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
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 […]
How Dangerous are Ride Shares?
Everyone with a smartphone now has access to the next generation of personalized, private transportation. It used to be a matter of calling and reserving a cab or, in some places, hailing one from the side of the road. Since ridesharing is a new phenomenon, however, all of the kinks are still being worked out, […]
Hotels and Personal Injuries
Everyone is looking to travel right about now. Summer is getting into full swing, and whether you are looking to see a distant land or reacquaint yourself with familiar faces, you’re probably planning your next big adventure, too. Besides the normal precautions, like ensuring home security while you’re away, or booking some travel insurance, you […]
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, […]
5 Ways Parents can Encourage Safe Teen Driving
For teenagers, getting a driver’s license is a significant milestone. It marks the beginning of independence and instills a sense of responsibility. Most teen parents often share their children’s excitement but remain equally apprehensive since they’re well-aware of the dangers that come with driving. And they do have a perfectly valid reason to fret because […]
Five Products for Increased Automobile Safety
It should be no surprise that in Arizona and California, with the increasing dependence on cars, automobile accidents are increasingly likely. In the event of an accident, you want to have as many bases covered as possible – from minor repairs you can do yourself to getting yourself out of harm’s way as quickly and […]
Five Pedestrian Accident Facts
Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how […]
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. […]
Common Causes of Car Accidents – and Ways to Avoid Them
Car accidents are an increasingly common source of injuries and loss of property and life. Every year, there are estimated to be over six million car accidents, in the US alone. We drive everywhere, and even short distances pose a hazard to drivers, as well as pedestrians and people on bicycles. The loss of property […]
Personal Injury Lawsuits: What You Need to Know and how RS Law Office Can Help
Life is pretty unpredictable. One minute you’re healthy and bubbly, the next one you are nursing an injury due to someone else’s negligence. But the fact that life is unpredictable does not in any way reduce the pain and confusion that may arise when you find yourself in harm’s way due to another person’s negligence. […]
contact form
