(845) 802-0047The most dangerous part of the road is an intersection. New York law recognizes this and requires motorists to exercise additional caution at intersections. This is because intersections are where multiple lanes of travel converge and cross over each other. This means that vehicles will pass directly in front of the path of other vehicles. This obviously creates the risk for collisions, particularly t-bone collisions or head-on crashes. In fact, intersections are the most common place for a motor vehicle crash to occur, including New York trucking accidents.
While all crashes at intersections could result in serious personal injuries or the wrongful death of a person, accidents at intersections with trucks like tractor trailers, tankers, 18 wheelers, and other large big rigs are more likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. There are many reasons why trucking accidents at intersections are more likely to result in these types of devastating injuries. Some of these reasons are inherent to all types of motor vehicles, but other reasons are unique to 18 wheelers and other commercial vehicles. This is why it is important to hire a New York trucking accident lawyer who understands these unique and enhanced risks that tractor trailers create for us.
Common Causes why Trucking Accidents at Intersections Occur
Unlike rear-end collisions or drunk driving crashes, accidents at intersections require a determination who was at fault. This may become a contested issue if fault is not clear from the basic facts of the accident. In order to recover compensation for an accident at an intersection, you will have to establish liability by proving the other party was at fault for causing the crash.
There are many reasons why commercial vehicles like 18 wheeler, tractor trailers, tandem trailers, and other box trucks cause accidents at intersections.
Some of the most common causes include the following:
- Failing to follow traffic control devices;
- Speeding;
- Fatigued driving;
- Mechanical failures;
- Wide turns;
- Improper left turns;
- Failing to yield to the right of way of other vehicles;
- Drugged driving or drunk driving;
- Driving while fatigued; and
- Other negligent reasons.
Types of Accidents at Intersections Involving Trucks
When an intersection collision occurs with a commercial vehicle at an intersection, there are many common types of trucking accidents that could occur. Each type of crash has a unique risk to occupants. The most common types of crashes are head-on collisions or t-bone collisions, both of which are dangerous and frequently fatal. This is because head-on collisions put the momentum of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions against each other which means the force of impact is magnified. T-bone accidents are most dangerous for the occupants of the vehicle being t-boned because the sidewalls have no buffer like a trunk or engine block to disperse energy before coming into contact with occupants.
Some other common types of accidents at intersections involving trucks include the following:
- Sideswipe crashes;
- Rollover collisions;
- Rear end crashes;
- Jackknife accidents;
- Crushing collisions;
- Wheels driving over parts of smaller vehicles;
- Cargo falling off at a turn;
- Side impact crashes due to a truck’s trailer imprudently blocking the right of way; and
- Other types of crashes.
Why New York Trucking Accidents at Intersections are More Dangerous
Commercial vehicles like large trucks are more dangerous than other motor vehicles. This is because box trucks are heavier and generate more momentum, which means greater force upon impact. Trucks are also more dangerous because of their sheer size and inherent build. Tires are larger and taller, even above eye-level for smaller, passenger vehicles. The engine block is also higher off the ground and the same height as occupants of other vehicles, making the engine block a battering ram. Trucks also have larger reserves of fuel, which could cause secondary explosions or fires after a collision which could also cause harm.
As a result, New York trucking accidents can cause serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), amputations, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, severe disfigurement, nerve injuries, and wrongful death. Victims may be entitled to recover damages for these injuries, including pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, lost future earnings, future medical expenses, loss of consortium from loved ones, and other damages.
Call our New York Trucking Accident Lawyer if You Have Been Hurt in an Intersection Action with a Truck
All commercial truck accidents are dangerous and could result in debilitating, permanent, and fatal injuries. This is particularly true of trucking accidents with intersections, especially t-bone or head-on collisions. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in an 18 wheeler wreck, please call our New York trucking accident lawyer to learn how we can help you today.