Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are known for causing significant damage and life-altering injuries. Understanding the different types of truck accidents can help victims and their families handle the legal and insurance processes effectively. If you suffered an injury in a truck accident, you must also understand the importance of seeking legal representation from an experienced truck accident lawyer to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

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Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle with the cab. These accidents can be catastrophic, often resulting in multi-vehicle collisions and serious injuries. Jackknifing usually happens when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle due to excessive speed, sudden braking, or adverse weather conditions. The complexity of jackknife accidents requires the experience of a truck accident attorney who can investigate the incident and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. These accidents can occur due to various factors, such as speeding, improper cargo loading, or driver error. They pose serious risks to the truck driver, passengers, and other vehicles on the road.

Underride Accidents

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle gets trapped under the rear or side of a truck’s trailer. These accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. Insufficient underride guards, driver negligence, or inadequate visibility can contribute to these accidents. Suppose you have been involved in an underride accident. In that case, seek legal representation from a skilled truck accident attorney who can analyze the circumstances and pursue a successful claim against the responsible parties.

Wide Turn Collisions

Trucks require more space to make turns due to their size and length. Wide turn collisions happen when a truck swings out while making a turn, colliding with nearby vehicles or pedestrians. These accidents can lead to severe injuries due to the force of impact. Truck drivers must exercise caution and use their turn signals appropriately to prevent wide-turn collisions.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents involve two vehicles colliding while traveling parallel to each other in the same direction. When a truck is involved in a sideswipe accident, the consequences can be severe due to the size and weight difference between the truck and the other vehicle. These accidents can be caused by driver inattention, lane drifting, or failure to check blind spots.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots or “no-zones” where other vehicles become invisible to truck drivers. These blind spots include the areas directly behind and beside the truck. Accidents can occur when vehicles enter these blind spots and the truck driver fails to see them when changing lanes or making turns. Truck drivers need to check their blind spots carefully and use their mirrors effectively.

Improper Cargo Loading Crashes

Improperly loaded cargo can cause a truck to become imbalanced, leading to accidents. When cargo is not secured correctly or exceeds weight limits, it can shift during transport, impacting the truck’s stability and maneuverability. These accidents can cause catastrophic consequences, including truck rollovers or cargo spills onto the roadway.

Lost Load Accidents

When a truck’s cargo is not secured correctly and falls off while in transit, it can cause significant accidents and injuries. These accidents, known as lost load accidents, can result in severe injuries to other drivers, pedestrians, or property. Victims may suffer broken bones, head trauma, or even fatalities.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts can be extremely dangerous, causing a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and potentially leading to a catastrophic accident. Tire blowouts can occur due to numerous factors, including improper tire maintenance, manufacturing defects, or road hazards. Identifying the cause of a tire blowout is necessary in determining liability and seeking compensation for the damages.

Truck vs. Pedestrian Accidents

Truck accidents involving pedestrians are particularly devastating due to the significant size and weight disparity between a truck and a pedestrian. Pedestrians often suffer severe injuries or fatalities in these accidents. Driver negligence, such as failure to yield the right of way or distracted driving, is a common cause of truck vs. pedestrian accidents.

Brake Failure Crashes

Truck brake failure accidents can occur for various reasons, including worn-out brake pads, leaks, or improper maintenance. When a truck’s brakes fail, it becomes challenging for the driver to slow down or stop, increasing the risk of a serious accident. Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for inspecting and maintaining their vehicles’ braking systems properly. If you have suffered an injury in a brake failure accident, a truck accident lawyer can determine liability and seek compensation from the responsible parties.

Intersection Accidents

Truck accidents at intersections can happen due to a variety of factors, such as driver error, failure to obey traffic signals or poor road conditions. These accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the high speeds involved. Identifying the cause of an intersection accident is necessary to determine liability.

What are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents can occur due to various factors, including:

• Driver Fatigue: Commercial truck drivers often work long hours and may experience fatigue, leading to slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
• Distracted Driving: Like any other driver, truck drivers can get distracted by their phones, GPS devices, or other factors, diverting their attention from the road.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks: When a truck is overloaded or loaded incorrectly, it can affect its stability and maneuverability, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Mechanical Failures: Equipment failures such as brakes, tires, or steering systems can lead to a loss of control and cause accidents.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can reduce visibility and make it challenging to control a truck safely. Even still, truck drivers must adjust their driving in adverse conditions or, if necessary, get off the road.
• Negligent Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and reckless driving behaviors put everyone on the road at risk, especially when it involves a large and powerful truck.

