[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/stopping-distance-of-a-semi-truck\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/stopping-distance-of-a-semi-truck\/","headline":"What Is the Stopping Distance of a Semi-Truck?","name":"What Is the Stopping Distance of a Semi-Truck?","description":"According to the\u00a0Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling 55 miles per hour requires 196 feet to come to a complete stop under ideal conditions. Road surfaces, weather, and other factors can increase the stopping distance of a commercial truck. \ufeff Why Do Trucks Have...","datePublished":"2023-03-28","dateModified":"2026-03-25","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/#Person","name":"Aaron Gartlan","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/","identifier":6,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Gartlan Injury law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/trucks-passing.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/trucks-passing.jpg","height":743,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/stopping-distance-of-a-semi-truck\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA","name":"Who is Aaron Gartlan?","description":"Aaron Gartlan grew up in very modest surroundings in a mobile home park, but he knew at a young age that he wanted to be a lawyer.\n\n\u201cSomehow, I had this idea that I wanted to do work that would be meaningful and make a difference and help people,\u201d he recalls. \u201cGrowing up in a mobile home park, around good, solid, hardworking family people really made an impression on me early in life. It truly shaped who I am as a man and as a lawyer.\u201d\n\nLearn More: https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/about-us\/aaron-gartlan\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VIiLmjSg7rA\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2020-05-19T19:27:19+00:00","duration":"PT1M47S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VIiLmjSg7rA","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA","name":"Gartlan Injury Law","description":"Attorney Aaron Gartlan and our team at Gartlan Injury Law are aggressive advocates who always have our clients' best interests at heart. We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to personal injury victims and their families in Dothan and throughout Alabama and to pursuing maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.\n\nADDRESS:\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n\nPHONE:\n(334) 699-4625","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_kBVfrIFk4Bsc_V6O0WlwZayeYFHPJcGO1Jg8bofguUsw=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":147}]]},"about":["Truck Accidents"],"wordCount":1053,"articleBody":"According to the\u00a0Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling 55 miles per hour requires 196 feet to come to a complete stop under ideal conditions. Road surfaces, weather, and other factors can increase the stopping distance of a commercial truck.\ufeffWhy Do Trucks Have Such a Long Stopping Distance?Commercial trucks need more time and distance to stop because of their massive size and weight.A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, about 20 times the weight of a midsize SUV. This weight significantly affects braking, handling, and acceleration. These vehicles need about 200 feet to come to a complete stop when traveling at low highway speeds. Those stopping distances increase under adverse conditions, such as snow or road hazards like potholes.The brakes on a semi-truck also affect stopping distance. The typical passenger vehicle uses quick hydraulic brakes, while semi-trucks have air brakes. There is a slight lag between when a truck driver presses on the brakes and when the vehicle begins to slow down.What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?Tailgating is a common cause of truck accidents. Since semi-trucks take longer to stop, truckers must keep a greater distance from the vehicles ahead of them to avoid collisions.The general rule of thumb is to leave one second for every ten feet of the vehicle\u2019s length. That means a semi-truck driver should leave four seconds between their vehicle and the car ahead. Following too closely doesn\u2019t allow enough space or distance to brake and avoid a collision.Besides tailgating, other causes of truck accidents include:SpeedingWeaving in and out of trafficDriving under the influenceDistracted drivingFatigued drivingDisobeying traffic signs and signalsChanging lanes without checking blind spotsTaking turns too fastFailure to yield the right of wayTips for Avoiding a Collision with TrucksYou can potentially avoid an accident with a semi-truck by taking certain safety precautions. Keep your distance from any truck you encounter on the road, and exercise extreme caution while driving near commercial trucks.Here are some other tips to keep in mind:Never drive in a truck driver\u2019s blind spots.If a trucker tailgates you, change lanes to get out of their way.Don\u2019t travel directly next to a moving truck when possible.Stay far behind a large truck in front of you. If you can\u2019t see the truck\u2019s side mirrors, the driver can\u2019t see you.Pass trucks quickly to avoid driving alongside them.Unfortunately, even these steps may not protect you from a careless truck driver. If a negligent truck driver harms you, reach out to an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.What Compensation Can I Recover Through a Truck Accident Lawsuit?If someone else injures you due to their negligence, they are legally responsible for the consequences. You can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against them to demand compensation for the harm they caused you, such as your:Emergency medical treatment\u00a0Prescriptions, rehabilitation, hospital