Head-On Truck Collisions vs. Rear-End Collisions

Large truck accidents are some of the most severe traffic collisions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 5,700 fatal crashes in the U.S. involved large trucks in 2021. The damage inflicted on a smaller car in a head-on or rear-end truck accident can be catastrophic. However, head-on collisions are typically the more severe of the two.

What Is a Head-On Truck Accident?

A head-on truck accident is a traffic crash where the front end of a commercial truck, such as an 18-wheeler or semi-truck, collides with the front end of another motor vehicle. The mechanics of a head-on collision make this one of the deadliest types of accidents. The truck and car will collide at the combined speeds of both vehicles. This makes for higher impact forces and more severe injuries.

Consequences of Commercial Truck Head-On Collisions

A large truck head-on collision can impart an enormous amount of force into the smaller motor vehicle. This can smash, crush or completely obliterate the latter, resulting in serious or deadly injuries for occupants. Truck head-on accidents may involve more than one other car, as it may take multiple impacts to slow the velocity of the big rig. These collisions also come with a high risk of vehicle fires and truck rollovers.

What Is a Truck Rear-End Collision?

A truck rear-end collision describes a semi-truck crashing into the back of another vehicle. These collisions can occur when a truck driver is distracted or not paying attention to the road, as well as issues such as following too closely (tailgating), speeding, driver fatigue, brake failure and bad weather. If a smaller car cuts a truck off and slams on the brakes, this could also cause a truck rear-end collision.

Underride and Override Accidents

When a large truck hits the rear of a smaller car, the truck may drive up and over the car. This is known as an override accident – a type of crash that can have devastating consequences for the occupants of the smaller car, as it may get crushed beneath the truck. If a car rear-ends a semi, on the other hand, this could lead to an underride accident, where the car slides beneath the trailer.

Which Is More Dangerous, a Truck Head-On or Rear-End Collision?

According to the National Safety Council, head-on collisions are deadlier than rear-end accidents. In 2022, 29.6 percent of traffic deaths were caused by head-on collisions, while 17.3 percent were caused by rear-end collisions. The speeds and directions of both vehicles involved in the crash can determine the severity of a truck accident.

Although both types can be catastrophic or fatal, a head-on collision with a big rig will typically inflict a greater amount of damage. This is because when two vehicles are moving toward each other, they produce more force or velocity upon impact. In a rear-end collision, on the other hand, the vehicle struck is typically standing still or traveling at a low speed.

When to Consult With a Denver Truck Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a head-on truck accident, rear-end collision with a large truck or any other type of commercial truck crash in Denver, an experienced attorney can help you seek justice. You likely have significant property damage, injuries and medical bills. You can count on your attorney to navigate the legal process and pursue maximum compensation for you while you concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery.

For more information about a specific case, contact Fang Accident Lawyers at (720) 379-6363 for a free consultation.