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.
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.