Why Are Truck Accidents Usually Worse Than Car Accidents?

Truck accidents, and more specifically crashes involving tractor-trailers, often result in more serious injuries. This is because an 18-wheeler is much bigger and heavier than any car, pickup truck, van, or SUV. While many passenger cars weigh 2,000-3,000 pounds and SUVs can weigh around 5,000-6,000 pounds, a semi-truck hauling an empty trailer generally weighs around 30,000-35,000 pounds. If the truck is pulling a loaded trailer, it may weigh up to 80,000 pounds.
This additional weight means that an 18-wheeler in motion has tremendous energy and momentum, which is transferred to any object it hits.