18 wheeler can be involved in many of the most severe vehicle accidents. Due to their size and the way they’re built, if a dump truck gets into a collision with a passenger car, the smaller car will usually absorb most of the damage. A dump truck accident can often result in major damage to the car as well as serious injuries and even wrongful death issues.
Steps to Take After a 18 wheeler Truck Accident
If you’ve been in a 18 wheeler crash, the first thing you should do is assess your health and seek medical attention, even if you think you feel fine. You may have sustained injuries that are not immediately detectable. These can get worse if left untreated. While still at the accident scene, if possible, you should:- Contact the police and file a report
- Gather contact info from the other party, including the name of the 18 wheeler company
- Collect evidence if you can — this includes photos, videos, eyewitness statements, and any other important info
- Avoid discussing fault or liability
- Take note of the materials involved if the accident involved the 18 wheeler truck’s load or haul
- Try to recall how the events unfolded and write them down as soon as you can
18 wheeler Truck Crash Factors
18 wheeler trucks have several features that increase the risk of a crash, even when compared to other commercial trucks. These unique factors can cause a 18 wheeler truck crash, and may include:- Height: 18 wheeler trucks are set higher off the ground than other trucks and vehicles. This puts them at higher risk for tip-overs, especially when the back is lifted. Accidents where a car slides underneath the truck are common, and can often be fatal.
- Weight: 18 wheeler trucks carry tons of materials, making them harder to stop and maneuver. Once they get moving, they can plow right through barriers and other cars.
- Driver visibility: 18 wheeler trucks have large blind spots, and drivers sometimes can’t see directly behind the vehicle. Visibility issues can lead to pedestrian accidents, back-up accidents, and blind-spot crashes.
- Driving formations: 18 wheeler trucks often travel in groups in a single-file line, occupying much of the roadway. This can increase the risk of an accident and can cause pile-ups as well.
- Merging issues: Failure to yield when exiting a construction site is a common cause of accidents. The “Trucks Entering Highway” signs that you see usually refer to 18 wheeler trucks.
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