Rear End Head On Collisions

Semi rear end and semi head on crash are two of the most common tractor trailer crashes on the roadways of the country today. These crashes range from mild to severe and can cause serious bodily harm to individuals involved. The NHTSA released statistics detailing how 5,000 people are killed in big rig crashes each year and some 130,000 people are injured in big rig accidents on a yearly basis as well. Rear end and head on collisions involving big rigs and smaller vehicles are caused by a multitude of different things. Collision repair is another costly part of such accidents that can amount to thousands of dollars.

How These Accidents Happen

Big rigs and semis are common sights on the roads of the country, accounting for almost 3 percent of traffic accidents on a yearly basis. Some of the most common causes of these accidents are listed below:

• The driver of a motor vehicle drives in the blind spot of the truck

• The driver of a motor vehicle changes lanes abruptly in front of a truck

• Merging inappropriately in front of a truck

• Unsafe passing

• Driving between large trucks

• Driver error

• Faulty equipment

• Inadequate training on the part of the truck driver

• Driver drowsiness

• Driver fatigue

• Inclement weather

• Animals on the roadway

• Leaving a disabled vehicle on the highway

Governing Laws

Every single operator of a big rig or semi truck must pass a specified training course and obtain a special driver’s license to operate the vehicle. If he or she does not have these qualifications then they are subject to tickets, fines, and license suspensions if caught. Other laws that govern the operation of big rigs and semi trucks include the size, weight, route designations, length, width and weight limitations of the truck. All trucks must pass inspections prior to being allowed on the roadway and must continue to be inspected randomly throughout their use.

Injuries and Compensation

Victims of big rig and semi truck accidents can suffer various injuries including broken bones, concussions, severed limbs, respiratory problems, fractured bones, cuts, abrasions and even death. Victims of these accidents can sue the truck driver and sometimes the trucking company for one or more of the following:

• Loss of wages

• Medical bills

• Hospital bills

• Repair costs

• Legal fees

• Court fees

• Loss of consortium

• Pain and suffering