collision or a t-bone, will determine how well your vehicle holds up. Standard-sized vehicles and SUVs weigh up to about 5,000 pounds but a semi-truck can weigh around 18 times more, so the impact of the two vehicles colliding is often serious and life-threatening.While there are no specific makes or models of a vehicle that will necessarily hold up better in an accident with a semi, there are specific safety features that can reduce the damage and severity of injury if an accident occurs. Check out IIHS or NHTSA’s top picks of the safest vehicles if you are looking for a new car, or just want to know how your vehicle rates. The following safety features are more likely to help a vehicle survive an accident with a truck than vehicles with limited features.
Good Front Crash Test
Most newer cars have good ratings for front crash tests. This means they hold up well to a head-on test at 35-40 mph. Older models and makes may have “acceptable” or “good” ratings, but the newer ones are likely to be equipped with improved safety features such as more front airbags.
Side Crash Ratings
A car would be ideal if it had side airbags and a high side crash rating. Side airbags are a vital safety feature in a t-bone accident, which can result in severe or fatal injuries.
Strong Reinforced Roof
You may have a higher chance of a rollover accident when you are in an accident with a large vehicle, such as a semi truck (due the impact). Roof ratings are available on most standard-sized cars manufactured after 2009. Roof strength can reduce the risk of serious or fatal head injuries during an accident.
Vehicle Weight
We have already mentioned that the average vehicle can weigh up to and approximately 5,000. The heavier your car, the better you’ll do in a collision with a truck. The IIHS says that the safest cars weigh at least 3,500 lbs. If you have a small, lightweight car, you might want to upgrade to something bigger. Safety features in newer vehicles include blind spot monitors and lane-centering. These can help prevent a crash, but they won’t be much use if you get into an accident with a truck. Safety is ensured by head restraints, airbags in the car and adequate airbags.
Common Injuries in Semi-truck Accidents
Drivers of smaller vehicles are often the ones who sustain injuries. Depending on your vehicle, the safety features and the type of accident, you may have minor to life-threatening injuries. Drivers of smaller vehicles are often the ones who sustain injuries and depending on your vehicle, the safety features, and the type of accident, your injuries may be minor to life-threatening.Some common injuries that drivers in standard-sized vehicles sustain when in an accident with a semi include, but are not limited to:
- Whiplash with severe consequences
- Back and spinal injuries
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fatal injuries
The medical costs are usually higher due to the severity of injuries sustained in a semi accident. You’re also more likely to need surgery or be hospitalized. You may also have to pay for lost wages or a permanent or temporary disability.
Who pays for the damages?
The details of a passenger vehicle collision (as to who is responsible) are fairly straightforward. Insurance companies will usually handle the rest. Typically, drivers exchange information and then insurance companies determine what happened. Accidents involving semi-trucks are more complicated. In most cases, there is no need for further action in accidents involving passenger cars. In an accident involving semis, there are many parties that may be responsible (such as tire/parts companies and trucking companies), so it is not always a simple settlement. All parties can be held accountable for any injuries or damages sustained. The insurance policies are higher because of the damage that can be caused by a semi in an accident. Companies will try to settle semi-accidents with victims as soon as possible. You may feel tempted to accept a payout if you’re involved in a semi accident. However, this could ruin your chances for filing a future claim. It’s better to consult a lawyer who has dealt with semi truck accident claims to determine what compensation you may be entitled to. It’s better to hire a professional to represent you in a semi-truck accident than to try to represent yourself.