Truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Long hours, extreme fatigue, and poor weather conditions are just a few examples of causes of truck accidents.
While there’s no doubt that truck drivers are essential to the American economy as we know it, it’s clear that they can pose a hazard to other drivers on the road. After all, in fatality truck crashes, it is more likely for the driver of a standard car or truck to lose their life than the truck driver, regardless of who’s at fault.
Luckily, there’s recourse you can take if you become involved in a truck accident. Fill out our free case evaluation form or call 866-999-9085 to speak with an attorney today at Premier Truck Accident Lawyers.
Truck Rollovers
Truck rollovers are some of the most common types of truck accidents out there. This accident can occur when drivers make sharp turns or sudden swerves to avoid something in the road ahead.
Unfortunately, truck rollovers can be catastrophic for the truck driver and all other drivers on the road. A rolled-over truck poses an explosion risk and can block traffic, which ramps up the potential for other accidents to occur.
While truck rollovers can happen due to truck drivers being under the influence or overtired, that is not always the case. Since trucks have a higher center of gravity when compared to cars and trucks, something as simple as loading the cargo incorrectly can cause a rollover. Another major cause of rollovers is tire blowouts, which can occur due to improper maintenance or manufacturer defects.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions can occur when truck drivers become distracted, overtired, or even under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most of the time, truck drivers inadvertently drift into a neighboring lane, where oncoming traffic can become involved in a head-on collision.
Head-on collisions can also be caused by tire blowouts, which can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles with little to no warning.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents happen when the trailer attached to a large truck stops moving in unison with the truck. Instead, the trailer swings in a semi-circular motion toward the truck, eventually folding up into a jackknife-like position.
Jackknife accidents can be caused by improper braking, poor road conditions, and even taking turns too quickly. They are especially dangerous due to the sheer unpredictability of a skidding trailer – cars and trucks can collide with a jackknifing truck with no way to avoid it.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of truck accidents that happen on the road today.
On average, fully loaded large trucks need between up to 525 feet of distance to come to a complete stop from 65 mph. Unfortunately, some motorists might not be aware of this rule and can put themselves in harm’s way by abruptly pulling out in front of a semi.
Distracted driving, illicit drug or alcohol use, and road conditions are a few examples of the most common causes of rear-end collisions in truck driving.
Sideswipe Accidents
When a truck driver is on the road beside a car or truck, there’s always a possibility that a sideswipe accident could happen. Whether a driver is distracted, exhausted, or otherwise, sideswipe accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and can cause some serious damage.
Perhaps the most dangerous thing about sideswipe accidents is that they can cause a domino effect of other accidents on the road. When a truck sideswipes another vehicle, it can cause a rollover or multi-car pileup, which will almost certainly spell trouble for all parties involved.
Sideswipe accidents aren’t always easily avoidable, either. Things outside of the driver’s control such as road conditions or a tire blowout could cause a sideswipe accident with little to no warning ahead of time.
Luckily, if you’re involved in a sideswipe accident with a large truck, you can connect with a truck accident attorney at Premier Accident Lawyers today to make sure you get the justice you are due.
Wide Turn Accidents
Wide turn accidents happen when truck drivers make improper right-hand turns or use dangerous maneuvers to avoid the “right turn squeeze” that drivers experience in these large trucks.
An example of a dangerous turning maneuver that has the potential to cause accidents happens when a driver veers to the left to make more room to complete a right-hand turn. While this might be sufficient to avoid the right-hand squeeze, it puts motorists sharing the road at risk. Cars can get struck by the trailer or even have the potential to get stuck underneath it as it swings to each side.
Wide turn accidents are some of the most easily avoidable on our list. The good news is that veering left to avoid right turn squeeze is no longer the recommended way to complete a right-hand turn.
Nowadays, the FMCSA recommends that truck drivers continue straight to the furthest lane on the road and then maneuver right to the closest lane. Although this does still require truck drivers to accurately gauge their time and clearance, it is still undoubtedly the safest way to make a right-hand turn.
T-Bone Accidents
T-Bone accidents, which involve side impact, are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents on our list. Truck drivers are most apt to cause a T-bone accident when they are traveling through an intersection.
When a truck driver runs through an intersection, the individual at most risk for injury is the passenger on the side that absorbs the impact. Tractor trailers almost always cause devastating damage to vehicles and can even cost passengers their lives.
What To Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with a truck driver, the first thing you should do is remain calm. Make sure that no one requires medical attention. Then, collect the driver’s details, including any commercial insurance policies and identification. Taking pictures of the scene and speaking with any witnesses around could also be very helpful in case you decide to take action against the truck driver / trucking company.
Remember: never, ever accept fault for the accident with a truck driver. Get in touch with an experienced truck accident attorney at Premier Truck Accident Lawyers immediately to ensure you are properly compensated for your losses. Call toll free 866-999-9085 or fill out the free case evaluation form on our website.
Steven Peck
About the Author
For over 40 years Steven Peck's dedication to law has been unyielding. His approach to client representation and care is deeply respected by his colleagues and clients alike. Steven has extensive trial experience, with millions of dollars in damages recovered for clients in lawsuits throughout California.
