How Much Does a Semi-Truck Weigh?
May 9, 2024 | Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are scary and often result in catastrophic damage. One of the reasons truck accidents are so dangerous is because of the weight of trucks. Given the significance of truck weight, a common question for accident victims is, “How much does a semi-truck weigh?”
The weight of trucks varies based on the type of truck and its load. Here’s a look at weight ranges for trucks and the impact these have on road safety.
How Much Different Types of Semi Trucks Weigh
The weight of a truck depends on the type of truck and the load that it’s carrying on the road.
Before looking at specific weights, it’s important to understand some key terms associated with trucks, including the following:
- Semi-tractor: This is the front axle, driver’s cabin, and engine. The semi-tractor, or tractor unit, can be detached from the trailer.
- Semi-trailer: The trailer has multiple axles and wheels, usually 18. It does not have a front axle and is supported by the tractor unit.
- Semi-truck: The term semi-truck refers to the combination of the tractor unit and at least one semi-trailer.
In addition to understanding the components of a semi-truck, it’s helpful to know the terms “unladen weight” and “laden weight.” The unladen weight is the combined weight of the tractor and trailer. The laden weight is the combined weight of the tractor, trailer, and load the truck is carrying. The laden weight can vary significantly based on what the truck is carrying.
With those terms in mind, here are some average weights for semi-trucks:
- An unladen semi-tractor weights between 10,000 and 25,000 pounds
- An unladen trailer weighs around 10,000 pounds
- 80,000 pounds is the maximum laden weight allowed under federal law for semi-trucks
It’s worth noting that 40 tons is the maximum weight allowed in tons for semi-trucks.
How Much Does a Semi-Truck Tire Weigh?
Because of the weight that semi-trucks carry, it’s not surprising that their tires are heavier than a car’s tires. An average car tire weighs around 20 pounds. In contrast, an average semi-truck tire weighs around 110 pounds.
This means that if you’re involved in an accident and hit by a truck tire, it can result in significantly more damage than a car tire would. Contact a Texas truck accident lawyer to learn more about accidents caused by truck tires.
Why Truck Weight Affects Road Safety
The heavy weight of trucks has two big impacts on road safety. First, the increased weight puts trucks at an increased risk of getting into an accident. Here are a few reasons why:
- The weight means it takes longer for trucks to accelerate and decelerate
- The size of the truck means large blind spots
- The height of trucks increases the risk of tipping over in the wind or at sharp turns
Second, the heavy weight of trucks means that truck accidents often result in more serious damage and injuries than car accidents. Because trucks are so heavy, there’s significant force involved in accidents, even at slow speeds. The increased force results in more serious injuries and property damage. Unfortunately, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries for accident victims.
A San Antonio Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help if You Are Injured By a Semi-Truck
If you’ve been involved in a Texas truck accident, contact an experienced San Antonio personal injury lawyer. Your lawyer will analyze your truck accident case and discuss your rights. Trucking companies and insurance companies can be difficult to work with. It’s important to ensure you’re well-represented and that someone is advocating for your rights.
Contact Our Truck Accidents Law Firm in San Antonio, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in San Antonio, Texas, and need legal help, contact our San Antonio Truck Accident lawyers at George Salinas Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
George Salinas Injury Lawyers
6243 I-10 Ste. 955, San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 225-0909
https://www.salinastriallaw.com/