Why Are Trucks So Dangerous?

Trucks are significantly larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road, making them inherently more dangerous. Here are a few reasons why trucks pose a higher risk:

• Weight and Size: Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them significantly heavier than passenger cars. In a collision, the sheer weight of the truck can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries.
• Longer Stopping Distance: Due to their size and weight, trucks require a longer distance to come to a complete stop. This increases the risk of rear-end collisions, especially if the truck driver is following too closely or fails to brake in time.
• Limited Maneuverability: Trucks have a larger turning radius and require more space to navigate corners. This can make it challenging for truck drivers to react quickly in emergencies, potentially leading to accidents.
• Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots, also known as “no-zones,” where other vehicles become invisible to the truck driver. If the driver attempts to change lanes or merge in these blind spots, accidents can occur.

Who is Liable for Truck Accidents?

Determining liability in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The following parties may be held liable:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver was negligent or violated traffic laws, they can be held responsible for the accident.
• Trucking Company: The company that owns or operates the truck may be held liable if it fails to properly train its drivers, enforce safety regulations, or maintain its vehicles.
• Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical defect in the truck or its parts contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
• Third Parties: In some cases, other parties, such as maintenance companies, cargo loaders, or vehicle manufacturers, may share liability for a truck accident.
• Other Drivers: Other drivers on the road may have acted negligently to cause the accident, not the truck driver.

Determining liability is an imperative step in pursuing a personal injury claim. Consulting a truck accident lawyer can help victims understand their legal options and build a strong case.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries

One of the most prevalent injuries in truck accidents is traumatic brain injury (TBI). The violent impact of a collision can cause the victim’s head to hit against the steering wheel, window, or other hard surfaces, resulting in brain damage. TBI can have long-term effects on a person’s cognitive and physical abilities, often requiring ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistance for everyday tasks.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are also common in truck accidents. The force of the impact can lead to fractures, dislocations, or compression of the spinal cord, causing paralysis or loss of sensation in various parts of the body. These injuries often require extensive medical care, assistive devices, and modifications to living spaces for the victim to regain some level of independence.

Other Common Injuries

Truck accidents frequently result in broken bones, internal injuries, and severe burns. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation.

The Importance of Getting Medical Attention After an Accident

Seeking immediate medical attention after a truck accident is vital, even if injuries seem minor at first. Here’s why:

• Hidden Injuries: Some injuries may not immediately manifest symptoms, such as internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or whiplash. Prompt medical evaluation can ensure early detection and proper treatment.
• Proper Documentation: Medical records serve as critical evidence in personal injury claims. They help establish a causal relationship between the accident and the injuries, strengthening the victim’s case.
• Preventing Long-term Complications: Delayed medical treatment can worsen injuries or complications. Early intervention can improve the chances of a successful recovery and minimize long-term damage.
• Establishing Damages: Compensation in personal injury claims often includes medical expenses. By seeking immediate medical attention, victims can establish the extent of their injuries and associated costs.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Injury Compensation

After a truck accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Hiring a truck accident lawyer can significantly increase the chances of maximizing injury compensation. Here’s how they can help:

• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: A truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. This evidence strengthens the victim’s case and establishes liability.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often try to minimize payouts. A truck accident lawyer has the experience and skills to negotiate with insurance companies and fight for fair compensation.
• Valuing Your Claim: Determining the value of a personal injury claim requires considering various factors, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future damages. A truck accident lawyer can accurately assess the value of a claim and advocate for just compensation.
• Handling Legal Proceedings: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a truck accident lawyer will prepare the case for trial and represent the victim’s interests in court. They have the legal knowledge and courtroom experience to present a compelling case.

Were You Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Truck accidents are highly complex cases that require the in-depth involvement of a truck accident lawyer. By understanding the common causes of truck accidents, the dangers associated with trucks, and the importance of medical attention, victims can take the necessary steps to protect their rights. Consulting a truck accident lawyer can provide guidance, support, and the legal representation to navigate a truck accident claim.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal representation is essential to protect your rights and secure fair compensation. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.