Common Types of Truck Accident Cases

A collision with a large commercial truck can be one of the most devastating and serious accidents a motorist can be involved in. There are many types of truck accidents but they have one thing in common: They can all have long-lasting effects on truck accident victims. If you were involved in a car accident with a commercial truck, you will need an experienced truck accident lawyer at Munley Law for your personal injury.

Don’t wait. Contact a truck accident attorney today for a free consultation.

What Are the Common Types of Trucking Accidents?

A truck accident refers to any collision or incident involving a commercial truck, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other large freight carrier. These accidents can involve a variety of scenarios, including collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or fixed objects, as well as rollovers, jackknifes, and other types of incidents.

The most common types of truck crashes are:

Rollover Truck Accident

A truck rollover accident occurs when a truck tips onto its side or roof. This can happen due to high speeds, sharp turns, or unbalanced loads.

• Causes: Rollovers can be caused by speeding, taking curves too fast, abrupt steering maneuvers, or poor road conditions.
• Prevention: Drivers can prevent rollovers by reducing speed, avoiding sudden maneuvers, properly securing loads, and maintaining proper tire pressure.
• Potential Consequences: Rollover accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities for the truck driver and others involved.

Jackknife Truck Accident

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or poor road conditions.

• Causes: Jackknifes can be caused by sudden braking, slippery roads from bad weather, equipment failure, or improper loading.
• Prevention: Drivers can prevent jackknifes by maintaining proper following distance, braking gradually, and being aware of road conditions.
• Potential Consequences: Jackknife accidents can lead to multi-vehicle collisions and serious injuries or fatalities.

Lost-Load Truck Accident

A lost-load accident occurs when cargo falls off a truck onto the roadway, creating a hazard for other vehicles.

• Causes: Improper loading, insecure cargo, or equipment failure can cause a load to become loose and fall off the truck.
• Prevention: Properly securing loads, regular equipment maintenance, and inspection can help prevent lost-load accidents.
• Potential Consequences: Lost-load accidents can cause traffic disruptions, property damage, and injuries to other drivers.

Wide Turn Truck Accident

A wide turn accident occurs when a truck swings wide to make a turn, potentially squeezing or colliding with other vehicles.

• Causes: Inadequate turning space, driver error, or failure to check blind spots can cause these types of accidents.
• Prevention: Drivers can prevent wide turn accidents by using turn signals, checking blind spots, and ensuring enough space to safely complete the turn.
• Potential Consequences: Wide turn accidents can result in side-swipe collisions, property damage, and injuries to other drivers.

Underride Truck Accident

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and ends up partially or entirely underneath the truck’s trailer.

• Causes: Poor visibility, inadequate lighting, or sudden stops by the truck can cause underride collisions.
• Prevention: Trucks can be equipped with underride guards to prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath in a collision.
• Potential Consequences: Underride accidents can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

T-Bone Truck Accident

A T-bone collision happens when the front of a semi-truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, creating a “T” shape.

• Causes: Ignoring road signs such as traffic signals and stop signs, and speeding are the main causes of T-bone accidents.
• Prevention: All traffic lights and stop signs need to be obeyed at all times. Truck drivers should slow down for yellow signals and come to complete stop when it turns red.
• Potential Consequences: Head, neck, and spine injuries are usually the result of a T-bone accident.

Rear-End Truck Accident

One of the most common type of commercial truck accidents, a rear-end collision happens when a vehicle hits the other vehicle from behind.

• Causes: Traffic, speeding, distracted driving, or sudden stops by the truck or other vehicles can cause rear-end accidents.
• Prevention: Maintain a safe following distance and stay alert for any traffic or hazards that could cause a sudden stop.
• Potential Consequences: Neck injuries are the most common injury in a rear-end collision. The severity can range from whiplash to even a broken neck.

Sideswipe Truck Accident

A sideswipe trucking accident occurs when one vehicle collides with another vehicle along the side of another.

