What Are The Most Common Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are unfortunately quite common on highways and roads around the world. These accidents can cause significant damage and injury, and in some cases, they can be fatal. There are many different types of truck accidents, each with its own set of causes and consequences. It is important to know what kinds of accidents may happen in case of emergency:
- Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of truck accidents. This occurs when a truck driver fails to stop in time and hits the vehicle in front of them. These accidents can cause significant damage, especially if the truck is traveling at high speeds. These accidents are very common at stoplights.
- Jackknife accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, causing the truck to fold in on itself like a jackknife. These accidents often happen when a truck driver slams on the brakes too hard, causing the trailer to lose traction on the road. This can also occur due to slick roadways.
- Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of truck accidents. They occur when a truck driver loses control of the vehicle, and it rolls over onto its side. Rollover accidents can be caused by many factors, including driver error, speeding, and overloading. Trucks can also cause an impact so severe with a vehicle that the other vehicle rolls over.
- Blind spot accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, which can make it difficult for the driver to see other vehicles on the road. Blind spot accidents occur when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without realizing that another vehicle is in their blind spot. If you cannot see a driver in their mirrors, then the truck driver cannot see you.
- T-bone accidents: T-bone accidents occur when a truck driver runs a red light or stop sign and hits a vehicle traveling perpendicular to them. These accidents can be very dangerous, especially if the truck is traveling at high speeds. These can also be caused when the other vehicle runs a redlight or stop sign.
- Underride accidents: Underride accidents occur when a car collides with the back of a truck and slides under the trailer. These accidents can be fatal, as the top of the car can be crushed by the trailer’s weight. Movies often show cars sliding easily underneath trucks, but that is all fiction.
- Cargo spills: Cargo spills can happen when a truck’s cargo is not secured properly. This can cause the cargo to spill onto the road, causing damage and potentially causing accidents. Cargo spills can also happen when the truck is overloaded, causing the cargo to shift during transport. Or, a cargo spill can happen if a truck is struck, causing the load to spill.
- Tire blowouts: Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to an accident. Blowouts can happen when a tire is worn or underinflated, or when it is punctured by road debris. These are very common, and if a truck blows out a tire, it can cause damage to every other vehicle on the road.
- Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions between a truck and a passenger vehicle are among the most dangerous types of accidents. These accidents often result in fatalities, especially if the truck is traveling at high speeds. These are normally due to impaired drivers or bad driving conditions.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers may become distracted by their phones, the radio, or other factors while driving. This can lead to accidents, especially if the driver is not paying attention to the road. Even if they are eating while driving, that can be considered distracting.
In conclusion, truck accidents can happen for many reasons, and each type of accident can have its own set of causes and consequences. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately and to document the accident as much as possible. Contacting an attorney who specializes in truck accidents can also help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve; contact a Texas truck accidents lawyer at Truck Law today.