Ask a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer: Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?

A loaded commercial truck vastly outweighs a typical car. As a result, when a commercial truck hits a passenger vehicle, the damage is almost always severe. Take a closer look at why these crashes tend to be so harmful on Wyoming’s open roads, according to commercial truck accident lawyers.

Top Reasons Why Commercial Truck Accidents Are So Severe

Commercial truck crashes can cause more devastation compared to regular vehicle accidents for a range of reasons, from driver fatigue to cargo problems.

Truck Size and Weight Make Crashes Deadly

Basic physics explains why these crashes are so deadly: a massive truck hitting a lighter-weight car transfers enormous force to the smaller vehicle. This crushing impact usually leaves little protection for the people inside.

In 2022, for instance, a total of 5,936 people died in large-truck crashes. The majority of deaths in these crashes were occupants of other vehicles at a staggering 70%, followed by truck occupants at 19%, and 11% non-occupants, primarily pedestrians and bicyclists. These numbers show that people outside the truck face the greatest danger.

Large Trucks Take Longer to Come to a Stop

When a truck driver needs to stop, the truck typically takes much longer than a car. On Wyoming highways, especially in winter, this stopping distance can be several hundred feet. Sometimes, by the time a truck driver sees danger ahead, it's too late to stop.

This can be made worse on rural highways with high-speed limits, where trucks need even more distance to come to a stop.

Truck Driver Fatigue Means Higher Crash Risk

Truck drivers usually feel pressure to deliver their loads on time. A trucking business may push drivers to drive more miles, even when they should be resting. While there are federal rules about how long a commercial truck driver can drive without rest, these rules are sometimes ignored.

A tired truck driver has slower reactions and makes worse decisions. This danger can be amplified on Wyoming's long, straight highways, where even a second of lost focus can cause a deadly crash.

Cargo Poses Additional Complications

How a truck is loaded matters for safety. Poorly secured or unevenly distributed cargo can shift while driving, making the driver lose control.

Sometimes, cargo spills onto the road, creating sudden dangers for other drivers. Other times, unbalanced weight can make trucks roll over, especially during turns or quick movements, as often seen on Wyoming's curvy mountain roads.

Trucks Can't Maneuver Like Cars

Commercial trucks have blind spots and need additional space for turns and changing lanes. These limitations make driving in certain conditions highly challenging. 

Narrow mountain passes, construction zones, and winding roads — all common in Wyoming — can force truck drivers into tight spots where they need perfect control but can't obtain it. So when a truck driver needs to make a sudden move to avoid danger, the truck often can't respond fast enough, and a quick lane change might be impossible without tipping over.

Truck Crashes Might Involve Multiple Vehicles

A trucking accident can cause a chain reaction, as the trucks' sizes and force can push cars into other cars and create pile-ups with many vehicles. Such complex crashes can cause worse injuries and make it harder to figure out the responsible parties.

A commercial truck accident attorney is vital in these cases, since fault gets more complicated with each additional vehicle involved.

Liability and Commercial Trucking Laws in Wyoming

The trucking industry has many strict rules, with federal and state regulations covering everything from driver training to how often trucks need maintenance. These rules are broken when:

• Drivers work too many hours
• Companies skip important maintenance
• Trucks carry too much weight

Breaking the rules shows negligence that can support your legal claims, and a commercial truck accident lawyer can help you look into these regulatory issues. They can review electronic driving logs, maintenance records, driver qualification files, and other documents that most people wouldn't know to ask for.

How Lawyers Find Evidence in Truck Crashes

A commercial truck accident lawyer knows how to take quick legal action to save important data. They might also send legal letters asking courts for emergency orders when needed. The evidence your lawyer collects includes:

• Witness statements
• Video from nearby businesses
• Black box data
• Driver logs
• Cell phone records

The reason commercial truck accident attorneys prioritize efficiency is that trucking companies might try to hide or destroy this evidence to avoid liability, and fresher evidence is often stronger.

FAQ

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

First, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine; many serious injuries aren't immediately apparent. Then, if possible, document the scene with photos, and collect contact information from witnesses. Also, report the accident to the police and your insurance.

What Compensation Do Truck Accident Victims Commonly Receive?

Victims may receive compensation for losses like current and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering, if negligence can be proven.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim in Wyoming?

Wyoming generally applies a four-year statute of limitations to personal injury claims, including those from a commercial trucking accident. However, numerous exceptions can shorten or extend this timeframe, depending on your specific circumstances.

Get Help From a Skilled Wyoming Truck Accident Lawyer

If you've been hurt in a truck accident in Wyoming, you need someone on your side who knows how to fight for your rights effectively. The Spence Law Firm has a strong track record of success, with over a billion dollars recovered in verdicts and settlements for truck accident victims throughout the state.

Our truck accident lawyers know Wyoming's laws in depth and can handle the intricacies of your claim while you focus on recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.