Tractor trailers are incredibly large vehicles that weigh 20,000 pounds or more. When these vehicles are sharing the road with you in Philadelphia, which is noted for its tighter streets and densely packed urban areas, it can be very risky. Tractor trailers are a part of life today, though, and without a doubt, you will be sharing the road with them. It is critical that you know the rights you have in these cases and how a Philadelphia tractor trailer accident lawyer can assist you in a claim.
Statistics About Tractor Trailers in Pennsylvania
Traffic accidents are a good way to see the dangers that tractor tractors pose on the roadway with you. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation provides insight into the number of accidents that happen on roadways today. In 2023, 157 heavy truck fatalities occurred. Thousands of others suffered injuries in such accidents.
What Makes Tractor Trailers Dangerous in PA?
Whether it is the twisting and turning roads of the countryside or the urban areas of Philadelphia, tractor trailers must make their way through the region to deliver product. Yet, there are several key factors that make them more dangerous to share the road with compared to a passenger vehicle.
Drivers Are Tired
One of the most common reasons for concern with tractor trailers is the driver behind the wheel. There are numerous laws that require these drivers – who may spend hours at a time behind the wheel – to take breaks. Fatigued drivers are a serious risk to other drivers on the road. They cannot respond to changing road conditions. Fatigued drivers can be nearly as dangerous as intoxicated drivers.
Uneven Loads Cause Accidents
Tractor trailers are loaded with a wide range of materials and goods. Some are packed by third-party cargo loaders, while others are maintained by the trucking company. In either situation, the cargo must meet specific restrictions on how it is secured. If a pallet of products gets loose in the back of a tractor, it can cause a sudden shift, leading to a rollover accident on a roadway. Additionally, cargo can be dumped onto the roadway, creating risk for anyone in the vehicle.
Tractor Trailers Need More Room to Stop
Tractor trailer drivers must have ample experience and the ability to navigate the roadways with confidence. Yet, these trucks take much longer to stop than smaller cars. Because of that, when road conditions are dangerous or change quickly, it can be nearly impossible for a large, loaded truck to stop in time. That creates rear-end accidents with serious fatalities as well as strikes to animals on the road or even people who walk in front of the truck.
Wide Turns
Though most of the truck routes throughout Philadelphia are well marked and designed to allow larger trucks to move through the area easily, there are some areas where accidents happen because these trucks are so large and require so much room to turn. Wide turns create a toppling risk if the truck driver does not execute them properly, and over time, this can create a very significant risk of crashes with other vehicles within the intersection. Even a skilled driver will find it more challenging to navigate some of the more densely populated and commercialized areas of the city.
Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
As noted, many people who suffer an accident with a truck are at risk of dying as a result of their actions. Yet, it is also important to consider the implications of non-fatal accidents. These types of accidents can cause serious injury, including:
- Permanent disability
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Serious burns
- Disfigurement
- Mental health damage
When these types of injuries occur, the need to pursue full and fair compensation is critical. You may need more care than you realize and for a longer period of time. This makes these accidents more challenging overall.
Driver Distraction and Overconfidence
Many tractor trailer drivers are quite safe drivers, and they do what they can to minimize risk. Yet, they are on the road for long periods of time, and that can lead to distraction or even a sense of overconfidence in some situations. Driver distractions often include:
- Use of navigational systems
- Smartphones and devices
- Radios or videos playing
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel
In addition, drivers may pass too closely, drive too close to the person in front of them, or otherwise engage in road rage. Some may even put others at risk by speeding.
The Importance of Getting Legal Guidance in These Cases
It is clear that tractor trailers are dangerous on Philadelphia streets, but they are also not likely to go anywhere. That is why it is so important to turn to an attorney when you suffer injuries as a result of a driver’s actions.
If you were hurt in such an accident, call Kwartler Manus to discuss your case with our legal team. We can offer a free consultation to help you see what your rights are.