Worst Accidents That Have Happened During Car Transportation

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Car transportation has become an essential service for many of us. The process enables us to move our vehicles over long distances quickly and safely.

But accidents do occur during the transportation of cars, and these often result in serious injuries or even death.

In this article, we will explore some of the worst accidents that have occurred during car transportation. We will also touch on the causes of these accidents. By understanding the risks associated with car transportation, we can take steps to understand and prepare for the risks of the car transportation process.

A Quick Overview of Car Transportation

Car transportation is the process of transporting a vehicle from one place to another. This can be done by driving or using a professional car transport service.

Professional car transport services are often used when moving long distances, as they provide convenience and safety for both the driver and the vehicle.

The vehicles are usually loaded onto an open-air trailer or enclosed truck and transported to their destination.

During the transportation process, vehicles are exposed to a variety of risks. These include inclement weather, road hazards, driver fatigue, and mechanical issues.

Common Causes of Accidents During Car Transportation

Accidents during car transportation are caused by various factors, ranging from human error to mechanical faults. However, the most significant causes include the following:

Poorly maintained vehicles

faulty brakes
worn or damaged tires
general unchecked vehicle wear and tear

Human error

driver inexperience
driver poorly trained
driver distracted
driver fatigue (which can result in impaired driving)
handling vehicles recklessly
not following speed limits
unsecured cargo

The elements

bad weather, such as snow or heavy rain
dangerous roads
poor visibility
traffic volume

Examples of Some of the Worst Accidents on Record

Car transporters are large and heavy vehicles. The cargo they carry can be expensive, rare, and highly valued by owners.

The consequences can be very serious when car carriers are involved in an accident. Some of the worst accidents that have involved car carriers include:

The 2004 vintage Porsches

A car carrier in California, transporting a fleet of vintage Porsches, was struck by a freight train after becoming caught on a railway line. The driver escaped unharmed, but the nine vintage Porsches were completely ruined.

The 2013 California Highway crash

In 2013, a car transport truck carrying eight vehicles crashed on a California highway. The truck traveled at high speeds when it suddenly veered off the road and collided with several other vehicles. The accident resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries.

The 2017 Alabama Corvette crash

In 2017, a car hauler loaded up with brand-new Corvettes was involved in a crash with another semi on an Alabama highway.

The accident occurred when the car hauler attempted to pass another semi-truck on the highway. The two vehicles collided, resulting in severe damage to all of the Corvettes.

The 2019 Bedford Hills incident

In 2019, a car carrier truck carrying seven vehicles crashed in Bedford Hills, New York. The truck was traveling at high speeds when it suddenly veered off the road and collided with a dump truck.

Only the dump truck, parked to protect a mowing crew, prevented the car carrier from running over the workers.

The 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500s

In Detroit in 2019, a car carrier transporting two Ford Mustangs lost control of the vehicle while making a sharp turn, crashing the vehicle and severely damaging both Mustangs.

The 2022 Range Rover incident

In June 2022, a brand new Range Rover on a carrier in Paramus, New Jersey, somehow came off the back of the car carrier. During the incident, a Honda Accord was hit and seriously injured. The Range Rover was damaged beyond repair.

What You Can Do To Make Sure Your Car Arrives Safely

When transporting a car, it is important to take some important precautions to make sure that your vehicle arrives safely:

1) Choose a reputable transporter

Make sure you research and find a reliable and experienced car transporter company. Try to get references from people you know and read the most recent online reviews before deciding.

2) Inspect your vehicle

Before delivering your car to the transporter, make sure to inspect it and record any damage. Then clean it up and clean it out. Never leave loose belongings inside the car, not even small items.

3) Check the mechanics

Ensure you have fully inflated tires, a fully charged battery, sufficient fluid levels, and at least a quarter tank of fuel.

4) Secure everything

For safety reasons, make sure you secure (or remove) all moving or moveable parts on your car, such as the sunroof, convertible top, roof rack crossbars, exterior antennas, and so on.

5) Make a spare key

The carrier you choose will need a set of keys to move your car.

How to Find The Best Car Transportation Company

Choosing the right car transportation company is essential for ensuring that your vehicle arrives safely and on time. Here are some strategies for selecting the best car transportation company:

Do your research

Read reviews to get an idea of which companies have a good reputation. Ask for references from friends or family who have used a car transporter in the past. Try to find reviews and references that are as recent as possible.

Compare prices

Look at the fees charged by different companies in order to find the most cost-effective option. Make sure you are aware of any additional fees or charges that might be added to the cost later on.

Experienced companies will have adequate insurance coverage and should be able to provide proof upon request.

Look up the company's credentials

Ensure that the company you select is legally licensed and insured. Verify if they belong to any professional groups or organizations.

Check the insurance

Ensure that the business you select has sufficient insurance coverage in case of mishaps or damage during shipping.

Take a look at communication and customer service

Look for a company with good customer service and consistently responsive communication. This way, you'll know you'll be able to easily get updates on your shipment’s progress and ask questions if needed.

Ask directly for the company policy and processes that apply in the case of an accident in which your vehicle is damaged.

Experience

Choose a company with plenty of experience in transporting cars, as they will know best how to handle any potential issues that may arise during transit.

The best vehicle transport companies should have a good safety record, so make sure to ask about this before making your decision.

At a1autotransport.com, we take safety seriously and have a long-standing commitment to providing safe and reliable car transport services. We are fully insured, and our experienced team of professionals will make sure your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

Conclusion

Car transportation is an essential part of our lives, but the process requires skill, experience, and preparation. Accidents during car transportation can have devastating consequences, resulting in serious injuries or even death.

In order to minimize the chances of an accident, remember to research reputable companies, check insurance coverage and always fully prepare your vehicle for the transport process.