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Are You Surprised by Any of These Facts About Accidents Involving Trucks and Cars?

At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we have been helping our clients deal with car and truck accidents for decades. In many instances, our clients are surprised to learn the facts about these types of accidents. Keep reading if you are curious about what we mean, or contact us today at 909-982-0707 if you would like a free legal consultation.

Accidents Between Cars and Trucks Are Less Common Than Between Two Cars

First, this likely does not surprise you – accidents involving two or more cars are the most common types of accidents. This makes sense because most vehicles on the road are cars. However, the number of accidents between cars and trucks is increasing. In 2019 alone, there were more than 4,000 fatalities involved in car and truck accidents. This is a 30% increase compared to 2009.

Head-On Collisions Are the Most Common Fatal Car and Truck Accidents

Nearly 30% of all fatal crashes involving trucks and cars involve head-on collisions. Another 24% of these types of fatal accidents involved cars being sideswiped by a truck. An equal 24% of fatal accidents between trucks and cars involved a car striking the rear of a truck.

Those in Cars Are Much More Likely to Lose Their Lives

In any of the above-described accidents between trucks and accidents, it is much more likely for a person in a car to die than for a person in a truck. According to the DOT’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, two-thirds of those who die in truck and car accidents were in a car, while 15% were pedestrians, on bikes, or on motorcycles.

The Weight of Trucks is One of the Many Reasons They Are More Dangerous

On average, a car weighs 4,000 pounds. Compare that to the 80,000 pounds a fully loaded semi can weigh. Other factors that make trucks more dangerous include their height, the fact that trucks take longer to stop, and the fact that the cargo in trucks can be toxic, flammable, or otherwise dangerous.

Head Injuries Are the Most Common Serious Injury in a Truck Accident

When serious or fatal injuries occur in a truck and car accident, the most common injury is a head injury, including brain injuries, concussions, and other types of closed head injuries. Other common injuries include paralysis and other spinal cord damage, broken bones, burns, whiplash, knee sprain, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Call Us Today if You Have Been Injured in a Truck Accident

If you have been injured in an accident with a truck, then you should contact a personal injury attorney to determine what your options are. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now to request a free legal consultation. We will go over your case and provide a comprehensive overview of your options.