Trucks are paramount to our country’s economy. Over 15 million trucks move across the country, transporting consumer goods from one state to another every day. But despite their essential place in our society, trucks are pretty dangerous and pose a high risk to every road user. It pays to know the different types of accidents so you can know what damages to claim if you or anyone you know is injured in an accident involving one.
Just as there are variations to regular car accidents, there are also variations to truck accidents. Discussed in detail below are the different types of truck accidents and why they occur:
Head-on and rear-end collisions are the most prevalent type of truck accidents. A head-on truck accident occurs when the truck collides or crashes onto oncoming traffic head-on. They are often very dangerous, and most of the time, fatal. On the other hand, Rear-end collisions occur when the truck crashes into the back of another vehicle.
Similar to head-on collisions, rear-end truck accidents are equally as dangerous because trucks are generally heavy. Once they pick up speed, it’s almost, if not impossible, for them to stop suddenly. So, their impact is always significant.
Both head-on and rear-end accidents commonly occur due to driver fatigue, distracted driving, or when the driver loses control of their truck due to
This type of accident occurs when a truck comes to a sudden stop or brakes suddenly, causing the trailer to swing out at a ninety-degree angle. Jackknife truck accidents are typically dangerous because they happen suddenly and unexpectedly, causing the oncoming cars or those behind the truck to either crash into it or each other, trying to avoid the impact. Jackknife truck accidents often occur due to improper or sudden braking, faulty equipment, bad weather, or driver negligence.
Underride accidents are among the deadliest of all truck accidents. They occur when a truck stops suddenly, causing all smaller, approaching vehicles to get lodged under the truck. The key to avoiding such accidents is maintaining a safe distance from truck vehicles while on the road.
As the name implies, tire blowouts occur when a truck’s tire blows out. Truck tire blowouts are typically more dangerous than regular car tire blowouts because first, the tire debris is considerably heavier and will crush anything on its path. It’s more difficult for a truck driver to control a truck after a tire blowout. That means even more danger to other motorists because impact with a truck with a blown-out tire is far more hazardous for every other road user, especially if the truck in question was at high speed.
Trucks drivers are required to inspect and ensure cargo is well-secured before transit. Unfortunately, not everyone follows this rule, and the result is that improperly secured cargo ends up falling out of the truck, posing a danger to every other road user. If it doesn’t fall off, improperly loaded cargo may shift, causing the truck to lose balance, and making it impossible for the truck driver to maintain control, especially when taking corners, turns, or curves.
All types of truck accidents are dangerous, and the above are just a few examples. While you cannot avoid trucks altogether, the key to staying safe from any of the accidents above is always maintaining a safe distance from them while on the road. If you or your loved one was recently injured in any truck accident, contact our experienced team of truck accident attorneys to help you get your rightful compensation.
blogs
Pedestrian Safety in Cold Weather
When it’s cold outside, people drive worse than they did before. If you’re a pedestrian, you need to take extra precautions during the cold weather and, if you’re driving, you need to keep an extra eye out for pedestrians who are even harder to see, especially if snow is lowering your visibility. Safety is always […]
Facts About Ridesharing Accidents
Even in cities that are considered to be “car cultures,” rideshare services are quickly becoming a solid alternative for those who don’t want to abandon their car after a night out, or don’t want to take public transportation. For some, Uber and Lyft, etc are their best bet for timely arrival to work or a […]
Workman’s Compensation and COVID in California
This past year has redefined a lot of things we usually take for granted. We’ve experienced new definitions of work, and even health, in general. Between telecommuting, staggered shifts, and widespread relocation, the face of business has changed rapidly. We have seen the rise of “essential workers” and “heroes” among our everyday neighbors and friends. […]
Tips for Avoiding Car Accidents
Whether you’re driving in a place where the environment is a little more driver-friendly, or if you’re somewhere where the weather poses a driving hazard, you can’t go wrong having a working knowledge of how best to avoid accidents. In 2020 alone, there were nearly 36,000 fatal motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Those […]
Basic Bike Safety
Since 2014, in Los Angeles, more than 180 bicyclists lost their lives when colliding with motor vehicles in and around Los Angeles. More than 50,000 bicyclists suffer serious injuries in such collisions nationally. Understanding some basic bike safety might help you better avoid accidents in the future. As bicycles increase in daily use for Americans, […]
Winter Slip and Fall Accident Tips
Whether your winter is cold and snowy or just plain cold, winter is a time when slipand fall accidents are increasingly likely. Cold, wind, ice and snow are problems on their own and when they combine, it’s a perfect storm of injury possibilities. Typically, these conditions result in bruises and bumps, but there’s always the […]
The Car Crash and the Headache
As we slip into the cooler months, and there is more possibility of rain, it is important to keep safe on the road. Accidents happen, especially when it is raining out there in the desert. You know how to be safe – taking extra time on slippery surfaces, making sure you have your car inspected […]
How Truck Accidents are Different from Car Crashes
Even though all types of auto accident are dangerous and have the potential to cause life-altering injuries, truck accidents are nearly, if not always catastrophic or fatal. Unfortunately, they’re becoming quite common. According to the Truck Safety Coalition, about 5,000 people died in truck crashes last year, marking a 46% increase in truck crash deaths […]
Top Three Scenic Motorcycle Routes in California
California is among the most beautiful destinations in the country. The raw beauty of our state is part of the reasons why myriads of people move here every day. From miles of pristine beaches, breathtaking lakes, picturesque deserts, to rugged but awe-inspiring terrains like Yosemite, the geographic diversity of the Golden State is simply mesmerizing. […]
Five Helpful Facts and Tips About Pedestrian Accidents
The pedestrian fatality rate in Arizona is more than double that of the national average, at 1.61 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people. Most of these are male pedestrians, killed at a rate of almost three times as much as female pedestrians. Keeping pedestrians safe is everyone’s job, but as a pedestrian, you should understand the […]
contact form
