Effects of adding a trailer may increase the chance of a car accident

A trailer can be a very useful addition when a driver wants to move more than his or her vehicle will normally hold. However, it also changes aspects of the car, such as its handling, which can raise the likelihood of it being involved in a car accident.

Size
The most obvious change made by the addition of a trailer to a vehicle is that it becomes longer by the length of the trailer. This means that the driver must remember at all times that the trailer is there, and be aware of the difference that it makes to manoeuvres, particularly overtaking. A crash may be caused by a trailer clipping the front of a car that is being overtaken if the overtaking driver has not allowed enough room.

Trailers are often slightly wider than a car too, meaning that extra clearance should be allowed for in any narrow spaces.

Handling
The weight of a trailer can also cause changes in acceleration and deceleration. Caravan clubs recommend that the combined weight of the trailer and its contents should not exceed 75% of the main vehicle's weight so as to avoid the loss of control that may result in a crash.

While narrow manoeuvres should be possible with only a little more attention to the mirrors, reversing with a trailer can be much more complex, and should be taken slowly, as the hinge between car and trailer can cause unpredictable reactions to steering.

Misplaced weight in a badly loaded trailer can make these reactions even more unpredictable, and cause wobbling of the trailer when moving at speed. The speed limit for vehicles with trailers being lower - 60 miles per hour - is one attempt to minimise the adverse effects of this.

Trailers in a car accident compensation claim
If you have been involved in a collision with a car towing a trailer, and it was not your fault, you may be able to make a compensation claim.

YouClaim's car accident claim experts will be able to help you decide whether your case is eligible for compensation, and if so, will help you to find the right no win, no fee solicitor for your needs. We work with a team of legal professionals from around the UK, all of whom have personal injury expertise and are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority to ensure the quality of their work.

All vehicle collision claims are dealt with without cost to the claimant, and our 100% compensation promise means that you will receive all damages awarded.

Call 0800 10 757 95 or chat with us online to discuss your case now - or complete a claim form to have one of our advisors call you back at a time of your choice. Starting your car accident claim could not be easier.