• Causes: Improper lane changing, failure to stay in the lane or check blind spots, and driver inattention are all causes of sideswipe accidents.
• Prevention: A truck driver should always check their blind spots and use their turn signals before passing another vehicle or merging onto a highway.
• Potential Consequences: Injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to spinal injuries and paralysis.

Head-On Truck Accident

A head-on collision occurs when a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle collide in the front of the vehicles. These accidents are usually the most deadly type of truck crash.

• Causes: Distracted driving, drowsy driving, driving while impaired, or poor weather are all causes of head-on collisions.
• Prevention: Truck drivers need to be alert and avoid any distractions that could cause them to take their eyes off the road.
• Potential Consequences: Head-on truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities.

Common Causes of Truck Crashes in the U.S.

The common causes of truck accidents can range from driver error to issues with the vehicle to environmental factors. The most common causes include:

• Driver Error: Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and impaired driving are all a result of negligence on the part of the truck driver. Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to risky behavior on the road.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they operate safely. Issues such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and faulty steering can contribute to accidents.
• Unsafe Driving Practices: This includes tailgating, improper lane changes, failure to yield the right of way, and aggressive driving. These behaviors increase the risk of collisions.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, and high winds can make driving hazardous, especially for large trucks.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, potholes, and other road hazards can contribute to truck accidents.
• Improper Loading or Cargo Securement: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, leading to loss of control or rollover accidents.
• Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing judgment and reaction times.
• Inadequate Training: Trucking companies are responsible for training truck drivers before they head out on the road. Failure to train them properly can lead to a truck crash.
• Equipment Failure: Mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions can lead to accidents.
• Traffic Violations: Violations such as running red lights, failure to signal, and improper passing can lead to accidents.
• Lack of Visibility: Trucks have large blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents.

Common Injuries of Truck Crashes

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, truck accidents can result in severe injuries and fatalities. These accidents are often more complex than typical car accidents due to factors such as federal regulations governing the trucking industry, multiple potentially liable parties (such as the truck driver, trucking company, and others), and the need for specialized legal knowledge to navigate the complexities of truck accident cases.

The most common truck accident injuries are:

• Death: Unfortunately, truck accidents can result in fatal injuries, leaving families devastated. These tragedies often occur due to the sheer size and weight of trucks, which can cause severe damage in a collision.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are common in truck accidents. These injuries can range from mild to severe and have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and quality of life.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Truck accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which may result in paralysis, loss of sensation, or other permanent disabilities. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and require extensive medical care.
• Back and Neck Injuries: Back and neck injuries, such as herniated discs or whiplash, are common in truck accidents. These injuries can be painful and may require ongoing treatment, including physical therapy or surgery.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a truck accident can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries may not be immediately apparent and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
• Amputation: In severe truck accidents, victims may suffer traumatic amputations of limbs. This life-altering injury can require extensive rehabilitation and prosthetic devices.
• Disfigurement: Truck accidents can cause disfiguring injuries to the face or body, leading to permanent scarring or deformities. These injuries can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem and mental health.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, are common in truck accidents. These injuries can be painful and may require physical therapy or surgery for treatment.
• Concussion: A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can occur in a truck accident due to a sudden jolt or impact. While most concussions resolve with time, they can still have lasting effects on cognitive function and mental health.
• Fractured Ribs: Due to the force of impact, ribs are commonly fractured in truck accidents. These injuries can be painful and may require supportive care while they heal.
• Internal Bleeding: The force of a truck accident can cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Symptoms may not be immediately apparent, so victims need to seek medical attention after a truck accident.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, get medical attention immediately. Get contact information from everyone involved in the accident. Speak with your insurance company, but don’t admit fault, and keep your statement brief.insurance company Make sure you go to all your medical appointments in the following days and keep a record of what expenses you have. And most importantly, talk to a truck accident lawyer at Munley Law.

You will need a truck accident law firm with experience and a successful track record to get fair compensation for your injuries. Truck accident claims can be complex and involve multiple parties. Munley Law has been fighting for truck accident victims against the insurance companies for more than six decades. Let us fight for you.

If you were involved in trucking accident, contact the experienced truck accident attorneys at Munley Law today for a free consultation.