What Are the Dangers of Twin-Trailer Truck Accidents?

There are a number of factors that make truck accidents so devastating and destructive, including their massive size and the fact that the average commercial truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.

If an additional trailer is attached, increasing the total size and weight of the truck, this can pose even more safety hazards, particularly to motorists who are sharing the road with these massive trucks. When a passenger vehicle is involved in a devastating accident with a truck that is carrying twin trailers, the occupants of the passenger vehicle often suffer catastrophic injuries, if they survive the crash.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a twin-trailer truck accident, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at your earliest convenience. 

What Are the Advantages of Twin-Trailer Trucks?

Large commercial trucks deliver a wide range of cargo, from dry goods and machinery to electronics and hazardous chemicals. From an economic standpoint, the more cargo that a truck can carry at one time, the better. While safety is a major concern when it comes to these massive trucks, advocates of twin trailers argue that they offer a range of benefits, including the following:

• Heavy loads can be distributed over a larger surface, which can reduce the risk of a devastating accident. 
• Since they are able to carry significantly more cargo at one time, twin-trailer trucks may reduce fuel use and carbon emissions, offering a greener and more cost-effective option.
• The use of twin trailers could reduce the number of trucks on the road at one time, resulting in fewer truck accidents.
• Truck drivers who are operating a twin-trailer truck will be able to deliver significantly more cargo with no additional hours behind the wheel. This can help reduce truck driver fatigue, which is a serious issue in the trucking industry.

What Are the Safety Hazards Associated With Twin-Trailer Trucks?

There are common safety hazards associated with all large trucks due to their size. For example, they require significantly more road space to slow down or come to a complete stop, they have very large blind spots, and they are prone to devastating rollover accidents due to their high center of gravity. Twin-trailer trucks have all of the same safety hazards, but those hazards are potentially more prevalent due to their size. In fact, truck drivers often refer to twin trailers as “widow makers” due to the potential of a twin-trailer accident resulting in a tragic fatality. The following are examples of the dangers of twin-trailer trucks:

• Twin-trailer trucks are more difficult to operate and require additional driver trailing. If a truck driver has limited experience operating a large truck and has not been properly trained on how to operate and maintain control of a twin-trailer truck, there is an increased risk of a serious truck accident.
• Twin trailers have even larger blind spots than regular commercial trucks. That means that it is very difficult for the truck driver to see other motorists who are in the direct vicinity, particularly cars that are driving right next to the truck on the right side or directly behind the truck.
• Twin trailers haul significantly more cargo at one time. The heavier loads can cause more wear and tear on the roads. Poor road conditions like potholes and debris can increase the risk of a devastating truck accident.
• It takes even more road space for a twin trailer to slow down or come to a complete stop than a regular commercial truck since they are significantly larger and heavier than the average commercial truck. If there are other vehicles on the road, and the truck driver is unable to slow down in time to avoid hitting another car, this can have catastrophic consequences.
• Twin trailers are more prone to jackknife accidents, which occur when the trailer or the truck folds in on itself at the point of separation, causing the trailer to form a 90-degree angle. Twin trailers are also more likely to scorpion-tail, which occurs when the second trailer crashes into vehicles that are in the adjacent lane.
• Twin-trailer trucks make extremely wide turns. Large trucks generally need to swing wide into an adjacent lane in order to complete a turn. If the truck driver does not check the blind spots or a motorist tries to speed by as the truck is turning, this can result in catastrophic accidents, including underride collisions, where a vehicle slides underneath the trailer.

What Damages Could I Be Entitled to in a Twin-Trailer Truck Accident?

Studies show that twin-trailer truck accidents are 11 percent more likely to result in a fatality than regular semi-trucks. If you are fortunate enough to survive a twin-trailer truck accident, it is highly likely that you suffered catastrophic injuries that require immediate medical attention and ongoing care. A dedicated truck accident lawyer will assist you with the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit against the truck driver or another negligent party. A successful outcome will ensure that you recover the damages you may be entitled to, including the following:

• All medical expenses associated with your injuries
• Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from being able to return to work
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering, including post-traumatic stress from the accident, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium

The Savannah Truck Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC Represent Victims of Twin-Trailer Truck Accidents

If you suffered a devastating injury in a twin-trailer truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Savannah truck accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. We can conduct a thorough investigation into the details of the accident, determine who is responsible for causing the accident, and help you recover the damages to which you may be entitled. Our dedicated legal team will protect your legal rights throughout the claims process. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 478-254-2007 or contact us online. Our office is located in Macon, Georgia, where we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.