Every day, you share Indiana highways with massive semi-trucks that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. So when a collision involves a semi-truck, the force it generates can cause devastating crush injuries to anyone nearby. In fact, there are four common ways these injuries can happen and some of them might surprise you.
Underride collisions can crush your vehicle’s cabin
Because semi-trucks sit much higher off the ground than regular cars, a rear-end or side collision can cause your vehicle to slide underneath the trailer. When this happens, the bottom edge of the trailer crushes the windshield, roof and cabin directly into the passenger space. This type of crash compresses the area around you with tremendous force, leaving little room for survival without serious injury. This is why underride collisions are among the most deadly outcomes of semi-truck accidents in Indiana.
Rollovers put nearby vehicles in danger
Beyond underride crashes, rollover accidents are another serious source of crush injuries. Semi-trucks have a high center of gravity, which makes them prone to tipping over during sudden maneuvers or on slippery roads. If your vehicle is nearby when a truck rolls onto its side, the full weight of the trailer can crush your car in an instant. Hence, even the truck driver can suffer serious injuries when the cabin collapses around them.
Semi-truck can trap you against hard surfaces
However, not all crush injuries happen inside a vehicle. In fact, a semi-truck can pin pedestrians, cyclists and motorists against a concrete barrier, wall or the pavement itself. This often happens during blind-spot crashes or when a truck backs up without noticing someone nearby. These situations leave very little time or space to escape before serious harm occurs.
Shifting cargo creates a deadly crushing hazard
In addition to the truck itself, the cargo it carries can also cause crush injuries. Semi-trucks haul tons of heavy freight, such as steel beams, lumber and shipping containers. If the truck stops suddenly or crashes, poorly secured cargo can break free and crash through the trailer walls. This loose freight can land on surrounding vehicles or pin nearby motorists, causing severe crushing forces on the torso, chest or limbs.
Knowing your options after a serious crash
Crush injuries from a semi-truck accident can change your life in an instant. As an Indiana commuter, you have rights after a traumatic crash and understanding them is just as important as understanding the risks on the road. This is where having the right legal guidance can help you make informed decisions and focus on healing and moving forward.