stays, and other medical expensesPermanent disability or disfigurementLost wagesLost earning capacityPain and sufferingMental anguishProperty damageSeveral different parties might be liable for a given truck accident, including:The truck driverThe trucking companyThe owner of the truck or its cargoThe mechanics who work on the truckThe crew that loaded the truckAn experienced truck accident attorney can review your case to determine the parties responsible for your injuries.What If I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?Alabama\u2019s strict contributory negligence rule prohibits financial recovery after an accident if you share any percentage of fault for it. You can\u2019t receive compensation in a lawsuit if the jury determines you are partially responsible for your injury.While contributory negligence applies to courts, it can also affect insurance claims. If the adjuster handling your claim discovers you\u2019re partly at fault for the accident, they can use that information to reduce the value of your case. That means negotiating a full and fair settlement will likely be challenging without the help of an experienced truck accident attorney.How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?In Alabama, the\u00a0statute of limitations\u00a0gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a lawsuit against the liable parties. Once this time limit passes, you could lose your right to compensation.What Should I Do After an Accident with a Semi-Truck?Your first step after a truck accident should be to seek medical attention if you are not transported from the scene. A doctor can diagnose your injuries and determine the necessary treatment plan. Follow their instructions. Insurance companies often look at medical records to determine the value of a claim. If they see you skipped appointments or stopped treatment too soon, they might argue your injury isn\u2019t serious and doesn\u2019t require a significant settlement.Next, consult Gartlan Injury Law. We can review the circumstances to determine if you have a case for compensation. You want to avoid dealing with the responsibility of a claim or lawsuit while treating an injury. Let us take over the details so you can focus on healing.Maintain records of your case, including copies of every bill, prescription, doctor\u2019s note, medical report, and other documentation you receive. Evidence is valuable in proving the accident contributed to your injury and that someone else is responsible for it.Although social media might seem like a harmless pastime, using it while your case is pending is dangerous. You should avoid posting to social media until you recover compensation. Insurance carriers and defense attorneys might find something on your social media accounts that contradicts your injury\u2019s severity or indicates your lack of attention to treatment. This can negatively affect the outcome of your case, so avoiding online activity is your best option.Contact an Alabama Truck Accident LawyerAt Gartlan Injury Law, we genuinely care about our clients, and we want to do everything in our power to get them the compensation they need. If you sustained injuries in a truck accident due to someone else\u2019s negligence, call or contact us online for a free consultation.Visit Our Alabama Truck Accident Law Offices{    \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",    \"@type\": \"VideoObject\",    \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA\",    \"contentUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VIiLmjSg7rA\",    \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VIiLmjSg7rA\",    \"duration\": \"P0Y0M0DT0H1M46S\",    \"uploadDate\": \"2020-05-19T00:00:00+0000\",    \"description\": \"Who is Aaron Gartlan?\",    \"name\": \"Who is Aaron Gartlan?\",    \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/cw_video\/who-is-aaron-gartlan-2\/#VideoObject\"}[    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question\",        \"text\": \"Commercial trucks need more time and distance to stop because of their massive size and weight.  A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, about 20 times the weight of a midsize SUV. This weight significantly affects braking, handling, and acceleration. These vehicles need about 200 feet to come to a complete stop when traveling at low highway speeds. Those stopping distances increase under adverse conditions, such as snow or road hazards like potholes.\",        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/stopping-distance-of-a-semi-truck\/#Answer\"    },    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question1\",        \"text\": \"Tailgating is a common cause of truck accidents. Since semi-trucks take longer to stop, truckers must keep a greater distance from the vehicles ahead of them to avoid collisions. Besides tailgating, other causes of truck accidents include: Speeding; Weaving in and out of traffic; Driving under the influence; Distracted driving; Fatigued driving; Disobeying traffic signs and signals; Changing lanes without checking blind spots; Taking turns too fast; Failure to yield the right of way\",        \"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/stopping-distance-of-a-semi-truck\/#Answer1\"    },    {        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",        \"@type\": \"Answer\",        \"name\": \"Answer Question2\",        \"text\": \"Alabama\u2019s strict contributory negligence rule prohibits financial recovery after an accident if you share any percentage of fault for it. You can\u2019t receive compensation in a lawsuit if the jury determines you are partially responsible for your injury.  While contributory negligence applies to courts, it can also affect insurance claims. 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