Semi-trucks play an important role in our society. They move goods from place-to-place, allowing consumers to have access to the goods and services they desire. Yet, despite these benefits posed by the trucking industry, these massive vehicles, their drivers and truck companies also pose significant risks to innocent motorists. This is because the sheer size of these vehicles can leave a wake of devastation and death when driven negligently.
One reason for truck accidents is the fact that they need a significantly greater distance in order to come to a safe stop. An average passenger vehicle may be 12 to 18 feet in length and weigh up to 4,000 pounds, but a big rig can be as long as 53 feet and weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. So, when these vehicles need to come to a safe stop, a passenger vehicle is going to be able to so with much more ease. In fact, when traveling at 65 miles per hour, a semi-truck will require more than 200 additional feet to come to a safe stop.
As daunting as this may sound, the matter only gets worse for those trucks that are driven by tired, distracted, drunk and otherwise negligent truckers. These individuals can be slow to react to slow or stopped traffic, which can disallow them from bringing their vehicles to a safe stop in time to avoid an accident.
Sadly, far too many New Yorkers are injured and killed in wholly preventable truck accidents. Victims and their families can be left with significant damages that can quickly become overwhelming. Fortunately, they may be able to find accountability and compensation for their losses by pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Those who want to build a strong case against a negligent trucker and his or her employer may want to discuss the matter with a skilled legal advocate before pursuing a claim.
