The Hidden Dangers of Big Pickup Trucks
Big pickup trucks offer several advantages for South Carolina motorists, particularly for towing and hauling large loads. But today’s pickups are more dangerous than ever. Why? Modern pickups weigh 24 percent more than they did in 2000, and a pickup truck’s height compared to a passenger car makes them a dangerous companion on Palmetto State roadways.
Did you suffer injuries in an accident involving a pickup truck in Bamberg? At Wilson Law Group, LLC, our attorneys can help you seek compensation that puts you on the road to recovery. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Size Matters: The Risks of Large and Heavy Pickup Trucks
There are several potential dangers associated with big pickup trucks, including:
- Increased hazards upon impact due to size – Bigger pickup trucks have a higher bumper and a tall front end. These facts make it more likely that the energy in a crash will transfer directly to a crash victim’s hips and pelvis. The truck’s dimensions also make any crash with a pedestrian potentially deadly.
- Difficulty stopping – Pickups are heavier than other vehicles and require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. These vehicles consistently do worse than others in emergency handling and braking tests.
- Headlights and other drivers – A bigger truck’s headlights sit high off the ground. For this reason, even a truck’s low beams seem like high beams to oncoming traffic. The glare from big pickup truck lights can contribute to accidents by blinding oncoming drivers.
Bigger Blind Spots
Like all cars, pickup trucks have blind spots that can create safety risks on the road. Pickup trucks with a taller bed or a cab that sits higher than other vehicles have a large blind spot directly behind the truck. In some cases, those blind spots are 11 feet longer than a sedan’s. Pickups can also have blind spots along the sides of the vehicle, especially near the rear wheels.
The Truth About Aggressive Driving and Big Pickup Trucks
Not all pickup truck drivers drive aggressively, but some do. Studies have shown car types can influence driver behavior, with the drivers of SUVs and larger trucks more prone to dangerous driving habits. The added size and height of the truck make some drivers feel more powerful and less vulnerable to injuries, leading to more traffic violations, risk-taking, and aggressive maneuvers.
The Risk of Rollovers with Pickup Trucks
Big pickup trucks are at higher risk for rollovers than other vehicle types because they are taller and more unstable. Carrying heavy loads increases the risk of rollovers. The added weight shifts the truck’s center of gravity, making it less stable.
Legal Consequences of Accidents Involving Big Pickup Trucks
When a pickup driver causes a crash that injures someone else, South Carolina law allows accident victims to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. An experienced car accident attorney can explain your legal options and estimate how much money you may be entitled to receive.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in South Carolina
If a negligent pickup truck driver harmed you, the legal team at Wilson Law Group, LLC will help you pursue compensation from all possible sources. Contact us today for a free consultation.
