The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that large commercial trucks are involved in 13% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States, despite only making up about 5% of all registered vehicles. Due to their massive size and weight, these vehicles can cause considerable damage – and occupants in the smaller vehicles are usually the ones injured or killed in these crashes.
By knowing some of the most common types of truck accidents, hopefully, you can avoid being involved in one of them. Below, we list the most common types of commercial truck accidents.
The significant difference in size and weight is often most noticeable in rear-end collisions, where a large truck can destroy the smaller car even at low speeds. Trucks need much more time to slow down due to their size, so these accidents are common when truck drivers are distracted, following too closely, or speeding. Occupants in the passenger car may suffer from whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, back injuries, or even fatalities.
Fatal injuries are more likely to occur in head-on crashes, which often involve higher speeds or driver impairment. Driver fatigue can also contribute to these serious accidents, with many drivers working beyond the federally mandated hours of service rules. Drivers can lose control of their vehicle and swerve unexpectedly into adjoining lanes.
Larger trucks have correspondingly larger turning radii. They require wider turns and must often swing left before turning right. This maneuver may catch other drivers off guard. When truck drivers turn too wide, they can hit vehicles in nearby lanes. In particularly catastrophic accidents, a smaller vehicle can get wedged underneath the trailer in an underride accident.
Semi trucks have large blind spots, so drivers must be vigilant about constantly checking them to ensure they don’t veer into traffic in adjoining lanes. Truck drivers can cause sideswipe accidents when they are distracted, not paying attention, or lose control of their vehicles due to a mechanical issue, such as a tire blowout.
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s cab brakes suddenly. At the same time, the trailer continues moving, which may result in the trailer moving at a 45-degree angle into the path of vehicles in adjacent lanes. These truck crashes often happen because a driver makes improper turns or braking maneuvers. For example, the truck driver may slam on their brakes in inclement weather. In these situations, the tractor can slow down faster than the attached trailer, leading to the trailer lagging behind.
Truck rollover accidents occur when a large truck tips onto its side or roof at some point during the incident. Because trucks have a higher center of gravity, they can tip and roll over when the driver drives too fast or makes sudden movements. Overloaded cargo or cargo shifts can also cause these devastating accidents.
If you or a loved one was injured in any type of truck accident, the San Antonio 18-wheeler accident attorneys at The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC can help. Our truck accident lawyers can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
"*" indicates required fields