Client Review by Trucker Injured in 3 Semi CrashIntersections are common sites of vehicle crashes. The dangers can be much greater when semis or other big trucks are involved. Tractor trailers and other large commercial vehicles take longer to stop and need more time and space to maneuver and turn than cars. Truckers need to have special training on operating such large, heavily-loaded vehicles at intersections and turns because these huge vehicles can easily turn an ordinary accident into a devastating tragedy.
Causes of Truck Accidents at Intersections
Some causes of intersection truck accidents are:
- Approaching intersections too fast. Can make it impossible to stop in time to avoid a crash or make safe right or left hand turns.
- Entering intersections without a complete view of traffic. Line of sight may be blocked by buildings, signs, trees or other objects.
- Blocking traffic. Semi-trailers or any large truck making right or left turns can obstruct vehicles around it increasing crash risk.
- Improper lookout. Not properly watching traffic in and around the intersection so the truck can stop in time to avoid a crash.
- Right-of-way violations. running red lights, stop signs and not yielding the right-of-way to other vehicles
- Not being prepared to stop. In the event that there are vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection.
Prevalence of Intersection Truck Collisions
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 2022 5,949 people died and 73,391 were injured large trucks crashes. About 21% of these fatal truck and about 22% of these injury truck crashes happened at intersections. This illustrates the danger that visibility problems, right-of-way issues, space requirements and other issues at intersections pose for semis and other big trucks.
Some intersections seem to invite crashes more than others. These are the top five most dangerous intersections in Missouri, according to a report from State Farm:
- Glenstone Avenue/Sunshine Street (Springfield)
- Clarkson Road/Manchester Road (Ellisville)
- Fee Fee Road/ Olive Street (St. Louis)
- Glenstone Avenue/Kearney Street (Springfield)
- Clayton Road/Highway 141 (Town and Country)
Zooming in on Kansas City, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department also released a list of the metro’s most crash-prone intersections:
- I-435/I-70
- Gregory Boulevard/71 Highway
- 23rd Street/I-435
- Bannister Road/71 Hwy
- 87th Street/I-435
Injuries from Intersection Truck Accidents
In intersection truck accidents the front of the semi-tractor typically strikes either the front or side of the passenger vehicle. Some of these are referred to as broadside or T-bone crashes. The size, weight and height mismatch between the 18 wheeler and the smaller passenger vehicle and force involved creates the potential for serious, permanent or catastrophic injury. Back, neck shoulder and spine injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) including concussions are common in these crashes. The potential for broken bones, paralysis, internal organ damage, amputation and fatal injuries exist. Proving fault at an intersection often comes down to traffic signals, witness statements, and dashcam footage. A truck accident lawyer who handles intersection crashes knows how to gather this evidence before it disappears.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an intersection accident involving a truck, call on a reliable attorney to help fight for your compensation and justice. Flick Truck Accident Law can provide the legal service you need to win your case, the same way our firm has been recovering money for people injured in truck accidents since 1995.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intersection Truck Accidents
Intersection truck accidents can happen when a truck driver runs a red light, fails to yield at a stop sign or when turning, misjudges the speed of oncoming traffic, or cannot stop in time because of the truck's long stopping distance. Semi-trucks need a lot more time and space to maneuver and stop than cars. Misjudging the speed and closeness of other vehicles, the time and space required for the truck to clear the intersection, driver fatigue, distraction or inattention are potential causes.
Fault depends on the specific facts of how the crash happened. The driver who violated the right-of-way is usually at fault. The truck driver may be at fault for running a light, not yielding, or making an unsafe turn. Traffic cameras, witness statements, and the police report are important evidence. If the truck had a dashcam video, can show exactly how the crash happened. The truck's black box data can provide information truck's speed and braking before the crash.A truck accident lawyer can investigate to determine who was at fault.
Because intersection crashes often involve a truck striking the side of a passenger vehicle, occupants are especially vulnerable. Back and neck injuries and traumatic brain injuries are common in these crashes, Spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, crush injuries and other injuries also can happen. T-bone collisions, also sometimes known as broadside crashes with trucks are very dangerous because car doors and side panels offer far less protection than the front or rear of the vehicle and the huge size and weight difference between a semi-truck and a car.
Disputed fault is common in intersection accidents. This is where evidence is critical. Traffic camera footage, nearby business surveillance cameras, witness statements, the truck's dashcam video, and black box data can all help prove what really happened. An experienced truck accident lawyer can take steps to gather and preserve this evidence before it disappears.