Types of Truck and Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Large tracks, including all medium and heavy trucks with a gross weight more than 10,000 pounds, regularly cause fatal accidents in the United States. Though these vehicles are important to the economy because they transport goods from one place to another, they also pose a high risk to other motorists and road users. 

Because of their massive size and weight, truck drivers are required to be extra alert while on the road. Unfortunately, at least 13% of all truck accidents involve fatigued driving. If the accident is not fatal, victims of truck or tractor-trailer accidents can incur substantial medical bills and losses because the injuries can be severe. Truck accidents can also lead to permanent disability or life-threatening conditions.

If you or your loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may have the right to claim compensation. To know if you have a valid claim, talk to an Orange County personal injury attorney or attorney near you. Here are some common types of trucks and tractor-trailer accidents:

Tire Blowout

A tire blowout can happen to any vehicle. This accident causes a vehicle to lose control and stability. When a truck weighing 80,000 pounds loses control, and the driver struggles to maintain control, the consequences can be devastating. This accident can cause a vast crushing impact, which can lead to several injuries or fatalities. Trucking companies need to ensure that the vehicles are properly maintained to avoid such accidents.

Jackknife Accidents

This accident occurs when the driver suddenly brakes and causes the trailer to swing. The cab can form a 90-degree angle with the trailer because the trailer’s weight will bring it forward. Some of the common causes of jackknifing include poor lighting conditions, wet roads, curvy roads, speeding, increased truck length, and bad weather. 

Wide Turn Accidents

Some rules govern how a truck should turn without putting other road users at risk. Truck drivers know how to make safe turns and always adhere to truck driving and road rules. When a driver does not uphold the rules, they will not be aware of the traffic on the right side, and this can cause them to trap pedestrians or vehicles, putting them at risk. 

Brake Failure

This is a mechanical failure that can cause severe accidents, especially if the vehicle was moving fast. When the brake fails, the driver may not be able to stop their truck in time. This accident is caused by lack of maintenance, imbalance in the braking system, or failure to adjust the brake components well.

T-Bone Accidents

This accident happens when the truck strikes the side of another vehicle or vice versa. It mainly occurs when a driver runs a red light or fails to obey other traffic laws. The accident can be caused by DUI or distracted driving and is mostly fatal.

Rollovers

If the driver loses control of their truck, it can slide, rollover to its side, and take other vehicles or road users with it. This accident is caused by speeding, distracted driving, reckless behavior, DUI, and failure to follow state and federal regulations.

Rear-End Accidents 

This accident is more severe with trucks because of their weight and size. Rear-end accidents are mainly caused by distracted driving, tailgating, impaired driving, speeding, and more. Drivers should be extra vigilant to avoid such accidents. 

Other types of accidents include:

• Underride accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Blind spots
• Lost loads

Consult a Car Accident Attorney

If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you should consult a car accident attorney in your area immediately. An attorney will let you know your legal options and help you recover compensation for the injuries. If found guilty of negligence, trucking companies and drivers can be held liable. 

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