Evaluating Your Options

Why It's So Difficult For Trucks To Stop In Time

28 October 2020

Dale Watkins

One of the problems with commercial trucks is that they have a longer stopping distance. Due to the size and weight of a commercial truck, it takes longer for the brakes to slow down the momentum. As a result, if a vehicle is in front of a commercial truck, it may be plowed into.

This is even worse if the commercial truck driver is speeding because it will take that much longer to slow down. Stopping distance is increased even further during icy weather. If your accident is caused by being rear-ended by a truck driver, you can turn to commercial vehicle wreck attorneys for help.

After A Commercial Truck Accident

When your car is rear-ended by a commercial truck, your vehicle will be damaged. Even if you don't think you're injured, you should stop by the hospital just in case. If you don't receive medical attention immediately, your injuries might end up being much worse. The commercial truck insurance provider might also argue that you must not have been that injured if you didn't receive medical treatment immediately.

A commercial truck can take twice as long to stop as a normal passenger vehicle. It will take even longer if the commercial truck driver is distracted and has a slow reaction time. The driver might be on their phone or may have indulged in alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Oftentimes, a truck driver has a slower reaction time because the truck is so tall and the driver cannot see other approaching vehicles.

Truck Brake Systems

Some commercial trucks have brakes that don't stop as quickly. For one, a commercial truck should ideally have hydraulic brakes because they stop more quickly than air brakes. Also, some truck companies don't properly maintain their brakes and they may stop more slowly. 

The Importance Of Negligence

To be entitled to compensation for your injuries, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent during the accident. For example, if the conditions of the accident would have simply made it impossible to stop in time, the commercial truck insurance provider may deny your claim. The courts might throw your case out. Therefore, you'll need help from a commercial truck accident attorney to gather the evidence necessary to show that the truck was not able to stop in time due to the negligence of the driver. Contact a commercial vehicle wreck attorney for more information. 

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