3 Types of Accidents Pickup Trucks Are More Likely to Suffer
Pickup trucks are a regular sight on Kansas roads, especially for motorists who appreciate versatility, great towing power, and some sense of off-road capability. The advantages brought by pickups are numerous, yet they also come with unique safety risks not characteristic of smaller passenger vehicles. Pickup trucks, however, have higher statistical risks for certain types of accidents compared with cars or compact SUVs. That’s why the Kansas truck accident lawyers here at Patterson Legal Group are here with the info you need on the three most common pickup truck accidents and why they happen.
Three Most Common Pickup Accidents
The three types of accidents in which pickup trucks are overrepresented are listed below:
1. Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes represent the most significant safety difference between pickup trucks and passenger cars.
The cause:
Pickup trucks are higher off the ground compared to most vehicles. Their higher ride height raises the center of gravity, and most pickups have a narrow track width for their height. All these combine to make them inherently less stable during sudden changes in direction.
Why pickups are more vulnerable:
When a driver swerves to avoid an obstacle—such as a deer, debris, or another vehicle—the weight shift in a pickup truck is far more dramatic than in a sedan. Pickups are also more likely to roll when one side of the vehicle leaves the pavement and hits a soft shoulder, dirt, or gravel at highway speeds.
The risk:
Although rollover accidents are only in the single digits in total, they form a high percentage of pickup truck fatalities. Occupants are more likely to be thrown out or suffer injuries due to the impact, particularly if seat belts are not worn.
2. “Frontover” Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Children
Most drivers are familiar with rear blind spots. But modern pickup trucks also have dangerously large blind spots in front of the vehicle.
Cause:
The hood of a modern full-size pickup can be more than 50 inches high, creating a forward blind spot that can extend 10 to 15 feet in front of the bumper–a space where a driver can’t see children, pedestrians or even adults standing near the truck.
Why pickups are more vulnerable:
“Frontover” accidents typically occur when a driver pulls forward from a parked position or driveway and is not aware that someone is directly in front of the vehicle. Children are particularly vulnerable because they are shorter and more likely to be playing near parked trucks.
The result:
Unlike sedans, which often strike pedestrians in the legs, pickup trucks tend to strike the torso or head due to their tall, flat front ends. These impacts are far more likely to result in severe or fatal injuries, even at low speeds.
3. Rear-End Collisions Due to Longer Stopping Distance
Pickup trucks are often the striking vehicle in rear-end collisions, especially while towing or hauling cargo.
The cause:
Pickups are heavy vehicles, and their braking performance differs greatly depending on load. With an empty truck bed, there is less weight over the rear axle, and consequently less traction when sudden stops are made, which can easily cause skidding. When fully loaded or towing, a truck’s increased mass creates much more momentum, lengthening the stopping distance dramatically.
Why pickups are more susceptible:
A lot of drivers underestimate how much extra space a pickup needs in order to stop safely. This usually causes rear-end collisions either in traffic or at high speeds on highways.
Added danger:
Pickups also present a greater hazard to people in smaller vehicles because of “bumper mismatch.” In a rear-ender, the truck’s bumper may ride over the bumper of a sedan, so the truck can cause serious damage and injury.
What Pickup Drivers Can Do to Lessen These Risks
If you drive a pickup truck, small changes in your driving habits can significantly reduce the occurrence of these accidents:
- Reduce rollover risk by slowing down when taking curves or exit ramps
- Always walk around the front of your truck before getting in, especially in residential areas
- Leave at least double the normal following distance due to braking limitations
By following these simple habits, a pickup truck driver can significantly decrease their chances of causing a serious accident.
Here with the Info You Need on Pickup Truck Accidents
Here at Patterson Legal Group, we’re here to give you the information you need on the most common pickup truck accidents. We’re also here for you if you were injured in such an accident through no fault of your own. Our dedicated team of litigators and trial lawyers has a proven track record of success in securing settlements for those in Kansas, as well as in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Colorado. We will fight for you every step of the way.
Get started today with a free consultation by calling us at 888-687-2400 or going online through our secure contact form. You can also connect with our LiveChat representatives. We work under a “No Win, No Fee” promise, so you won’t pay anything unless we win. Reach out today and take the first step towards the money you deserve.
