Most people think of rear-end accidents as minor fender benders. But when a massive commercial truck is involved, the outcome can be catastrophic. A rear-end collision with an 18-wheeler is nothing like a typical car accident—these crashes often result in serious injuries, extensive vehicle damage, and even fatalities. Let’s explore why rear-end truck accidents are so dangerous and how to protect your rights after a collision in Northbrook or the Chicagoland area.
Size and Weight Make a Huge Difference
One of the biggest reasons rear-end truck accidents are so dangerous is the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to the average passenger car’s 3,000-4,000 pounds. When a vehicle of that size crashes into the back of a smaller car, the force of impact is extreme.
A rear-end collision involving a truck can:
- Crush the back of a smaller vehicle, pushing it forward into traffic
- Cause severe whiplash or spinal injuries due to the sudden force
- Lead to multi-car pileups if other cars are in close proximity
Unlike a typical rear-end accident, where the damage might be limited to a bent bumper, a truck rear-ending a car can total the vehicle and leave occupants with life-altering injuries.
Stopping Distance Matters
Trucks need significantly more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. On dry pavement, a car traveling at 65 mph may take the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. If the driver is distracted, drowsy, or following too closely, they may not have enough time to react to sudden traffic slowdowns.
Factors that affect a truck’s stopping distance include:
- Road conditions (wet, icy, or uneven roads increase stopping time)
- Truck weight (a fully loaded truck takes longer to stop)
- Brake condition (poorly maintained brakes can fail under pressure)
- Driver reaction time (fatigue and distraction slow response times)
If a truck driver isn’t paying attention or doesn’t have enough space to stop safely, a rear-end crash can occur instantly.
Underride Accidents: A Deadly Risk
One of the most terrifying risks in a rear-end truck accident is an underride accident. This happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the back of a truck during a crash. Because a truck’s trailer sits higher than most passenger cars, the top of a smaller vehicle can be crushed or even completely sheared off.
Underride accidents are often fatal or result in devastating head and neck injuries. While some trucks have underride guards to prevent these tragedies, they are not always strong enough to stop a car from sliding underneath.
Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents
Rear-end truck accidents don’t just happen out of nowhere. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, using GPS, or eating while driving can distract a truck driver from the road.
- Speeding or reckless driving – A truck going too fast has even less time to stop safely.
- Fatigue – Truckers often work long hours, leading to drowsy driving and slow reaction times.
- Poor truck maintenance – Worn-out brakes or faulty tires can make stopping nearly impossible.
- Sudden traffic changes – If a car in front brakes unexpectedly, a truck may not have time to stop.
Who Is Liable in a Rear-End Truck Accident?
Liability in a truck accident isn’t always as straightforward as in a rear-end crash. While in most rear-end collisions, the driver in the back is usually at fault. Truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, including:
- The truck driver – If they were speeding, distracted, or following too closely.
- The trucking company – If poor training, unrealistic delivery schedules, or lack of vehicle maintenance contributed to the crash.
- The truck manufacturer – If defective brakes or faulty equipment played a role.
- Other drivers – If a third vehicle’s actions led to the accident.
Investigating the cause of a truck accident requires legal and industry knowledge, as well as access to trucking records and crash data.
What to Do If You’ve Been in a Rear-End Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end truck accident in Northbrook, take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, injuries such as whiplash or concussions may not be apparent immediately.
- Call the police – A police report will document what happened and can serve as valuable evidence.
- Take photos and gather evidence – Document vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
- Get witness information – If others witnessed the crash, their testimony can strengthen your case.
- Consult a truck accident lawyer – Trucking companies and insurers often try to reduce payouts, so having legal representation is crucial.
Talk to a Northbrook, IL, Truck Accident Attorney
Rear-end truck accidents can change lives in an instant. If you’ve been injured due to a truck driver’s negligence, turn to Stein & Shulman. We fight for truck accident victims in Northbrook and beyond. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are committed to helping you recover the compensation you need. Call us today for a free consultation.
