The basics of trucking accidents

Semi-trucks and their drivers are essential to our economy and day-to-day life. That's one of many reasons why reducing accidents between commercial trucks and private vehicles is so vital. To help do your part, it’s important to know how to share the road with them. Let’s explore the basics, from common types of trucking accidents to prevention strategies.

Overall, the number of trucking accidents has decreased since 2023. While that’s good news for all drivers, it’s still important to be careful and take precautions.

The sheer size of an 18-wheeler means there are more factors to consider when navigating around them. Accidents can happen if you don’t take certain details into account. For example:

• A semi weighs an average of 40 tons—compared to a four-wheel vehicle that typically weighs about 2 tons

• It takes a semi-truck about 40% longer than an average car to come to a full stop

• Semis have a 55-foot turn radius, which means they need more room to make turns

Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Here are a few types of trucking accidents:

An accident occurs because another vehicle is in one of a semi’s four blind spots, where they aren’t visible to a truck driver

This occurs when a truck collides with another vehicle while turning, especially when taking a right turn

Now that you know some potential hazards, here are a few prevention strategies that can help you reduce the likelihood of being in a truck accident:

• Look for the truck driver in their side mirrors. If you can’t see their reflection, it’s likely you’re in a no zone—or blind spot—and you should move out safely.

• Avoid following semis too closely—this can help prevent rear-end collisions

• Give semis extra space when they’re turning—they’ll need a wide berth

• Eliminate distractions like cellphones, food and drinks, and reaching for objects inside your vehicle

• Avoid dangerous behaviors like speeding, sudden lane changes, and driving while intoxicated or impaired

While prevention techniques can help keep you and others safe on the road, accidents may still happen. If you’re involved in a trucking accident, there are several basic steps you need to take:

1. Make sure your vehicle is in a safe location

2. Check on the other parties involved if it’s safe to do so

3. Call 911 to report the crash and any injuries

4. Help the injured to the best of your abilities

5. Exchange insurance information with others involved in the crash

6. Take pictures of the crash from multiple angles and get contact information from other parties and witnesses

7. If you can, get the police report number and contact information for tow companies and others responsible for clean-up

When following these steps, make sure you and the other people involved in the crash are safe from the traffic around you to help avoid any further incidents or injuries.

The documentation you gather about the accident—like photos, witness statements, or a police report—will be vital for the claims process to be resolved quickly and fairly.

Visit our resource page for a more in-depth look at the steps to take after a trucking accident.