Commercial Vehicles

Reconstruction of an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle, or tractor-trailer, can quickly become a very complex matter. The motion of a commercial motor vehicle can be affected by a number of issues including vehicular geometry, cargo loading, high cross winds, and the condition of the brakes and tires. The pure size and weight of the vehicles will limit braking capabilities and maneuverability in an emergency situation.

The height of commercial motor vehicles often leads to situations of semi truck underride in which the front of a passenger vehicle passes underneath the rear or side of a trailer. As the car continues, impact occurs between the bottom of the trailer and the passenger compartment of the car. Due to the geometry of the collision, accidents involving semi truck underride are often fatal.