How Safe Are Pickup Trucks?

Pickup trucks are becoming increasingly popular with drivers. In fact, according to the most recently available data, the top three best-selling pickup truck models made up 13 percent of all new vehicle sales in the United States. Many prefer pickup trucks because they offer versatility that is not available with a sedan or even an SUV. However, while their large size leads many motorists to believe that pickup trucks are safer than other vehicles, that is not necessarily the case. A recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that drivers and passengers of pickup trucks are 2.5 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries in a traffic accident. 

What Makes Pickup Trucks More Dangerous?

The data is clear that pickup trucks are more dangerous than cars, minivans, and SUVs. What makes a pickup truck so dangerous? Below is a list of reasons why pickup trucks are so dangerous.

Pickup Trucks Roll Easily

Pickup trucks have a much higher center of gravity than other types of vehicles, even large minivans and sport-utility vehicles. This can cause a pickup truck to roll while making a tight turn or after a collision with another car. A rolled-over pickup truck endangers not only occupants of the pickup truck but also others on the road. 

Drivers of Pickup Trucks Cannot See as Well

Although drivers of pickup trucks have a higher vantage point than other motorists, that does not necessarily translate to safety. Pickup truck drivers have a much harder time seeing pedestrians and cyclists than other motorists, given the increasingly large size of most pickup trucks. According to Consumer Reports, hood heights have grown by 11 percent since 2000, with new trucks weighing 24 percent more from 2000 to 2018. 

Pickup Trucks Often Have Dangerous Modifications

Modifications are extremely common in pickup trucks. Drivers may purchase a pickup truck for a specific need and then customize it to fit the driver’s intended use better. For example, lifting a pickup truck is one of the most common modifications. Some lifted pickups are high enough that the driver loses sight lines that were visible at a lower height. Dark tint, loud stereo systems, and electronic modifications are also common. While these features can make for a more customized vehicle, they also increase the risk of a serious South Carolina pickup truck accident.

What To Do After a South Carolina Pickup Truck Accident

Pickup truck accidents often result in serious, life-changing injuries. If you have been hurt in a South Carolina pickup truck accident, you can pursue a claim for compensation, either against the driver or, in some cases, against the vehicle’s manufacturer or modification shop.

Drivers, including those operating pickup trucks, owe a legal duty of care to everyone else on the road. If the pickup truck driver caused an accident, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries. Similarly, vehicle manufacturers may be liable if a truck is not up to current safety standards. Complexities can arise if the at-fault driver made modifications to their vehicle that were relevant to the accident. In this case, the truck driver, the mechanic who performed the work, or the part manufacturer may be liable to an accident victim for their injuries. Because determining liability in these accidents hinges on the specific factors in play, anyone considering a pickup truck accident lawsuit should reach out to a dedicated South Carolina pickup truck accident lawyer for assistance.

Have You Been Hurt in an Accident With a Pickup Truck?

If you or a loved one recently suffered injuries in an accident with a pickup truck, the dedicated South Carolina personal injury attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm can help. We have decades of experience helping accident victims obtain the compensation they need to start moving on with their life after a serious motor vehicle collision. Our attorneys have earned a reputation for being compassionate yet aggressive advocates who advance our clients’ interests at every stage of the process. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer, call 843-720-2800. You can also reach us through our online contact form. We take all motor vehicle accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning we will not charge you for our legal representation unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.