Tractor-trailer wrecks are one of the most dangerous types of vehicle accidents for a number of reasons. First of all, a tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. When a tractor-trailer gets up to highway speeds, that amount of force can crush a regularly sized car or truck. In addition, stopping a tractor-trailer takes much longer than other highway vehicles, which compounds the dangers.
Secondly, tractor-trailers have blind spots that can make it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles on the road. Many big truck accidents happen within what we call the “no-zone”—the blind spots for most larger rigs. The rule is if you can’t see the truck driver in the mirrors of the tractor-trailer, the truck driver can’t see you. That’s why it’s very important to stay outside of the no-zone when driving on the highway.
But beyond the obvious risks associated with blind spots and the sheer weight of a tractor-trailer rig, there’s an even scarier component of truck accidents: reaction time. In a regularly sized car, if you veer into another lane of traffic and make contact with another vehicle, you can often correct the vehicle quickly, minimizing the damage. Truck drivers operating large rigs can’t correct as quickly, which means by the time the truck driver realizes they’ve made contact, the chances are the damage will be devastating.
We’ve seen firsthand how a truck accident can wreck a family’s future. If you’ve been in a truck accident, you need an experienced Nashville truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and look out for your best interests. Give us a call today, and let us put our experience to work for you.