Head-On Truck Accidents

Head-on collisions have some of the most devastating consequences of any car crash. The results of this type of crash, however, can reach the level of catastrophic if one of the vehicles involved was a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle. At maximum capacity, these trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and often reach lengths of between 70 and 80 feet. The sheer size of these vehicles makes them harder to stop and more difficult to maneuver, which means that when they collide with other vehicles, they often do so at relatively high speeds. These speeds, combined with their size and greater force in a crash make collisions with passenger vehicles particularly devastating.

Where are Head-On Collisions Most Common? 

Head-on crashes can happen anywhere, but there are certain types of roadways where these kinds of accidents are more likely to occur, including:

• Non-divided highways, which lack a barrier that separates different parts of the road, meaning that it is much easier for a distracted or fatigued driver to drift into a nearby lane;
• Narrow roads, which often leave smaller vehicles with much less room to maneuver;
• Curves, with large trucks needing more room to turn and therefore increasing the likelihood that they will move into the opposing lane of traffic; and
• One-way streets, including freeway entrances and exits.

For a head-on crash to occur, even in one of these locations, one of the motorists must be driving the wrong way. In most cases, this isn’t on purpose, but is a result of driver error or poor weather.

What Causes Most Head-On Collisions? 

There are a lot of different things that can cause a motorist to drive the wrong way. Driving while fatigued, for instance, is one of the most common causes of head-on truck accidents, simply because many truck drivers are forced to drive long hours, often through the night. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol also contributes to many wrong-way crashes, with drivers experiencing a reduced reaction time and impaired judgment. Other common causes of head-on collisions include:

• Medical emergencies, such as a heart attack or seizure, which leaves a driver unable to respond when a vehicle moves into the wrong lane and into the path of another driver;
• Poor visibility caused by inclement weather, which can make it difficult to see the centerline of the roadway; and
• Mechanical failure, which tends to affect large trucks more than passenger vehicles due to the extreme wear and tear placed on these vehicles.

If you were involved in a truck accident and believe that one or more of these factors contributed to your crash, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Call Goldman Law, P.A. Today 

To speak with an experienced Altamonte Springs truck accident lawyer about seeking compensation for your crash-related medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage, call the dedicated legal team at Goldman Law, P.A. today. Set up a free consultation by calling 407-960-1900.

Sources: 

fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/safety/data-and-statistics/461861/ltcbf-2017-final-5-6-2019.pdf

fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief