Roderick C. Lopez | January 29, 2025 | Truck Accidents
The roadways that crisscross the U.S. are more than a way to get to the supermarket or visit National Parks. They’re a transit system used to carry consumer goods from coast to coast and everywhere in between, and massive semi-trucks are the vehicles that get the job done.
While cars and trucks often share the road without concern, there are times when hazardous conditions and hasty, drunk, or distracted drivers can create problems. When semi-trucks are involved, the damage can be significant.
Not only are these large, heavy vehicles more difficult to maneuver, but they also take longer to come to a full stop. How long does this take, exactly, and what are the potential consequences of delays in stopping?
Why Are Semi-Truck Accidents So Serious?
An 18-wheeler is a type of semi-truck named for the number of wheels on the tractor-trailer. This type of truck weighs around 35,000 pounds on its own and up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.
For comparison, the average weight of a new vehicle sold in the U.S. is about 4,300 pounds, or just over two tons. That’s a considerable disparity that doesn’t bode well for drivers and passengers of consumer vehicles that end up in accidents with semi-trucks.
When an 18-wheeler swerves unexpectedly, screeches to a halt, or gets into a jackknife accident, other drivers on the road can be collateral damage, resulting in extensive harm to both vehicles and their occupants.
How Long Does It Take a Semi To Stop?
You don’t need to know the mathematical formula for vehicle deceleration based on speed and weight to understand that heavier vehicles take longer to stop. A typical consumer vehicle weighing about 4,000 pounds and traveling at highway speeds of 65 mph would take just over 300 feet to stop when the driver hits the brakes.
A loaded semi-truck at a top-end weight of 80,000 pounds would take approximately 525 feet to stop, or nearly twice the distance.
And this is assuming ideal road conditions — if the road is slick with rain or ice, stopping safely could require a lot more roadway, potentially increasing the risk of a car accident. Factors like speeding, delayed reaction time, fatigue, and drunk or distracted driving could also play a role.
How To Avoid an Accident With an 18-Wheeler
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the state sees an average of over 40,000 trailer-involved crashes annually, including more than 500 fatalities, 1,700 suspected serious injuries, and nearly 6,000 suspected minor injuries.
The best way to avoid a truck accident on the highway is to follow the rules of the road and drive with extra caution when you’re in close proximity to semi-trucks.
Be aware of driver blind spots, and only pass on the left. Try to pass between exits to reduce the risk of drivers cutting off a truck as they enter or exit the highway. Move to pass as quickly as possible while observing the speed limit — don’t linger next to a truck if you can avoid it.
Finally, make sure you have plenty of room when you merge into a lane with a truck rather than cutting it close and forcing the driver to slam on their brakes.
What To Do If a Truck Accident Occurs
If you’re injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, seek medical attention as soon as possible, either from EMTs that arrive on the scene or at a nearby hospital. Gather key information from the scene, including the contact information of other drivers and witnesses, as well as photos and videos.
When you’re ready to take legal action to recover compensation for your losses, contact a qualified attorney to discuss your case and decide how to move forward.
Contact the Laredo Truck Accident Attorneys at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers. Call Us at (956) 529-7336
If you were injured in an accident in Laredo, TX, and need legal help, contact our Laredo truck accident lawyers at Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
We are located in Laredo, TX, proudly serving Webb County and surrounding areas. We are located in Laredo, Texas.
Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336
