What Are The Most Common Types of Truck Accidents?
In today's post, we discuss the common types of truck accidents. We distinguish truck accidents from car accidents mostly based on the size and commercial nature of at least one vehicle involved in these accidents. There are different types of accidents, but negligent behavior of some type is almost always the cause. We cover negligence and liability in other pages and posts.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Head-On and Rear-End Truck Accidents
These types of accidents are common for trucks. Rear-end collisions usually occur when the truck doesn't have the time and space to slow down. Inattentive truck drivers and mechanical issues with the truck are likely causes of rear-end collision. When a truck veers off into the oncoming lane of traffic, head-on collisions occur. These often result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries.
Jackknife Truck Accidents
Braking too aggressively or turning too aggressively can cause a truck to "jackknife". The tractor and trailer end up pointing in directions such that it looks like closing a folding pocket knife. When braking too aggressively the momentum of the load keeps the trailer moving in the direction of travel. The truck essentially gets dragged along by the load at the attachment point. Sometimes inexperienced truck drivers can also try to turn too tightly. The truck is unable to pull the trailer through the extreme angle. As the truck continues to try to pull the trailer along, the truck is actually pulled even more into the trailer as it tries to remain stationary.
Blind Spot Truck Accidents
Large trucks have large blind spots. Look at the diagram provided by the FMCSA to see just how bad these blind spots can be. Smaller cars can easily be missed and crashed into during a lane change by a truck. Be wary of being in any blind spot of a large truck for an extended period of time.
Roll-Over Truck Accidents
Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles have relatively high centers of gravity. Standardized containers have done wonders in terms of shipping efficiency. However, the result is the heavy load is being carried high above the wheels raising the center of gravity. A high center of gravity means it is easier for the vehicle to roll over in an accident. This can easily happen by taking a corner too fast.
Truck Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts are more common in large trucks than they should be. Regular maintenance should prevent most blowouts from occurring, but that's not always the case because companies often skimp where they can. Truck tires are expensive. A single truck tire can often cost more than a full set for a smaller passenger vehicle. A tire blowout in any vehicle can cause a loss of control. When a truck loses control the danger is severe.
Truck Brake Failure
Once again, a lack of inspection and/or negligent maintenance is often the cause of this type of accident. Trucks need very large brakes to stop. They often use "air-brakes" which is why you hear that distinctive hissing as trucks engage or disengage their brakes. If these systems are improperly maintained they will fail. Also, inexperienced truck drivers may go down extended slopes too quickly. This causes their brakes to overheat and fail. A run-away truck is one of the most dangerous hazards a driver could ever face on the roadway.
Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers
Johnson Law may be able to help if you or a loved one were injured in a commercial truck accident. Contact us for a free personal injury consultation. We will review your case and discuss your options. Our attorneys don't earn a fee unless we win for you. Call 971-205-3266 to be connected with an award-winning personal injury lawyer. Don't let a deadline slip, and never let the insurance companies take advantage of you.
