Side-impact truck crashes, also called T-bone crashes, can have severe and often deadly consequences. They are particularly dangerous because they involve massive commercial trucks crashing into the side of another, usually smaller vehicle. These wrecks occur when a semi strikes the side of a car, creating a “T” shape.
Tractor-trailers are much larger and heavier than most other vehicles, and collisions often leave the car driver or passengers with life-threatening or fatal injuries. In addition, the side of cars, including the doors, have much less material to protect people from harm than the front or back bumpers. Call a diligent truck crash attorney who has experience in cases with side-impact truck accidents in Philadelphia to discuss and review your options.
Some typical causes of T-bone truck collisions include the following:
An attorney who handles claims for Philadelphia side-impact truck crashes could investigate and analyze the evidence to determine the operator’s actions leading up to the incident.
While harm may be minor in some cases, it is often more severe in T-bone truck collisions. Some examples of injuries include:
While safety equipment, such as side airbags, can help reduce the impact of the often serious collisions, there is no way to avoid them altogether.
Commercial truck driver safety rules and regulations play a significant role in preventing severe crashes on the roadways, such as side-impact collisions. The legislation regulates many aspects of the industry, including trucker training and qualifications, time behind the wheel rules, and maintenance, such as regular mandatory safety inspections.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, new operators entering the industry must complete Entry Level Driver Training to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL) for the first time or upgrade a current one to transport hazardous material. Once training is complete, they must pass a skills test before moving forward.
The state aims to reduce the number of fatal accidents involving heavy commercial vehicles and promote safe travel on state roads and highways. A lawyer could investigate to determine if an involved trucker had complied with federal and state rules and regulations.
Side-impact crashes occur when the front end of a truck, such as an 18-wheeler, strikes the side of another vehicle. These can have devastating consequences, including injuries leading to permanent disability or death. The size and weight of heavy commercial trucks alone can often lead to catastrophic injuries, and when other factors are present, such as high speeds, the outcome can worsen significantly.
T-bone accidents can happen anywhere a trucker maneuvers their vehicles, including intersections and highways. To begin preparing your case, schedule a meeting with a seasoned lawyer who understands how to handle side-impact truck accidents in Philadelphia.