The Impact of Truck Accidents on Vulnerable Road Users

Truck accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. As Nashville personal injury attorneys, we have witnessed the significant impact these accidents can have on the lives of victims and their families. The size and weight disparity between trucks and vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians make them particularly susceptible to catastrophic injuries.

How common are bicycle and pedestrian accidents in Nashville?

According to a recent report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), the United States witnessed a disturbing rise in pedestrian fatalities in 2022. The report revealed that over 7,500 pedestrians were tragically hit and killed by drivers, marking the highest number of pedestrian deaths in 41 years.

Further, per Safer Streets Nashville, “According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, there have been 566 traffic deaths in Davidson County between 2018 and 2022–and since 2018, 176 of those fatalities have been pedestrians.”

What injuries do bicyclists and pedestrians suffer in an accident with a truck?

Bicyclists and pedestrians involved in accidents with trucks can sustain a range of catastrophic injuries due to the significant size and weight disparity between the truck and the vulnerable road user. Some of the common injuries that bicyclists and pedestrians may suffer in such accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Head injuries are a significant concern in truck accidents. Bicyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to TBIs, which can range from concussions to severe brain trauma. These injuries may result in long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and physical disabilities.
• Spinal cord injuries. Accidents involving trucks can cause severe damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or complete paralysis. Bicyclists and pedestrians may experience permanent disabilities, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia, impacting their mobility and independence.
• Internal organ damage. The forceful impact from a truck collision can cause internal injuries, including damage to organs such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. Internal bleeding and organ ruptures can be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.
• Burn injuries. Bicyclists and pedestrians involved in accidents with trucks can sustain severe burn injuries, which can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. The impact of a collision between a truck and a vulnerable road user can lead to fires, explosions, or contact with hazardous substances, resulting in various types of burn injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe, depending on the duration and intensity of exposure to heat, flames, chemicals, or electrical sources.
• Psychological trauma. The emotional impact of a truck accident can be profound for bicyclists and pedestrians. They may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or other psychological conditions that affect their overall well-being and quality of life.
• Fractures and broken bones. The force of impact in a truck accident can lead to fractures and broken bones. Bicyclists and pedestrians may experience broken limbs, such as arms, legs, or ribs, which can require extensive medical treatment and prolonged recovery periods.
• Permanent scarring. Contact with the truck or road surfaces can result in lacerations and deep cuts. These injuries may require stitches or surgery and can leave permanent scars and disfigurement.

It is important to note that the severity of injuries can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, including the speed of the truck, the point of impact, and the use of safety equipment by the vulnerable road user. Seeking immediate medical attention is crucial after any accident involving a truck to diagnose and treat injuries promptly.

Tragically, accidents between unprotected road users and trucks often result in the death of the bicyclist or pedestrian due to the severity of their injuries. Losing a loved one or family member is a devastating experience, and when their death is a result of someone else’s negligence or unlawful behavior, the tragedy is compounded. Legally, these circumstances are referred to as “wrongful death,” and in such cases, surviving family members have the right to pursue civil actions to hold the responsible parties accountable.

How do these truck accidents happen?

Truck accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists can occur due to a variety of factors, often resulting in devastating consequences for the vulnerable road users involved.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver negligence. One common cause of truck accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists is driver negligence. Distracted driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-cab electronics, can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road, making it difficult to notice pedestrians or bicyclists sharing the same space.
• Reckless driving. Reckless maneuvers, such as aggressive lane changes or failure to yield right-of-way, further contribute to the occurrence of these accidents. Speeding is another factor that increases the risk of accidents, as it reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid collisions.
• Poor visibility. Visibility issues also play a significant role in truck accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Trucks have larger blind spots, known as “no-zones,” which can make it challenging for drivers to see individuals on foot or on bicycles. When truck drivers fail to check their blind spots or use proper signaling techniques, they may unintentionally collide with pedestrians or bicyclists who are in their path. Both pedestrians and bicyclists are much smaller than those in sedans or other larger vehicles, and they tend to be less visible at night, putting them at greater risk for an accident with a vehicle.
• Truck maintenance. Inadequate truck maintenance and mechanical failures can contribute to accidents. Issues with brakes, tires, steering mechanisms, or other essential components can impair a truck driver’s ability to safely navigate the road. Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to experience malfunctions, increasing the risk of accidents for the more vulnerable people using the road.
• External conditions. Truck accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists can also be influenced by external factors such as road conditions and infrastructure. Poorly designed intersections, lack of designated bike lanes, inadequate signage, or unclear traffic controls can create hazardous situations for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially when sharing the road with large trucks. Inadequate lighting or improper road markings can further diminish visibility, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we understand truck accidents and we want to fight for you. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident, talk to our Nashville truck accident lawyers today. To schedule a free consultation, call us or complete our contact form. We have offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, and Clarksville.