There are many types of truck accidents, the most serious of which involve negligent, distracted, or reckless drivers. Unfortunately, knowing the many types may not stop you from getting in one.
However, it can help you to understand what to do in each situation.
Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers is dedicated to providing essential resources that help drivers understand how to confidently pursue a personal injury claim with the help of our Parkland truck accident lawyers.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Rear-End Collisions
Nearly a third of all motor vehicle accidents result in rear-end collisions. Even without the excess weight, force, and speed of big trucks, the resulting damages can be catastrophic.
Rear-end truck accidents are often caused by:
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers, like all other motorists, are vulnerable to distractions such as texting while driving, eating or drinking, and adjusting the radio. These distractions can cause them to miss crucial traffic signals or create unsafe stopping distances.
- Fatigued driving: Truck drivers often have strict deadlines they must meet, leading them to push themselves beyond their physical limits. The resulting drowsiness is a recipe for disaster on the roads.
- Improper braking distance: Due to their size and weight, big trucks require more time and distance to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver tailgates or does not pay attention, they may not brake in time when traffic suddenly slows or stops, causing a rear-end collision.
While it may initially seem like a rear-end accident with a truck is your fault, truck drivers must follow traffic laws and operate their vehicles safely.
Before you say anything at the scene or to insurance companies, it is essential to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who can review your case and determine fault.
Side Impact Collisions
Side impact or T-bone collisions create a significant risk of severe injuries to drivers and passengers.
The most common causes for these types of truck accidents include:
- Running red lights or stop signs: Truck drivers may be under pressure to meet deadlines, leading them to engage in dangerous behaviors such as running red lights or stop signs. This can lead to devastating T-Bone collisions with other vehicles in the intersection.
- Failure to yield: Trucks have larger blind spots than smaller vehicles, making it difficult for truck drivers to see other motorists. If they fail to yield at a stop sign or merge without checking their blind spots, they can cause a serious side-impact collision.
- Improper turns: Truck drivers may attempt to make a turn without considering their surroundings. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles or objects, causing significant damage.
Side-impact collisions can result in serious injuries that may require long-term treatment and care. The best way to recover compensation for these damages is to seek further medical attention and contact a truck accident attorney.
Rollover Accidents
With the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and property damage, rollover accidents are some of the most dangerous types of truck crashes.
These accidents can happen because of:
- Overloading: A truck carrying too much weight can become unstable, making it more likely to roll over. This is especially dangerous on highways or roads with sharp curves.
- Speeding: Truck drivers may exceed the speed limit to meet tight deadlines, increasing their risk of losing control and causing a rollover accident.
- Improper maintenance: Neglecting proper maintenance can lead to tire blowouts, faulty brakes, and other equipment failures that cause truck rollover accidents.
A truck rollover can severely injure the people and other vehicles directly involved in the accident.
After a rollover truck accident, seek legal advice from a trusted accident injury lawyer who can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Sideswipes
Similar to side impact collisions, sideswipe accidents occur when a truck hits another vehicle while changing lanes.
Common causes of these types of truck accidents include:
- Driver inattention or distraction: Truck drivers may fail to check their blind spots or mirrors before changing lanes, making it easy for them to sideswipe other vehicles.
- Speeding: Trucks are already difficult to maneuver due to their size and weight, and speeding can make it even more challenging for drivers to control their vehicles while changing lanes.
- Improper lane changes: Drivers may attempt a lane change without signaling or checking for other vehicles, resulting in a sideswipe collision.
Injuries from a sideswipe accident with a truck can range from minor scrapes and bruises to severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
By working with a reputable personal injury law firm, you can receive the compensation you need to cover the cost of a truck accident when negligence, recklessness, or other liable factors play a role.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, resembling the shape of a folding pocket knife.
These types of accidents can happen for various reasons, including:
- Improper braking: If a truck driver brakes suddenly or improperly, the trailer may swing out and jackknife.
- Negligent road maintenance: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and other hazards the government or a private entity must maintain can cause a truck's trailer to jackknife.
- Overloaded or unbalanced cargo: When cargo is not distributed evenly in a truck, it can shift during transit and cause the trailer to swing out of control.
