There are many common myths about semi-trucks, such as:
- Semi-truck drivers are often at fault
- Semi-trucks are easy to maneuver
- Semi-truck drivers are all trained and experienced
- Semi-truck accidents are rare
While there are reasons these myths have developed, they could not be further from the truth.
Myth #1: Semi-Truck Drivers Are Usually At Fault
People often assume that the truck driver is automatically at fault in a semi-truck accident for a combination of reasons:
- When comparing the enormous size of a truck to the average size of a car, van, SUV, or regular truck, people often instinctively blame the bigger vehicle for the wreck.
- Semi-truck drivers who have been at fault can find themselves involved in big, news-worthy lawsuits, which can lead news-watchers to develop the impression that semi-trucks are usually at fault.
- Movies and TV shows often depict truck drivers as reckless, aggressive, or irresponsible, further promoting the narrative that semi-truck drivers are most likely to cause a wreck.
- A lack of knowledge regarding trucking laws and the physics of trucking can cause people to assume every semi-truck accident is due to the driver instead of other possible factors, including other drivers.
The Truth: Many Times Other Drivers Are at Fault in a Semi-Truck Accident
When learning to drive, many people are not taught about semi-truck blind spots or how to drive safely around semi-trucks. People often cut semi-trucks off, brake too suddenly in front of a semi-truck, or drive in their blind spots for too long. As a result, other drivers often drive in ways that lead to semi-truck accidents.
Myth #2: Maneuvering a Semi-Truck Is Comparable to Maneuvering a Passenger Car
Everyone can look at a semi-truck and realize that it is much larger than the average vehicle on the road. But not everyone really understands just how much of a size and weight difference there is:
- Semi-trucks can weigh from 30,000 to 80,000 pounds, while the average sedan weighs between 2,400 and 3,500 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck is nearly 23 times heavier than a midsize sedan.
- The average semi-truck with a single trailer is 70’ long, over 8’ wide, and almost 14’ tall. The average midsize sedan is about 15’ long, 6’ wide, and a little over 5’ tall. A semi-truck is roughly four times longer and three times taller than a midsize sedan.
The Truth: It’s a LOT Harder to Maneuver a Semi-Truck Than a Regular Passenger Car
While it’s easy to steer, turn, and brake in a normal passenger car, it’s a lot more challenging to do the same in a semi-truck. In fact, it takes up to 40% more room to stop a semi-truck than it would an average passenger vehicle. Semi-truck drivers need extra time and room to maneuver their trucks on the road.
Myth #3: Truck Drivers Are Always Trained or Experienced Professionals
In order to safely and correctly drive a semi-truck, you must first take driving lessons and pass the test to obtain your commercial driver’s license. So, it only makes sense that all truck drivers on the road are trained, skilled, and experienced at driving, right?
The Truth: Some Truck Drivers Have Minimal Driving Experience and Insufficient Training
There is a truck driver shortage in America that has caused some trucking companies to skirt the rules when it comes to hiring or putting inexperienced or poorly trained drivers behind the wheel.
Myth #4: Semi-Truck Accidents Are Rare
When we think of semi-trucks, we often think of them on interstates, highways, and other “big roads.” For many, a daily trip to work, school, or the grocery store does not usually require the use of roads that semi-trucks commonly use. And even if some people’s commute does require them to share the road with a semi-truck, we’re so accustomed to seeing them on those roads that drivers don’t actively think about them.
As a result, we are not exposed to semi-truck accidents as much as we are to passenger car accidents on both smaller and bigger roads.
The Truth: Semi-Truck Accidents Are More Common Than We Realize
There are millions of semi-trucks on the road, leaving millions of opportunities to experience a semi-truck accident. In fact, in 2022, roughly 165,000 semi-truck accidents occurred in America.
If you or a loved one has experienced a semi-truck accident, let the attorneys at Clark, Smith & Sizemore fight for you.
Semi-truck accidents are serious events that can easily leave drivers and passengers seriously hurt or worse. If you were in an accident with a semi-truck, our semi-truck accident attorneys are here to help you navigate your case and receive the compensation your family deserves. Our team thoroughly investigates your case and fiercely represents you in the fight for justice. Call us today for a free consultation: 478-254-5040.
Thank you for checking out part 2 of our 6-part series on semi-truck accidents. Stay tuned for our upcoming articles:
- Semi-Truck Accident Facts
- Common Semi-Truck Accident Myths
- Is a Semi-Truck Accident Considered a Personal Injury?
- Common Types of Semi-Truck Accidents
- Choosing a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
- Your 2025 Guide to Navigating a Semi-Truck Accident