Modern pickup trucks are different than they were a few decades ago. While pickup trucks have always been larger than cars, the gap is more significant than it once was. Modern trucks are taller, heavier and have design characteristics that can make them more dangerous—such as a flat front end.
For example, some large pickup trucks are nearly 5 feet tall at the edge of the front hood. The grille is flat and blunt, rather than having the gradual curve you might see on the front of a car hood. All of these changes mean that trucks are more dangerous to pedestrians than they used to be.
What problems does this create?
There are two main problems with these designs. First and foremost, the flat front end acts as a wall that is more likely to knock a pedestrian down in a collision. This increases the chances that they could strike their head on the pavement or be run over by the vehicle. In other words, the design can make the injuries a person suffers more severe and increase the likelihood of fatal injuries.
But these trucks also increase the odds that an accident will occur in the first place. The second problem is that tall vehicles with wide hoods have significant blind spots. If a child is only 4 feet tall, they could be completely invisible standing in front of the truck. This often leads to pedestrian accidents in parking lots, driveways and crosswalks. Drivers simply can’t see the people ahead of their vehicle, massively increasing the odds of an accident.
Have you or a family member suffered serious injuries in a pickup truck accident? If so, be sure you know what legal options you have to seek financial compensation.