Types Of Commercial Truck Accidents

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A collision between a car and a large commercial vehicle like a semi-truck or big rig can result in deadly consequences. With the larger size and greater force that large trucks carry with them when moving at fast speeds, the smaller vehicle and its occupants will almost always take the largest blow in an accident. Truck wrecks can also result in devastating multi-vehicle accidents due to the impact that the wreck may have on multiple lanes of traffic. 

Not all commercial truck accidents result in the same consequences. How the accident is caused and what happens during the first few moments of the collision will determine how seriously its victims are injured, as well as what actions can be taken legally. If the accident was caused by a trucker who was acting negligently behind the wheel or driving recklessly, for example, you may be able to seek aid from a lawyer. 

Here are some of the most common ways that truck accidents occur:

• Jackknife - Jackknife accidents happen when a truck driver needs to brake extremely quickly to avoid getting hit or crashes into another car or object. They can also happen when a trucker is speeding. The cab of the truck will slow due to the pressure of the brakes, but the trailer's momentum will continue to carry it forward. Due to the trailer's larger size and weight, the greater momentum will cause it to swing forward, into a V-shape or that of a jackknife. 
• Rollover - Rollover accidents most often occur when a trailer is overloaded or improperly loaded. If the trailer's cargo isn't properly balanced or is too heavy, the whole trailer may fall to the side. Trucking companies must adhere to guidelines dictating how a truck can be loaded. If a company fails to follow these guidelines, they may be found liable for a resulting crash. 
• Rear-End Collision - Heavy trucks require more time to slow and come to a complete stop. If a trucker must come to a stop or is speeding, they may cause a rear-end crash if they cannot stop in time.
• Underride Accident - When a trucker brakes quickly or crashes into another vehicle ahead of them, a smaller automobile traveling behind the truck can crash into the rear of the truck. When this happens, it's possible for the car's continued momentum to carry it forward until it gets lodged underneath the big rig's trailer, a space known as the underride. These types of accidents often result in instant fatalities and can occur when a trucker is speeding or not paying attention to the road. 
• Wide Turn Accident - An accident can happen when a truck is making a left-hand turn if a driver does not give the trucker enough space or is unable to get out of the way. If a trucker is unfamiliar with the vehicle they're driving or misjudges a turn, this can also result in an accident. 

If you've been involved in any of the above truck accidents and feel your collision resulted due to driver error or negligence, it may benefit you to speak to a commercial vehicle wreck attorney. 

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12 March 2020