Jackknife accidents are particularly dangerous because they can involve multiple vehicles and may result in serious injuries or fatalities.
The complicated nature of determining fault and seeking compensatory damages makes it vital to have an accident attorney providing comprehensive, compassionate legal support.
Underride Accidents
A car can hit the rear or side of a hit and slide under, causing extensive property damage and injuries in the process, due to:
- Inadequate underride protection: Some trucks may lack mandatory underride protection, making it easier for passenger vehicles to slide underneath in an accident.
- Failure to check blind spots: Truck drivers may not properly check their blind spots before turning or merging, leading to an underride accident.
- Brake failures: If a truck's brakes fail due to defective equipment or improper maintenance, it may cause other vehicles traveling at regular speeds to collide with the truck and slide underneath.
No matter how embarrassing or uncomfortable an underride accident may seem, contact a reputable personal injury law firm to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
These accidents often result from negligence or recklessness on the part of truck drivers and their employers, and you deserve to hold them accountable for their actions.
Runaway Trailer Accidents
Runaway trailer accidents occur when a truck's trailer becomes detached from the cab and continues to travel down the road, often colliding with other vehicles or objects.
These accidents can happen due to:
- Improperly attached trailers: If a truck driver fails to secure their trailer properly before hitting the road, it may detach and cause an accident.
- Equipment failure: Defective equipment, such as faulty couplings or hitching devices, can also result in runaway trailer accidents.
- Driver error: Inexperienced or distracted truck drivers may fail to notice that their trailer needs attention and continue driving, causing a collision.
The severe injuries sustained in a runaway trailer accident may result in years of medical treatment and rehabilitation.
After a runaway trailer accident, an experienced personal injury lawyer can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Who Is Responsible For a Commercial Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a commercial truck accident can be complex due to the various parties involved.
The following are some of the potentially liable parties in a commercial truck accident:
- Truck driver: If the truck driver violates traffic laws through negligent or reckless behavior, you can hold them liable for damages.
- Trucking company: You can hold the company that owns and operates the truck liable if it fails to properly maintain its vehicles, hire qualified drivers, or adhere to safety regulations.
- Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can contribute to accidents and make the party responsible for loading liable.
- Vehicle manufacturers/suppliers: You can hold the manufacturer or supplier responsible if a vehicle or parts defect caused the accident.
Securing experienced legal representation is crucial in identifying and holding the responsible parties accountable for a commercial truck accident.
Where Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Truck accidents can happen anywhere, but certain areas tend to have a higher incidence of commercial truck accidents.
Common locations for truck accidents include:
- Highways and interstates: Speeding, improper lane changes, and other reckless driving behaviors on high-speed roadways can lead to serious accidents.
- Urban areas: These busy streets often see a high volume of truck traffic making deliveries or transporting goods. This increased presence of trucks increases the risk of accidents in these areas.
- Construction zones: Construction zones pose hazards for all vehicles but can be particularly dangerous for large commercial trucks due to limited maneuverability and the potential for equipment failures.
- Public parking lots: Accidents can even happen in seemingly harmless locations such as public parking lots, where trucks may make deliveries or maneuver in tight spaces.
Regardless of the location, if you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, seeking legal guidance and representation from a personal injury lawyer is crucial to protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?
The value of a truck accident case depends on various factors, including the severity of injuries, damages incurred, and the parties involved.
An accident injury lawyer can review your case and help determine the potential value of your claim based on:
- Medical expenses: This includes current and future medical costs related to injuries sustained in the accident.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.
- Lost earnings potential: If your injuries are severe enough to impact your ability to work in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for diminished earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to physical pain, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages resulting from the accident.
- Property damage: Compensation for vehicle repairs or replacement may also be included in a truck accident case.
With upfront costs for catastrophic truck accident injuries such as blunt force head trauma, spinal cord damage, and amputations exceeding $2 million over a lifetime, seeking legal representation is crucial for your present and future well-being.
Hold Negligent Truck Drivers and Companies Accountable With An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
When you know what to do when any type of truck accident occurs, you can better protect your legal rights and fight for justice.
Seeking help from an experienced personal injury lawyer is crucial in holding negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable for their actions.
They can navigate the complex legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Get a free consultation with experienced truck accident attorneys to learn more about your legal options.